alive
Sia Lyrics

I was born in a thunderstorm
I came into this world amidst a chaotic and tumultuous event.

I grew up overnight
I matured rapidly and suddenly due to experiences beyond my control.

I played alone
I spent my childhood without companionship.

I played on my own
I learned to be self-sufficient and rely on myself.

I survived
I made it through all the challenges and obstacles I faced.

Hey
Introduces a shift in the tone and focus of the lyrics.

I wanted everything I never had
I desired and pursued things that were out of reach or unavailable to me.

Like the love that comes with light
I longed for deep and genuine affection and care from others, like the warmth and brightness of sunlight.

I wore envy and I hated that
I was jealous of those who had what I lacked and resented myself for feeling that way.

But I survived
Despite these negative emotions, I made it through.

I had a one-way ticket to a place where all the demons go
I was headed towards a dark and hopeless path where negative thoughts and feelings consumed me.

Where the wind don't change
A metaphor for a stagnant and unchanging environment.

And nothing in the ground can ever grow
A metaphor for a place that is barren and unable to foster growth.

No hope, just lies
A place where there is no optimism or possibility for a better outcome, only deceit and falsehoods.

And you're taught to cry into your pillow
The environment reinforces a pattern of sorrow and despair, causing one to cry alone at night.

But I survived
Despite the bleakness of this place, I managed to come out the other side.

I'm still breathing, I'm still breathing
I am alive and persevering through all the difficulties I have faced.

I'm alive
In spite of everything, I am still alive and continuing to move forward.

I found solace in the strangest place
I discovered comfort and peace in an unexpected or unconventional setting.

Way in the back of my mind
A location within one's psyche that is hidden or buried.

I saw my life in a stranger's face
Seeing oneself reflected in someone else or their life story.

And it was mine
Realizing that the feelings and experiences of this stranger were in fact one's own.

You took it all, but I'm still breathing
Even though someone or something has caused significant harm and loss, I am still managing to survive and keep going.

I have made every single mistake
I have taken every misstep and fallen short in various aspects of my life.

That you could ever possibly make
The mistakes I have made are not unique and are ones that anyone could have made.

I took and I took and I took what you gave
I accepted what was offered to me without hesitation.

But you never noticed that I was in pain
Despite my acceptance of what was given, the giver failed to recognize that it was not enough to alleviate my suffering.

I knew what I wanted, I went in and got it
I had a clear vision of my goals and pursued them with determination and persistence.

Did all the things that you said that I wouldn't
Ignoring those who doubted my abilities and prospects, I proved them wrong by achieving success.

I told you that I would never be forgotten
Declaring that my impact and legacy will persist even after I am gone.

And all in spite of you
My accomplishments were achieved despite the discouragement and negative influence of someone else.

I'm alive
I am still living and thriving despite all of the hardships and setbacks I have faced.