Here is some background information on Alabama Shakes from the Hold On Songfacts: The R&B-inspired Rock band Alabama Shakes originated when lead singer/guitarist Brittany Howard approached bassist Zac Cockrell during a high school psychology class in Athens, Alabama and the pair began meeting after school to write songs. Howard and Cockrell then approached Punk-Rock drummer Steve Johnson, who was working at a local music store, to join the band. The trio recorded some of their songs in a studio in Decatur, Alabama and subsequently recruited guitarist Heath Fogg on his return to Athens from college in Tuscaloosa. Originally christened "The Shakes," the band later renamed themselves The Alabama Shakes in order to differentiate themselves from other bands with their original name.
The Alabama foursome gained widespread media attention after releasing a self-titled four-song EP in September 2011 and Rough Trade Records in the United Kingdom and ATO Records in the United States signed them two months later. Hold On was released as the first single from their debut album, Boys & Girls .
Dunes
Alabama Shakes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I walked, I wept
Enough
I turn the desert into seabed
I swam from the terrible depths
I don't know whose problem it is
I don't know whose love to give
I'm losing it
Somewhere in me
Are memories that I cannot gather anymore
Oh, my word
Is on my mind
Quiet and empty
Oh, I think I'm losing it
Oh, I think I'm losing it
Oh, I don't know what to do about it
Well, I'm not so sure about it
I don't know whose problem it is
I don't know whose fuck to give
I'm losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
In "Dunes," Alabama Shakes lead singer Brittany Howard sings about her struggle with understanding her own emotions and memories. She talks about walking and weeping somewhere over the dunes, turning the desert into seabed, and swimming from the terrible depths. These lines are metaphors that convey her feeling of being lost and drowning in her own emotions. She doesn't know whose problem it is or whose love to give, which suggests that she's struggling with understanding and accepting her own feelings.
The chorus of "Dunes" repeats "Oh, I think I'm losing it" multiple times. This sentiment reinforces the idea that she's struggling with her own mental state and is at a loss for what to do about it. She talks about having memories that she can't gather anymore, and her mind being quiet and empty. These lines suggest that she's experiencing some kind of emotional trauma or mental block that's preventing her from accessing her own thoughts and feelings.
Overall, "Dunes" is a poignant and introspective look at navigating one's own emotions and memories. Howard's powerful vocals drive home the rawness and vulnerability of the lyrics, making it a standout track on Alabama Shakes' album Sound & Color.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere over the dunes, love
I am lost in my thoughts, wandering over the sand dunes and thinking about love.
I walked, I wept
I have been reflecting on my emotions and have been traveling by foot, shedding tears as I go.
Enough
I have had enough of my current emotional state and desire a change.
I turn the desert into seabed
I want to transform the arid desert landscape into an ocean floor, filled with life and vitality.
I swam from the terrible depths
I have battled through deep, emotional hardships and have emerged victorious.
I don't know whose problem it is
I am unsure who is responsible for the current situation or struggle.
I don't know whose love to give
I am confused about where my affections should be directed.
I'm losing it
I am struggling to maintain my composure and sanity.
Somewhere in me
Deep within myself, I am experiencing intense emotions.
Are memories that I cannot gather anymore
I am finding it difficult to remember important events from my past.
Oh, my word
I am feeling a strong sense of emphasis and urgency in my thoughts and language.
Is on my mind
I am preoccupied with a specific thought or idea.
Quiet and empty
Despite my mental activity, I feel a sense of stillness and emptiness.
Oh, I think I'm losing it
I am becoming increasingly fearful and anxious about my mental state.
Oh, I don't know what to do about it
I am feeling lost and uncertain about how to address my emotional struggles.
Well, I'm not so sure about it
I lack confidence in myself and my ability to cope with these overwhelming emotions.
I don't know whose fuck to give
I am frustrated and angered by my indecision and lack of clarity regarding my emotional priorities.
Losing it
I am progressively losing my grip on my mental and emotional stability.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brittany Amber Howard, Heath Allen Fogg, Steven William Johnson, Zachary Riley Cockrell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@moniminks
Somewhere over the dunes, love
I walk, I wept
Enough
I turn the desert into sea, babe
I swam from the depths
I don't know whose problem it is
I don't know whose love to give
I'm losing it
Somewhere in me, a memory that I cannot gather anymore
Oh, my word
Oh, my, my
Wide and empty
Oh, I think I'm losing it
Oh, I think I'm losing it
Oh, I don't know what to do about it
Well, I'm not going to show about it
I don't know whose problem it is
I don't know whose fuck to give
I'm losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
Losing it
@melissakaidin7626
I've never seen a band so in sync. I've listened to only this album for over a month now and it never gets old. Literally fits every mood I could ever be in.
@shawnmercer3124
Then you would love the Grateful Dead đ
@rexcaruana5800
Amazing crew of magical magicians who can make music sound so good
@MrCaste66
Completely agreed. Atmosphere of Marvin Gaye songs with renewed sounds of soul. Amazing and Magic.
@nurudeenogunbayo6708
No lies told. This belongs in same category as Grammy winning Album that never gets old.
Alabama Shakes - Sound and Colour
Tinariwen - Tassili
Ali Farka Toure - Talking Timbuktu
@chrisstevens8291
Me too! Plus just bought boys and girls which is great also!
@junemayoff8110
This woman is one of the greatest singer's !
@mr.yellowstrat3352
Agreed
@andibrown4850
Of All Time!!!
@josephinefasching-gray4635
i love her ways!!đđ