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 .
Goin’ to the Party
Alabama Shakes Lyrics
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And when people tell us we need to straighten out
I'm gonna walk right across this town
Yelling your name and I'll wait for you to come on down
Have you had yourself a good time for a while lately now
I just can't understand what you're so worried about
You're going to the party by the end of tonight
Guess who's gonna be there for you
When you're too drunk to know what the heck you're doing
I'm right here to carry you on home
And it won't be long
Gotta take me home now,
I know you ain't drinking water
You gotta take me back 'cause
I'm still somebody's daughter, alright
You're going to the party by the end of tonight
There's gonna be dancing and there's gonna be a fight
The lyrics of Alabama Shakes' song Goin’ to the Party speaks to the youthful spirit inside all of us. The opening lines speak of how the night feels right when we feel like a child. This could be referring to a carefree and innocent childlike nature that we tend to outgrow as we grow older. But the night is good when we can let loose and feel that freedom once again. The song talks of people telling us to straighten out, but the singer refuses to listen to them. Instead, they choose to walk around the town yelling out the name of the person they want to meet at the party. The lyrics suggest that this person might be going through a rough patch, but our protagonist is not worried about it. The focus is on enjoying the moment and having a good time while it lasts.
The verse that follows talks about the party, where there will be dancing and fighting. The persona reassures the other person that they will be there for them even when they are too drunk to know what they are doing. This suggests a protective and caring attitude towards this person, who may not be in the right state of mind. The chorus then repeats the lines that the other person is going to the party, and there will be dancing and fighting. It is a reminder to let go of our worries and enjoy the moment fully.
Overall, the lyrics of Goin’ to the Party are an ode to the spirit of youth and companionship. It speaks of how we should not let worry or social norms dictate our lives and instead embrace the moments that make us feel truly alive.
Line by Line Meaning
The night's good when you feel like a child
The night is enjoyable when you feel carefree and youthful.
And when people tell us we need to straighten out
People criticize our behavior and suggest we need to change our ways.
I'm gonna walk right across this town
I am planning on traveling through this town on foot.
Yelling your name and I'll wait for you to come on down
I will shout your name in hopes you will come down and join me.
Have you had yourself a good time for a while lately now
Have you recently enjoyed your time and had fun?
I just can't understand what you're so worried about
I don't comprehend why you are so anxious or concerned.
You're going to the party by the end of tonight
You will be attending the party before tonight's end.
There's gonna be dancing and there's gonna be a fight
There will be both dancing and physical altercations at the party.
Guess who's gonna be there for you
Can you predict who will be present to aid you?
When you're too drunk to know what the heck you're doing
When you're too intoxicated to grasp your actions or thoughts.
I'm right here to carry you on home
I am presently available to escort you back to your residence.
And it won't be long
The journey home will not take a significant amount of time.
Gotta take me home now,
I have to go back to my house now,
I know you ain't drinking water
I am aware that you are not consuming water.
You gotta take me back 'cause,
You have to drive me home because,
I'm still somebody's daughter, alright
I am still someone's child and it's important to ensure my safety.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brittany Amber Howard, Heath Allen Fogg, Steven William Johnson, Zachary Riley Cockrell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind