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's song "Goin' to the Party" are about the thrill of reckless abandon and the freedom it brings. The first verse sets the scene for the night, with the singer feeling like a child and rejecting the idea that they need to "straighten out." Instead, they plan to walk through town yelling someone's name, waiting for them to join in the festivities. The singer cannot understand why people would worry about having a good time, wanting to live in the moment and enjoy themselves.
The second verse suggests a wilder side to the night, with the mention of a fight. However, the singer reassures someone that they will be there to help them get home safely, even if they are too drunk to know what they are doing. The singer acknowledges that they too need to head home, reminding the person they are with that they are still someone's daughter and should make sure they get back safely.
The song overall is a celebration of living in the moment and enjoying life's little pleasures, even if it means being a bit reckless. The singer encourages their friend to let loose and go to the party with the promise of an exciting night ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
The night's good when you feel like a child
The night is enjoyable when you let go of your worries and have fun like a child
And when people tell us we need to straighten out
When others criticize our behavior and suggest we become more serious
I'm gonna walk right across this town
I will walk confidently and boldly through this town
Yelling your name and I'll wait for you to come on down
I will call out your name and eagerly wait for you to join me
Have you had yourself a good time for a while lately now
Have you allowed yourself to have fun recently?
I just can't understand what you're so worried about
I cannot comprehend why you are so anxious or uptight
You're going to the party by the end of tonight
You will attend the party before this night is over
There's gonna be dancing and there's gonna be a fight
The party will involve both dancing and probably a physical altercation
Guess who's gonna be there for you
Can you imagine who will be present to help you?
When you're too drunk to know what the heck you're doing
When you are inebriated and unable to make sound decisions
I'm right here to carry you on home
I will be there to help you return to your residence safely
And it won't be long
The time it takes for us to leave the party and get home will be brief
Gotta take me home now,
It is necessary for us to leave and depart for home
I know you ain't drinking water
I am aware that you are not consuming non-alcoholic beverages
You gotta take me back 'cause
It is your duty to escort me back home as well
I'm still somebody's daughter, alright
I remind you that I am still a beloved child to someone and should be taken care of
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brittany Amber Howard, Heath Allen Fogg, Steven William Johnson, Zachary Riley Cockrell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind