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 .
Shoegaze
Alabama Shakes Lyrics
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That's when the fun really begins
My band cools off when that day is done
And then I tuck myself in
It ain't no fun to be lonely
But I was not too lonely
And I'm beginning to realize it
Why can't I?
Let's go make memories
Precious and temporary
Of all the people I meet
I want to take you out with me
It ain't no fun to be lonely
But I was not too lonely
And I'm beginning to realize it
I can't have everything, everything
Why can't I?
Or, do I?
Jesus is waiting on me
Just as he always does
Something'll be coming up
Just like it always does
It ain't no fun to be lonely
But I was not so lonely
And I'm beginning to realize that
I can't have everything, everything
Why can't I?
Why can't I?
Or do I?
Do I?
Ooh ah
Why can't I?
Or do I?
Alabama Shakes's song "Shoegaze" is a ballad exploring loneliness and the desire to create memories with others. The singer eagerly awaits nightfall, which they see as a time of enjoyment and socializing. The lyrics suggest that the singer is part of a band that only really comes alive at night, and they spend their days in restful solitude.
At first, the singer asserts that being lonely is not enjoyable, but then seems to contradict themselves, saying that they weren't too lonely. This suggests that the singer may be comfortable with a certain amount of solitude, but still craves human connection. The chorus repeats the line, "I can't have everything, everything; why can't I?" This line illustrates the singer's struggle with wanting the best of both worlds and realizing that it may not be possible to have everything they desire.
The song ends with the singer referencing Jesus, suggesting that they may have a religious background or belief system. The final lines return to the chorus, asking the same questions about what they can and cannot have. Overall, "Shoegaze" explores the tension between wanting to be alone and wanting to connect with others, acknowledging that sometimes the two desires cannot be reconciled.
· The song appears on Alabama Shakes's second studio album, "Sound & Color," which was released in 2015.
· "Shoegaze" is one of the slower and more introspective tracks on the album, which is known for its energetic and rock-oriented sound.
· The title of the song refers to a subgenre of alternative rock music that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s, characterized by dreamy, atmospheric sounds and often introspective lyrics.
· Alabama Shakes is a blues-influenced rock band from Athens, Alabama, formed in 2009.
· The band's first album, "Boys & Girls," was released in 2012 and received critical acclaim.
· Lead singer Brittany Howard has been praised for her powerful and soulful vocal style.
· "Sound & Color" won a Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2016.
· The album has been described as a departure from the band's previous sound, incorporating more experimental and psychedelic elements.
· The band has cited a wide range of musical influences, including blues, soul, rock, and country.
· The chords for "Shoegaze" are not readily available, but the song is played in the key of E major and features fingerpicked acoustic guitar.
Chords (Capo IV)
E - 022100
B - x24442
C#m - x46654
A - x02220
Line by Line Meaning
Can't wait for night to come
Excited for the night to start
That's when the fun really begins
Anticipating a fun night
My band cools off when that day is done
Band takes a break after playing all day
And then I tuck myself in
Goes to bed after a long day
It ain't no fun to be lonely
Being lonely is no fun
But I was not too lonely
Feeling content being alone
And I'm beginning to realize it
Starting to understand my own feelings
I can't have everything, everything
Can't have everything I want
Why can't I?
Wondering why I can't have everything I want
Let's go make memories
Let's create some good memories together
Precious and temporary
The memories will be valuable but won't last forever
Of all the people I meet
Includes everyone I meet
I want to take you out with me
I want you to be a part of my memories
Jesus is waiting on me
Referring to faith and spirituality
Just as he always does
Consistent faith always waits
Something'll be coming up
Something will happen soon
Just like it always does
Consistent life changes
Why can't I?
Asking why I can't have everything I want
Or do I?
Questioning if I already have everything I want
Do I?
Asking oneself if their desires are valid or necessary
Ooh ah
Vocalization adding emphasis or emotion
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brittany Amber Howard, Heath Allen Fogg, Steven William Johnson, Zachary Riley Cockrell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind