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 .
The Greatest
Alabama Shakes Lyrics
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And a five, six, seven, eight
Well I never meant to be the greatest
I only ever want to be your baby
Life is perfect in your arms
Don't ever let me go
To go anywhere
I know you ain't out there tryin' to be my baby
God help us, help us all
Don't ever let me down
You're always doing that
God dan, uh huh
Alright, uh huh, uh huh
Should I stay, stay awake?
I know you ain't out there tryin' to be my baby
Life is perfect in your soul
Don't ever let me go
I can be your one and only
Well, I never meant to be the greatest
I know you ain't out there tryin' to be my baby
Come on love me come on
God, bring his ass on home
If you can do anything, yeah
The lyrics to Alabama Shakes's song The Greatest seem to reflect a sense of dependency and devotion towards someone the singer deeply cares about. The opening lyrics, "Well I never meant to be the greatest, I only ever want to be your baby," suggest the singer is not after greatness or fame but rather a simplistic life with someone who makes her feel perfect. She talks about how life is perfect when she's in the arms of her loved one and pleads for them not to let go.
The chorus is then followed by contemplation if she should stay away or stay awake. While she acknowledges that her partner is not trying to be her baby, she still seeks reassurance from them to never let her down. This shows the vulnerability and dependency the singer has on her partner.
Towards the end of the song, the lyrics shift to a more pleading tone as the singer asks God to bring her partner back home and declares her readiness to be the one and only for them. Overall, the song's lyrics convey a sense of uncomplicated devotion and love.
Line by Line Meaning
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And a five, six, seven, eight
A musical reference to start the song
Well I never meant to be the greatest
I didn't intend to be the best but only for you
I only ever want to be your baby
I wish to remain a child for you forever
Life is perfect in your arms
Happiness is only found in your embrace
Don't ever let me go
Please never release me
To go anywhere
Away from You
Should I stay, stay away?
Do you want me to leave?
I know you ain't out there tryin' to be my baby
I know you've no intention of replacing me
God help us, help us all
Request for divine mercy is a plea for us all
Don't ever let me down
Please never disappoint me
You're always doing that
You are always coming through for me
God dan, uh huh
Expression of admiration and awe
Alright, uh huh, uh huh
Expression of agreement
Should I stay, stay awake?
Do you want me to remain awake
Life is perfect in your soul
My soulmate is the perfect partner for me
Don't ever let me go
Please don't ever leave my side
I can be your one and only
I am willing to be your only one
Come on love me come on
Encouragement to be loved
God, bring his ass on home
Plea to God to bring my love back
If you can do anything, yeah
A request for anything required to be done to be with my love
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Brittany Amber Howard, Heath Allen Fogg, Steven William Johnson, Zachary Riley Cockrell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind