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 .
You Ain’t Alone
Alabama Shakes Lyrics
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There you go on the dark end of the street
Are you scared to tell somebody how you feel about somebody
Are you scared what somebody's gonna think
Or are you scared to wear your heart out on your sleeve
Are you scared me
'Cause I'm scared the bomb gonna take me away
Alright, alright, alright, alright
Hey
One two three
Are you too scared to dance for me
Bite the bullet or tug my sleeve
Or are you scared out on your own two feet
Alright
We really ain't that different, you and me
'Cause I'm scared the storm's gonna take me away
But I really don't know what I got to say
Alright, alright
Hold on, hold on, hold on
Hey
Cry, if you gonna cry
Come on, cry with me
Cry, if you gonna cry
Come on, cry with me
You, you ain't alone
Just let me be your ticket home
You, you ain't alone
Just let me be your ticket home
Just let me be your ticket home
You, you ain't alone
Just let me be your ticket home
You, you ain't alone
Just let me be your ticket home
Alabama Shakes's song "You Ain’t Alone" is a comforting and empathetic piece on the subject of loneliness. The opening line "You ain't alone, so why are you lonely?" immediately breaks down the paradox of being surrounded by people yet still feeling isolated. The lyricist then goes on to ask if the person is afraid of expressing their true feelings about somebody or if they are scared to wear their heart on their sleeve. The underlying message being, don't be afraid to be vulnerable or fear what others may think about you.
The chorus brings the two people together, reminding them that they are not so different from each other. The common fear that both share is the fear of being taken away or losing what they hold dear, and neither of them know how to express those fears. The bridge section follows with an invitation to dance, bite the bullet, or take a step on their own, encouraging the person to take a chance and be brave.
The song concludes with a comforting message to the lonely person to not despair because they are not alone, and that the artist will be there for them. Essentially, the lyrics of the song offer a message of hope and encouragement to those feeling isolated, asking them to take a chance, be brave, and not be afraid to ask for comfort if they need it.
Line by Line Meaning
You ain't alone, so why are you lonely?
Even though you may feel lonely, you have support and people who care about you. Why do you still feel lonely in spite of that?
There you go on the dark end of the street
You are feeling lost and isolated, like you are walking down a dark, lonely street.
Are you scared to tell somebody how you feel about somebody
Are you hesitant to share your true emotions with someone, particularly about another person?
Are you scared what somebody's gonna think
Are you worried about how others will perceive your feelings or actions?
Or are you scared to wear your heart out on your sleeve
Are you afraid of being vulnerable and showing your emotions openly?
Are you scared me
Are you worried about me, particularly about my reaction if you share your feelings?
'Cause I'm scared the bomb gonna take me away
I am anxious and fearful about my own mortality, feeling like danger could strike at any moment and take me away from this world.
Oh, but I really don't know what I got to say
Despite my own fears and anxieties, I am unsure of how to help or comfort you. I feel uncertain about what to do or say.
Are you too scared to dance for me
Are you fearful of letting your guard down and being vulnerable with me, perhaps through something as playful and carefree as dancing?
Bite the bullet or tug my sleeve
Take a leap of faith and be brave enough to share your feelings or ask for help when you need it.
Or are you scared out on your own two feet
Are you afraid of facing the world and your own emotions by yourself?
We really ain't that different, you and me
Despite our differences, we share in common the experience of feeling scared, lonely, and uncertain.
'Cause I'm scared the storm's gonna take me away
Just like before, I am still feeling anxious and fearful about my own mortality and the future.
But I really don't know what I got to say
I still feel unsure of how to help or comfort you because of my own fears and anxieties.
Cry, if you gonna cry
If you need to release your emotions and cry, then do so. It's okay to feel vulnerable and show your emotions.
Come on, cry with me
I am here for you and want to support you, even if it means sharing in your tears.
Just let me be your ticket home
Let me be the support and comfort that helps you find your way out of the darkness and loneliness, and back to a sense of home.
You, you ain't alone
You have support and people who care about you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRITTANY AMBER HOWARD, HEATH ALLEN FOGG, STEVEN WILLIAM JOHNSON, ZACHARY RILEY COCKRELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind