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
In "You Ain't Alone," Alabama Shakes explores feelings of loneliness and the fear of vulnerability that often accompanies it. The lyrics suggest that the person in question feels alone despite not actually being alone, possibly due to their reluctance to open up to others. The opening lines ask why this person is feeling lonely when they have people around them. The chorus repeats the message that they are not alone and encourages them to let someone be their "ticket home." The use of personification in "scared to tell somebody how you feel about somebody" suggests that the person's emotions have taken on a life of their own and are causing anxiety.
The song also touches on the theme of fear, as suggested by the repeated use of the word "scared." The singer admits to being afraid of things too, specifically the "storm" and the "bomb," perhaps alluding to larger societal fears beyond the individual's personal struggles. Despite this, the chorus implies that the two people are not so different and encourages the listener to dance and let go of their fears.
Line by Line Meaning
You ain't alone, so why are you lonely?
You have people around you, so why do you feel lonely?
There you go on the dark end of the street
You're isolating yourself from others and feeling lost.
Are you scared to tell somebody how you feel about somebody
Are you afraid to open up and share your emotions with someone?
Are you scared what somebody's gonna think
Are you worried about being judged by others?
Or are you scared to wear your heart out on your sleeve
Do you fear being vulnerable and showing your true feelings?
Are you scared me
Are you afraid of me?
'Cause I'm scared the bomb gonna take me away
I share your fears of impending danger and destruction.
Oh, but I really don't know what I got to say
I'm not sure how to express myself and my fears.
One two three
Let's count and focus on something else for a moment.
Are you too scared to dance for me
Are you hesitant to let your guard down and have fun with me?
Bite the bullet or tug my sleeve
Take action and take a chance, or ask for my help and support.
Or are you scared out on your own two feet
Do you fear facing the world and your problems alone?
We really ain't that different, you and me
We share common fears and struggles, despite our differences.
'Cause I'm scared the storm's gonna take me away
I still worry about impending danger and disaster.
But I really don't know what I got to say
I still struggle to articulate my worries and emotions.
Cry, if you gonna cry
It's okay to let your emotions out and cry.
Come on, cry with me
I'm here to support and share with you.
Just let me be your ticket home
Let me help you find comfort and peace in our friendship.
You, you ain't alone
You have me and others 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