Alina Hardin has been touring with Alela for a while, she also sang harmony vocals on Alela’s To Be Still album. Alina grew up in Nevada City, singing along with her mother and sister to Alan Lomax’s book of American Folk Songs. She bought her first guitar at 18 and her songs are full of stories and poetry and memories. She sings a new song, Crying Wolf, as well as sharing a version of Townes Van Zandt’s Rake – taken from his classic 1971 album, Delta Momma Blues – with Alela.
Bowling Green
Alela Diane featuring Alina Hardin Lyrics
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One arm round my pretty little miss
'Tother 'round my dear
'Tother 'round my dear,
Bowling Green
Oh good old Bowling Green
Bowling Green
If you see that man of mine, tell him once for me
If he loves another girl,
Yes I'II set him free
Yes I'II set him free
Bowling Green
Oh good old Bowling Green
Bowling Green
Oh good old Bowling Green
If I had a dollar for every song I'd sung
I'd live my life in cover til my days are done
Til my days are done
Bowling Green
Oh good old Bowling Green
Bowling Green
Oh good old Bowling Green
But I ain't got a dollar, I aint got one thin dime
But I got a sweetie he loves me all the time
He loves me all the time
Bowling Green
Oh good old Bowling Green
Bowling Green
Oh good old Bowling Green
The lyrics of Alela Diane's "Bowling Green," featuring Alina Hardin, speak to the singer's desire to be in a comfortable and peaceful place with her loved ones. The first verse describes the image of sitting in Bowling Green, with her arms around her loved ones, feeling content and happy. Bowling Green represents a place where the singer can let her guard down and just be with the people who matter most to her. The repetition of the phrase "good old Bowling Green" reinforces the idea that this place is special and familiar to the singer.
In the second verse, the singer asks for someone to tell her "man" that if he loves another woman, she will set him free. This can be interpreted as the singer asserting her independence and agency, rather than clinging to an unfulfilling relationship. The sentiment is echoed in the final verse, where the singer declares that even if she had a dollar for every song she's sung, she would still feel the need to hide behind covers until her days are done. This reflects a sense of frustration or disillusionment with the music industry, and perhaps a desire for more stability and security in her life.
Overall, "Bowling Green" is a tender and thought-provoking song about finding comfort and love in an uncertain world. It speaks to the universal human desire for connection and belonging, and the struggle to maintain those things in the face of hardship and adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Wish I was in Bowling Green sittin' in a chair
I long to be in Bowling Green, Kentucky, sitting in a chair where I can relax and unwind.
One arm round my pretty little miss
I want to have one arm around my lovely lady who is dear to me.
'Tother 'round my dear
I want to hold my dearest person close to me with my other arm.
If you see that man of mine, tell him once for me
If you come across my significant other, please pass along a message to him for me.
If he loves another girl, Yes I'II set him free
If my partner loves someone else, I will let him go and set him free from our relationship.
If I had a dollar for every song I'd sung
If I were paid a dollar for every song I have ever sung, I would be rich.
I'd live my life in cover til my days are done
I would live the rest of my life performing music if I was paid for it.
But I ain't got a dollar, I aint got one thin dime
Unfortunately, I don't have any money, not even a single coin.
But I got a sweetie he loves me all the time
Despite not having any money, I have someone special who loves me unconditionally.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRADITIONAL, OLIVIA HALLY, PEPITA EMMERICHS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind