Chilton said in the September 1994 issue of Guitar Player that he considers himself a "musical performer, not a songwriter" and that some of his songs sound only "half-baked" to him. Nonetheless, his compositions have been performed by a number of artists, including Teenage Fanclub, This Mortal Coil, The Bangles, Wilco, Graham Coxon, Garbage, Tom Bradbury, Son Volt, Counting Crows, Elliott Smith, Jeff Buckley, Superdrag, Evan Dando, Cat Power, Yo La Tengo, Placebo, Xiu Xiu, and His Name Is Alive. The Replacements wrote the song Alex Chilton in his honor on their 1987 Pleased to Meet Me album, produced by Jim Dickinson in Memphis.
On March 17, 2010, Alex Chilton died of an apparent heart attack in a hospital in New Orleans. He was 59.
Hook Me Up
Alex Chilton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hello
Is there anybody out there ?
I'm alone hanging by a thread
Everywhere around the world
Everybody's waiting for someday
Calling out around the world
Chorus
Hook me up
I'm reaching out for you
Come on
Hook me up
I know you can do it
Come on
Take me on
Are you there?
Tell me what you're feeling
Your fears and all your wildest dreams
Everyone around the world
Is feeling just the same way that we are
Reaching out around the world
Will someone somewhere throw me a line?
Chorus
Hook me up
I'm reaching out for you
Come on
Hook me up
I know you can do it
Come on
Take me on
Save me
Save me
Save me
Save me
Hello
Is there anybody out there?
guitar solo
Calling out around the world
Maybe someday might be tonite
chorus
Hook me up
I'm reaching out for you
Come on
Hook me up
I know you can do it
Come on
Take me on
Hook me up
I'm hanging on the line
Come on
Hook me up
Make me come alive
Come on
Take me on
Save me
Save me
Save me
save me
The lyrics of Alex Chilton's song Hook Me Up convey a sense of loneliness and a need for human connection. The song opens with the singer's rather desperate plea for someone, anyone out there to respond to his call for help. He feels alone and on the verge of giving up, but still clings to the hope that maybe someday someone will come along and rescue him from his misery. The chorus is a repeated invitation for someone to "hook me up," to provide the connection and emotional support he needs to keep going.
The second verse of the song expands on this idea, as the singer invites his listeners to share their deepest fears and desires with him. He acknowledges that everyone in the world is struggling with these same emotions and longings, but feels that reaching out and connecting with others is the only way to truly overcome them. The final plea for someone to "save me" reinforces this idea, as the singer desperately wants someone to reach out and help him before it's too late.
Overall, the song's message is one of human connection and the need for empathy and support in difficult times. It's a reminder that no one is truly alone in their struggles and that reaching out and connecting with others can make all the difference.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello
The singer is trying to initiate contact with someone.
Is there anybody out there ?
The singer is asking if there is anyone listening or willing to respond.
I'm alone hanging by a thread
The singer is feeling isolated and in a precarious position.
Everywhere around the world
The artist is expressing a universal sentiment that transcends geographic boundaries.
Everybody's waiting for someday
The artist believes that people are often anticipating a vague, undefined point in the future.
Calling out around the world
The singer is making a plea to a large, diverse audience.
Maybe someday might be tonight
The singer is optimistic that tonight could be a special occasion.
Hook me up
The artist is requesting help or support from someone.
I'm reaching out for you
The artist is actively seeking assistance from a specific person or group.
Come on
The artist is urging the addressee to take action and respond positively.
I know you can do it
The singer is expressing confidence in the addressee's ability to provide help or support.
Take me on
The artist is asking the addressee to take responsibility for their situation and help them.
Are you there?
The singer is asking for confirmation that the addressee is still present and attentive.
Tell me what you're feeling
The singer is asking the addressee to share their emotions and thoughts.
Your fears and all your wildest dreams
The singer is interested in hearing about the addressee's deepest fears and aspirations.
Everyone around the world
The artist is emphasizing the universality of human experience.
Is feeling just the same way that we are
The artist believes that others feel the same as they do.
Reaching out around the world
The singer is making a broad appeal for help or support.
Will someone somewhere throw me a line?
The singer is hoping that someone, somewhere, will offer help or support.
I'm hanging on the line
The artist is in a vulnerable position, waiting for assistance.
Make me come alive
The artist is hoping that assistance will help them feel more energetic and engaged with life.
Save me
The artist is in a dire situation and needs help to overcome it.
guitar solo
An instrumental break in the song.
Save me
Repeated plea for assistance.
Contributed by Brayden F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Lawless
I never heard this song until next week. I'm a fan of Alex and Big Star, but this performance is pure magic. He's an amazing guitarist and soulful singer. thanks for posting !
Fred Sonic
Great camerawork especially zooming in on Alex's fretwork on that gorgeous ES-255. Fantastic performer, gone too soon.
Rich Alderson
Alex really knew how to rock it on guitar, very underrated player.
Ronald Hughes
Nice. From his best solo album. As with all of his music it will maybe take 20 years or more for people to notice, good job he was relaxed about it.
LEEFORDJAGG
Thank you for sharing Alex’s talent with us. Is this filmed at the Cooper Young District of Memphis? Thanks for being there.
Takayuki Ishiguro
Alex is smart enough to choose this song.
He reveals the brilliance of Johnny "Guitar" Watson as a songwriter.
I'm especially impressed by the chord progression and the loose groove.
Thank you for uploading another gem.
Kevin Fulmer
These videos are shot so well, are there anymore from this show that will be uploaded later?
Jason Haley
I was there, great pre Covid times when Chilton was alive. RIP
Matthew Ryan
Thank you very much for posting this.
Walkinthecow
Oh my...I' going to be watching this many more times.