Alice Russell (b. 1975) is a British soul singer.

She is the daughte… Read Full Bio ↴Alice Russell (b. 1975) is a British soul singer.

She is the daughter of an organist, and grew up in Framlingham in Suffolk. At the age of nine, following in her father's and sisters' musical footsteps, Russell began taking lessons on cello, and sang in choirs, before studying art and music in Brighton from 1994.

As well as the classical influences of her father, and formal music lessons, Russell listened to gospel music and soul artists such as Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin from an early age, which played a big part in the shaping of her style. Other artists such as Minnie Ripperton, Eva Cassidy, Chaka Khan, and Jill Scott are listed by Russell as influences.

She began making a name for herself in the early 2000s, contributing to recordings by Bah Samba, Quantic, TM Juke, Kushti and Nostalgia 77. Her work with Bah Samba sees Russell fusing Latin sounds with tinges of house, jazz and funk, whereas her material with the band Kushti involved a more laid back, hip-hop and soul inspired sound. Her debut album, Under the Munka Moon (2004), was an amalgamation of various singles, remixes, and collaborations.

It was followed by My Favourite Letters in 2005, her debut studio album, created in collaboration with co-writer, producer, and guitarist Alex Cowan (a.k.a. TM Juke). Her third release, Under the Munka Moon II (2006), compiled her most recent collaborations, remixes, and cover versions, including her popular interpretation of The White Stripes' Seven Nation Army. The Alice Russell – Live in Paris DVD also came out in 2006.

Russell and TM Juke have been touring together since 2006 in the U.K, Europe, Australia, the U.S., and other countries. In summer 2006, Grant Marshall (a.k.a. Daddy G of Massive Attack) asked Russell to play the main stage at The Big Chill music festival. Russell has also supported Lonnie Liston Smith, Femi Kuti and De La Soul, and has appeared on the bill with Amy Winehouse for the British showcase at the Midem Music Conference in Cannes 2007.

Seven Nation Army
Alice Russell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm gonna fight 'em off
A seven nation army couldn't hold me back
They're gonna rip it off
Taking their time right behind my back
And I'm talkin' to myself at night
Because I can't forget
Back and forth through my mind
Behind a cigarette

And the message comin' from my eyes says leave it alone...

Don't wanna hear about it
Every single one's got a story to tell
Everyone knows about it
From the Queen of England to the hounds of hell
And if I catch it comin' back my way
I'm gonna serve it to you
And that ain't what you want to hear
But that's what I'll do

And the feeling coming from my bones says find a home...

I'm going to Wichita
Far from this opera for evermore
I'm gonna work the straw
Make the sweat drip out of every pore
And I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding
Right before the lord
All the words are gonna bleed from me
And I will think no more

And the stains comin' from my blood tell me "Go back home"...

Overall Meaning

In Alice Russell's song "Seven Nation Army", the lyrics convey a sense of determination and strength in the face of adversity. The first verse speaks about the singer's ability to fight off any challenge, even a seven nation army. The use of the phrase "taking their time right behind my back" creates a sense of foreboding and imminent danger, but the singer remains unshaken. The following lines describe the internal struggle of not being able to forget something and constantly going back and forth in one's mind, while holding a cigarette.

The second verse continues with the message of being in control and not wanting to hear other people's stories or opinions. The singer promises to serve it back if anything negative comes their way. The use of the phrase "the hounds of hell" adds intensity to the song and creates a sense that the singer is up against a formidable force. The internal feeling described in this verse is of needing to find a home, presumably a safe space away from the challenges and threats mentioned earlier.

The final verse takes a more introspective turn, as the singer talks about "bleeding" right before the lord and the words bleeding from them. This verse can be interpreted as a release of emotions and a sense of shedding old beliefs or ideas that no longer serve them. The phrase "and I will think no more" adds to the sense of release and moving forward. The song ends with the singer being led back home by the stains coming from their blood.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm gonna fight 'em off
I am determined to defend myself.

A seven nation army couldn't hold me back
Even an army of seven nations cannot stop me from achieving my goals.

They're gonna rip it off
They want to take something valuable away from me.

Taking their time right behind my back
They are being sneaky and trying to take what's mine without me noticing.

And I'm talkin' to myself at night
I am pondering about my situation late at night.

Because I can't forget
I can't shake off the memories of what has happened.

Back and forth through my mind
My thoughts are circling around a specific theme.

Behind a cigarette
I've been smoking to ease my pain.

And the message comin' from my eyes says leave it alone...
My eyes are telling others to leave me alone and let me deal with my issues.

Don't wanna hear about it
I don't want to listen to what others have to say about my situation.

Every single one's got a story to tell
Everyone has their problems and experiences to share.

Everyone knows about it
My struggles have become popular knowledge.

From the Queen of England to the hounds of hell
Even the most powerful people know about my situation.

And if I catch it comin' back my way, I'm gonna serve it to you
If someone tries to harm me again, I will retaliate.

And that ain't what you want to hear, but that's what I'll do
My actions may not be welcome, but I'll do what I need to do to defend myself.

And the feeling coming from my bones says find a home...
My intuition is telling me to establish a safe and secure environment for myself.

I'm going to Wichita
I am relocating to a safer place.

Far from this opera for evermore
I want to escape the drama and negative energy of my past.

I'm gonna work the straw
I am going to work hard and sweat to create a better future for myself.

Make the sweat drip out of every pore
I am going to put all my effort into achieving my goals.

And I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding, and I'm bleeding
I have suffered a lot and my wounds are still fresh.

Right before the lord
I will seek refuge in God's grace.

All the words are gonna bleed from me
I will pour out my feelings and thoughts.

And I will think no more
I will let go of my worries and move on.

And the stains comin' from my blood tell me 'Go back home'...
My wounds are a reminder that I need to look after myself and return to my safe space.

Contributed by Julia S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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Comments from YouTube:

Sada Reed

2y↑1

One of the best singers I've heard in a very long time. I've seen Alice in Cali 4 times and even have her playlist from a few of the shows!!! Wish she'd sign then for me...

Kristykay83

9y↑4

Inspiration!!! Wow, this version is so awesome. I love how Alice's vocals really cut through the stripped back instruments, but still super funky. Repeat repeat repeat...