Although widely associated with grunge music, the band's sound incorporates heavy metal elements. Since its formation, Alice in Chains has released five studio albums, three EPs, three live albums, four compilations, two DVDs, 31 music videos and 29 singles. The band is known for its distinctive vocal style, which often included the harmonized vocals between Staley and Cantrell (and later between Cantrell and William DuVall). Cantrell started to sing lead vocals on the 1992 acoustic EP Sap, and his role continued to grow in the following albums, making Alice in Chains a two-vocal band.
Alice in Chains rose to international fame as part of the grunge movement of the early 1990s, along with other Seattle bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. The band was one of the most successful music acts of the 1990s, selling over 20 million records worldwide, and over 14 million records in the US alone, with two No. 1 albums and six Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. The band has had 16 Top 10 songs on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, 5 No. 1 hits, and nine Grammy Award nominations. Their debut album, Facelift, featuring the hit single "Man In The Box", was released in 1990 and has been certified double-platinum by the RIAA, selling over two million copies. In 1992, the band's second album, Dirt, was released to critical acclaim and was certified quadruple platinum. Their second acoustic EP, Jar of Flies, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart in 1994, becoming the first ever EP and first Alice in Chains release to top the charts, and it has been certified triple platinum by the RIAA. The band's third album, Alice in Chains debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in 1995 and has been certified double platinum.
Although never officially disbanding, Alice in Chains was plagued by extended inactivity from 1996 onwards due to Staley's substance abuse, which resulted in his death in 2002. The band reunited in 2005 for a live benefit show, performing with a number of guest vocalists. They toured in 2006, with William DuVall taking over as lead vocalist full-time. The new line-up released the band's fourth studio album, Black Gives Way to Blue, in 2009, which received gold certification by the RIAA and two Grammy nominations. Their fifth studio album, The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here, was released in 2013 and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. The band toured extensively and released several videos in support of these albums.
Their sixth studio album, Rainier Fog, would be released in 2018, through BMG records, making it their first big release on the new label. Rainier Fog would end up debuting at No. 12 on the Billboard 200, making it yet another powerful addition to the band's already impressive discography.
Although Alice in Chains has been labeled grunge by the mainstream media, Jerry Cantrell identifies the band as primarily heavy metal. He told Guitar World in 1996, "We're a lot of different things ... I don't quite know what the mixture is, but there's definitely metal, blues, rock and roll, maybe a touch of punk. The metal part will never leave, and I never want it to". The Edmonton Journal has stated, "Living and playing in Seattle might have got them the grunge tag, but they've always pretty much been a classic metal band to the core."
Over the course of their career, the band's sound has also been described as alternative metal, sludge metal, doom metal,drone rock, hard rock, and alternative rock. Regarding the band's constant categorization by the media, Cantrell stated "When we first came out we were metal. Then we started being called alternative metal. Then grunge came out and then we were hard rock. And now, since we've started doing this again I've seen us listed as: hard rock, alternative, alternative metal and just straight metal. I walked into an HMV the other day to check out the placement and see what's on and they've got us relegated back into the metal section. Right back where we started!". Drummer Sean Kinney rejects the grunge label, stating in a 2013 interview "I mean, before we first came out there was no grunge, they hadnât invented that word. Before they invented the word grunge we were alternative rock and alternative metal and metal and rock, and we didnât give a shit whatever, we were a rock and roll band!". According to Mike Inez, they were always the metal stepchildren of the Seattle scene.
Jerry Cantrell's guitar style combines "pummeling riffs and expansive guitar textures" to create "slow, brooding minor-key grinds". He is also recognized for his natural ability to blend acoustic and electric guitars. While down-tuned, distorted guitars mixed with Staley's distinctive "snarl-to-a-scream" vocals appealed to heavy metal fans, the band also had "a sense of melody that was undeniable", which introduced Alice in Chains to a much wider audience outside of the heavy metal underground.
According to Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic, Alice in Chains' sound has a "Black Sabbath-style riffing and an unconventional vocal style". The band has been described by Erlewine as "hard enough for metal fans, yet their dark subject matter and punky attack placed them among the front ranks of the Seattle-based grunge bands". Three of the band's releases feature acoustic music, and while the band initially kept these releases separate, Alice in Chains' self-titled album combined the styles to form "a bleak, nihilistic sound that balanced grinding hard rock with subtly textured acoustic numbers".
Alice in Chains is also noted for the unique vocal harmonies of Staley (or DuVall) and Cantrell, which included overlapping passages, dual lead vocals, and trademark harmonies typically separated by a major third. Cantrell said it was Staley who gave him the self-assurance to sing his own songs. Alyssa Burrows said the band's distinctive sound "came from Staley's vocal style and his lyrics dealing with personal struggles and addiction". Staley's songs were often considered "dark", with themes such as drug abuse, depression, and suicide, while Cantrell's lyrics often dealt with personal relationships.
01 Angry Chair
Alice in Chains Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Angry walls that steal the air
Stomach hurts and I don't care
What do I see across the way, hey
See myself molded in clay, oh
Stares at me, yeah I'm afraid
Changing the shape of his face, oh yeah
Shadows dancing everywhere
Burning on the angry chair
Little boy made a mistake yeah
Pink cloud has now turned to gray, oh
All that I want is to play
Get on your knees, time to pray, oh
I don't mind, yeah
I don't mind, yeah
I don't mind, yeah
I don't mind, yeah
Lost my mind, yeah
I don't mind
Can't find it anywhere
I don't mind, yeah
Corporate prison, we stay yeah
I'm a dull boy, work all day
So I'm strung out anyway
Loneliness is not a phase
Field of pain is where I graze
Serenity is far away
Saw my reflection and cried
So little hope that I died, oh
Feed me your lies, open wide
Weight of my heart, not the size, oh
I don't mind, yeah
I don't mind, yeah
I don't mind, yeah
I don't mind, yeah
Lost my mind, yeah
I don't mind
Can't find it anywhere
I don't mind, yeah
Pink cloud has now turned to gray
All that I want is to play
Get on your knees time to pray, boy
The song "Angry Chair" by Alice in Chains is a dark and haunting reflection on addiction and the sense of being trapped in a cycle of pain and isolation. The lyrics describe the feeling of sitting in a chair, surrounded by angry walls that seem to suffocate the singer, whose stomach hurts but who no longer cares. Across the way, the singer sees a clay figure staring back at him, which changes shape as if mocking him. The atmosphere is ominous, with red candles casting shadows and dancing in the darkness.
The singer realizes that he has lost his mind and can't find it anywhere, while being trapped in a corporate prison that drains away his energy and creativity. He feels like a dull boy, who works all day and is strung out anyway. Loneliness is a constant companion, and the only relief from his pain is found in playing and praying. The pink cloud of euphoria has turned to gray, and he is left with the weight of his heart, not the size, as the defining factor of his existence.
The lyrics seem to suggest that addiction is a form of imprisonment, both physically and emotionally. The anger and pain in the walls surrounding the singer are a reflection of his own inner turmoil, while the clay figure represents the distorted image he has of himself. The red candles could symbolize the destructive nature of addiction, while the reference to the "field of pain" suggests that relief is hard to find. Overall, "Angry Chair" is a powerful and unsettling portrayal of the destructive power of addiction.
Line by Line Meaning
Sitting on an angry chair
The singer is sitting in a position that makes them feel angry and uncomfortable.
Angry walls that steal the air
The walls around the singer give off a negative energy and create a feeling of suffocation.
Stomach hurts and I don't care
The singer is in such mental distress that they no longer care about the physical pain they are experiencing.
What do I see across the way, hey
The artist notices something in their surroundings and is attempting to draw attention to it.
See myself molded in clay, oh
The artist sees a molded figure that resembles themselves and uses this as a metaphor for feeling stuck and unchanging.
Stares at me, yeah I'm afraid
The singer feels uncomfortable and fearful regarding the perception of the molded figure.
Changing the shape of his face, oh yeah
The molded figure the singer sees seems to change in appearance, representing an unsettling and unstable environment.
Candles red I have a pair
The artist possesses red candles in their proximity, possibly symbolizing danger, warning or the color of the devil.
Shadows dancing everywhere
The room is filled with shadows that constantly move and create a haunting atmosphere.
Burning on the angry chair
The artist is feeling intense emotional pain which is symbolized by the metaphor of the chair burning.
Little boy made a mistake yeah
The singer is referencing a child who made a mistake, reminding them of their own imperfections and wrongdoings.
Pink cloud has now turned to gray, oh
The artist was once happy and hopeful, but now feels as though their world has turned grey and bleak.
All that I want is to play
The singer desires to engage in leisurely activities, possibly as a form of escapism, to distract themselves from their emotional pain.
Get on your knees, time to pray, oh
The singer suggests praying, which could be interpreted as asking for help, guidance, or a higher power to relieve their pain.
I don't mind, yeah
The singer has become indifferent to their pain and does not feel like addressing it or seeking help.
Lost my mind, yeah
The artist feels as though they have lost their sanity or are at risk of losing it.
Can't find it anywhere
The artist is unable to locate the missing piece of their psyche or return to mental stability.
Corporate prison, we stay yeah
The singer is referencing a societal system that can be oppressive and limiting to individuals, likening it to a prison.
I'm a dull boy, work all day
The singer feels as though their job or role in society is monotonous and unfulfilling.
So I'm strung out anyway
The artist is experiencing exhaustion or burnout as a result of their tedious work or lifestyle.
Loneliness is not a phase
The artist is conveying that their solitude and emotional distress is more than a temporary or fleeting experience.
Field of pain is where I graze
The artist feels as though they are surrounded by pain and suffering, as if in a field.
Serenity is far away
The singer is far from being in a state of peace or tranquility.
Saw my reflection and cried
The artist sees their own reflection and it causes them to feel upset or grieve for the image presented.
So little hope that I died, oh
The singer has lost so much hope that they metaphorically feel as though they have died or their hope has died.
Feed me your lies, open wide
The singer is frustrated with the deception that surrounds them and desires for others to be honest, using the metaphor of a feeding.
Weight of my heart, not the size, oh
The singer is referencing the heavy emotional burden they carry rather than their physical size.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LAYNE STALEY, SEAN KINNEY, JERRY CANTRELL, MICHAEL STARR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@vanessadeaviz
LYRICS:
[Verse 1]
Sitting on an angry chair
Angry walls that steal the air
Stomach hurts and I don't care
What do I see across the way, hey
See myself molded in clay, oh
Stares at me, yeah I'm afraid, hey
Changing the shape of his face, aw yeah
[Verse 2]
Candles red I have a pair
Shadows dancing everywhere
Burning on the angry chair
Little boy made a mistake, hey
Pink cloud has now turned to gray, oh
All that I want is to play, hey
Get on your knees, time to pray, oh
[Chorus]
I don't mind, yeah, I don't mind, I-I-I
I don't mind, yeah, I don't mind, I-I-I
Lost my mind, yeah, but I don't mind, I-I-I
Can't find it anywhere, I don't mind
[Verse 3]
Corporate prison, we stay, hey
I'm a dull boy, work all day, oh
So I'm strung out anyway, hey
[Guitar Solo]
[Verse 4]
Loneliness is not a phase
Field of pain is where I graze
Serenity is far away
Saw my reflection and cried, hey
So little hope that I died, oh
Feed me your lies, open wide, hey
Weight of my heart, not the size, oh
[Chorus]
I don't mind, yeah, I don't mind, I-I-I
I don't mind, yeah, I don't mind, I-I-I
Lost my mind, yeah, but I don't mind, I-I-I
Can't find it anywhere, I don't mind
[Outro]
Pink cloud has now turned to gray
All that I want is to play
Get on your knees time to pray, boy
@iamcasihart
Repeal Woman's Suffering Well, now, I agree except Janet deserved that honor...for decades. Listen to her best album, The Velvet Rope. I understand if you arenât a soul/R&B fan, I totally do. I happen to love both great âblack folksâ music AND great rock from my generation, the best music came forth in the 90s. If nothing else, listen to Janetâs songs âBlack Cat,â âVelvet Ropeâ (first track on the aforementioned album), âWhat About,â and âIf.â All would very well qualify Ms. Jackson for the R&R HOF.
As for AIC, it is fucking criminal that theyâre not yet inducted! My favorite bands are:
-Stone Temple Pilots (with Scott)
-Queen (with Freddie)
-Alice In Chains (with Layne)
-Prince & The Revolution
-Soundgarden (with Chris)
-Queens of the Stoneage
-The Doors (with Jim)
-Journey (with Steve Perry)
-Nirvana
-Nine Inch Nails
I love music more than any other artistic medium.
@noahb498
Alice in Chains lyrics donât mess around; theyâre coming from real struggles and situations. Really makes the listening experience that much darker when you know about Layneâs story.
@Hellion73
Yeah, foreshadowin what came to him latelyđ
@brienmaybe.4415
Music, all forms is the universal medium - Layne
@daun7912
@Justin Nyland I've also been around numerous drug addicts, my friends brother died of a heroin OD. But for Layne tragedy over tragedy happened to him, and he was too deep to get out at that time. And of course I love his music.
@imbufnatu
Justin Nyland mate, âpatheticâ? Really?
@cristina1979brazil
â@Justin Nyland I believe that you should have more empathy and understanding about what is the agony in which an addict live is. I have a 30 year old cousin who almost died of an overdose from using crack. when he was not on the drug, I asked him what made him have that miserable life and he always answered that it was to forget the pain he felt. His father left the family when he was a little boy and never recovered from the trauma. He grew up on the streets, left school and found comfort in drugs. This is not the best option one can live, but it is necessary to us to understand that each one deals with pain in different ways. For that experience I understand Layne.
@natecorning
"Saw my reflection and cried, so little hope that I died" ..... jesus man..... that hits hard. RIP Layne
@lightpropulsionguy
yup, kinda like now, no hope for no one, that can only mean one thing, we gonna have to F shit up to get some hope back!
@diegosalazar9925
Alice ln Chains đđđđâșïž
đđđđ»đșđŠđ
@Tclbmx_
@Menno Fennema bruh đ€Ł
I know the song is all heavy serious on its matter, but I giggled at your take.