In 2012, she co-founded Americana/folk band Birds of Chicago in Chicago, IL, with spouse JT Nero.
In 2019 she co-founded Americana/folk collective Our Native Daughters with Rhiannon Giddens, Amythyst Kiah, and Leyla McCalla
Her debut album "Outside Child" was released in May 2021.
by your side
Allison Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You know me better than that
Think I'd leave you down when you're down on your knees?
I wouldn't do that
I'll tell you you're right when you aren't, ah, ah, ooh
And if only you could see into me
Oh, when you're cold
When you're on the outside, baby, and you can't get in
I will show you you're so much better than you know
When you're lost
And you're alone and you can't get back again
I will find you, darling, and I'll bring you home
And if you want to cry
I am here to dry your eyes, ooh
And in no time, you'll be fine
You think I'd leave your side, baby?
You know me better than that
Think I'd leave you down when you're down on your knees?
I wouldn't do that
I'll tell you you're right when you aren't, ah, ah, ooh
And if only you could see into me
Oh, when you're cold
I'll be there, hold you tight to me
Oh, when you're low
I'll be there by your side, baby
Oh, when you're cold
I'll be there, hold you tight to me
Oh, when you're low
I'll be there by your side, baby
In the song "By Your Side" by Allison Russell, the lyrics express unwavering loyalty and support for a loved one. The singer reassures their partner that they would never abandon them, even in their darkest moments. They emphasize the deep understanding they share by stating, "You know me better than that," implying that their bond is built on trust and familiarity.
The lyrics convey the message that the singer is a source of comfort and strength for their partner. When the partner feels lost, alone, or unable to find their way back, the singer promises to find and bring them home. The line, "I will show you you're so much better than you know," suggests that the singer sees the potential and worth in their partner, even when the partner may not see it in themselves.
The lyrics also portray the singer as a supportive presence during times of vulnerability and sadness. They offer a shoulder to cry on and promise to dry their partner's tears. The repeated affirmation that the singer would never leave their partner's side reiterates their commitment to being a reliable pillar of support.
Overall, "By Your Side" is a heartfelt song about staying committed to a loved one through thick and thin, offering solace and reassurance in times of need.
Line by Line Meaning
You think I'd leave your side, baby?
Do you truly believe that I would abandon you, my love?
You know me better than that
You possess a deep understanding of who I truly am
Think I'd leave you down when you're down on your knees?
Do you think I would abandon you when you are in a vulnerable state?
I wouldn't do that
I would never commit such an act
I'll tell you you're right when you aren't, ah, ah, ooh
Even if it means comforting you with falsehoods, I will validate your feelings
And if only you could see into me
If only you could have a glimpse into my innermost self
Oh, when you're cold
During moments of loneliness and emotional coldness
I'll be there, hold you tight to me
I will be present, embracing you tightly
When you're on the outside, baby, and you can't get in
When you feel excluded and unable to find your way inside
I will show you you're so much better than you know
I will guide you to discover your true worth, which surpasses your own perception
When you're lost
When you feel directionless and adrift
And you're alone and you can't get back again
When you are isolated and unable to find your way back to a place of security
I will find you, darling, and I'll bring you home
I will search for you with great determination and bring you back to a place of belonging
And if you want to cry
In moments where you feel the need to shed tears
I am here to dry your eyes, ooh
I will be present to comfort and console you
And in no time, you'll be fine
Before long, you will recover and find solace
Oh, when you're cold
During moments of loneliness and emotional coldness
I'll be there, hold you tight to me
I will be present, embracing you tightly
Oh, when you're low
During moments of sadness and despair
I'll be there by your side, baby
I will stand unwaveringly beside you, my love
Oh, when you're cold
During moments of loneliness and emotional coldness
I'll be there, hold you tight to me
I will be present, embracing you tightly
Oh, when you're low
During moments of sadness and despair
I'll be there by your side, baby
I will stand unwaveringly beside you, my love
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Denman, Stuart Matthewman, Helen Adu, Andrew Hale
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
That G
Sade would be proud! Great rendition! 👏👏👏
JJK W
The world needs more of this
Mike Nolan
Dear lady
Your voices opens up so many emotions in a person. You are way beyond the voices I have heard
Jack Marquardson
Proof there is much beauty in the world. What an amazing talent!
Robin Hansen
YES. Love that woman...
Olivia Peart
Those who can make music heal .. the healed gain strength and can find their own talents 🙏🏾
House Empire of the Senses
Almost didn't recognize this Sade song. Beautiful interpretation.
Courtney Lindo
You can hear her pain in her voice. She's been through it. Like she said " my petals are bruised but i am still a flower" ...
Kristi Hansen
So beautiful and moving!
Shawna Hanley
Whoa.... that is a voice of someone who has lived through it.