Alfie
B. Bacharach / H. David Lyrics
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Is it just for the moment we live?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it is wise to be cruel
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
I know there's something much more,
Something even non-believers can believe in
I believe in love, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way
And you'll find love any day, Alfie
Alfie
The song Alfie by B. Bacharach and H. David is a soulful reflection on the meaning of life directed at the eponymous Alfie. The song begins with a series of philosophical questions. ‘What’s it all about, Alfie?’, the lyrics ask. ‘Is it just for the moment we live?’, implying a sense of transience in life. The song goes on to ask whether we are meant to take more than we give, or if kindness is the virtue we ought to cultivate. The lyrics then turn contemplative, pondering whether it is wise to be cruel if only fools are kind, or if life belongs only to the strong. These musings lead to the critical question: what will you lend on an old golden rule?
However, the song does not leave us with these difficult questions, instead choosing to end on a hopeful note. The singer affirms their belief in love, declaring that ‘Without true love we just exist, Alfie’. They urge Alfie to let his heart lead the way, as love can be found any day.
Overall, the song is an insightful homage to the complexities of life, urging us to live with kindness and follow our hearts towards love.
Line by Line Meaning
What's it all about, Alfie?
What is the purpose of life, Alfie?
Is it just for the moment we live?
Are we only living for the present, Alfie?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
When you figure out the purpose of life, Alfie, what is it then?
Are we meant to take more than we give or are we meant to be kind?
Should we be selfish or kind, Alfie?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie, then I guess it is wise to be cruel
If being kind makes you foolish, Alfie, then being cruel is the smart choice
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie, what will you lend on an old golden rule?
If only the strong survive, Alfie, what value does the golden rule have?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie, I know there's something much more, something even non-believers can believe in
I am certain that there is a heaven, Alfie, but there is something even non-believers can believe in
I believe in love, Alfie
I believe that love is the most important thing, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Without real love, we are just going through the motions, Alfie
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
If you haven't found true love, you are missing something crucial, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way, and you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie
Follow your heart, Alfie, and you will find love, Alfie
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bgwaterfilter2
What's it all about, Alfie
Is it just for the moment we live
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie
Are we meant to take more than we give
Or are we meant to be kind
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it's wise to be cruel
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
What will you lend on an old golden rule
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
I know there's something much more
Something even non-believers can believe in
I believe in love, Alfie
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
When you walk let your heart lead the way
And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie
@jerrybeaver4677
Classic song Alfie thank you Burt and Hal David for this song both of you RIP you will always be remembered 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
@Tina-qp7py
This is one of his best compositions. And this arrangement is wonderful.
@arnaldomachado1009
Just might have been (😭) the greatest composer ever. May 12th and February 10th will never be forgotten.
@Saraaah071295
I love Burt Bacharach, he is an actual genius <3
@leonelrodriguez2929
Otra hermosa melodía de las cinco décadas doradas de la música del siglo XX
(1930 - 1980).
@robertboney4493
One of the great ballads of all time.
@erikamayer2046
Que romanticismo!!
Me recuerda mi juventud
Con un gran amor
@teacher19304985
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR BACHARACH: There are like a thousand songs to hear today on celebration of your life and masterpieces.
@magburner
When you walk, let your heart lead the way. No truer words have ever been spoken.
@littlejpl
Absolutely Love the Horn arrangement in this instrumental WOW so smooooooth