Big Head Todd and The Monsters – singer-guitarist Todd Park Mohr, bassist-singer Rob Squires, drummer-singer Brian Nevin and keyboardist-guitarist-singer Jeremy Lawton -- could have begun resting on their laurels back in 1993, when their Top 10 singles “Bittersweet,” “Broken Hearted Savior,” “Circle” and “It’s Alright” pushed the album Sister Sweetly to platinum certification. However, Mohr says, “I’ve fought throughout our career not to be a one-trick pony, to be the kind of band that has depth and diversity in its catalogue. I’m a fan of this band, and I’m constantly looking forward to what comes next.”
The essence of Big Head Todd and The Monsters – a rootsy, emotionally direct variety of rock ’n’ roll that lends itself particularly well to a live setting – has been winning fans since Mohr, Rob Squires and Brian Nevin started playing together in high school (Jeremy Lawton joined in 2004). Needless to say, the three never expected to be in the same band at this late date, but, as Mohr points out, “It was a really fortunate combination of musical personalities, and we’re still partners in every sense of the word.”
The band spent seven years developing their chemistry and amassing a following, boosted significantly by the independent releases Another Mayberry (1989) and Midnight Radio (1990), before being “discovered” by the listening public at large with 1993’s Sister Sweetly. After a major-label stint (Sister Sweetly, 1994’s Stratagem, 1997’s Beautiful World), during which the trio increasingly found itself frustrated artistically, they reclaimed their independent status (2001’s Riviera, 2004’s Crimes of Passion). “If it were not for our ability to do things for ourselves, we would have disappeared a long time ago,” Mohr allows.
It's Alright
Big Head Todd and the Monsters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The pangs of wounded pride if you hold me.
Did someone do you wrong yeah, good lovin's good as gone.
Maybe you ain't as strong as you want to be.
[Chorus]
It's alright if you don't want to go home.
It's alright if you don't want to be alone.
It's alright if you don't want to go home.
I understand.
Nothin' stays if it's gotta go now.
You can't get water from a stone now.
Sometimes you've got to think about.
The things you're gonna love.
[Chorus]
Now that you're doing alright.
You're pretty much outta sight.
I don't see you knockin' 'round my door anymore.
I'm glad to hear you're doing well.
But I know that time will tell.
Only when you're broken down,
Is that what friends are for?
[Chorus]
It's alright if you just want to go home.
It's alright if you just want to be alone.
It's alright if you just want to go home.
I understand.
The lyrics to "It's Alright" by Big Head Todd and the Monsters revolve around reassuring someone who's been hurt that they are not alone and that they do not have to put on a brave face. The opening lines implore the listener to turn back the tide of their tears and heal their wounded pride by turning to their loved ones. The chorus repeats the reassurance of the opening verse but adds a layer of comfort by stating that it is okay to not want to be alone and that the singer understands the listener's pain. The second verse warns that nothing stays forever and that one needs to focus on the things they love. It's a reminder to hold on to the good in life even if the pain seems insurmountable.
The third verse is a little introspective, where the singer expresses relief that the listener is doing alright, away from them. However, the tone becomes optimistic when it says that "only when you're broken down, is that what friends are for." It's a reminder that people come together in times of trouble, which can mitigate the pain of loss or emotional upheaval.
The overall message of "It's Alright" is that it is okay to be vulnerable and reach out to others when you are in pain. It's a reminder that good things can come from bad situations, and that leaning on friends and loved ones is often the best way to get through difficult times.
Line by Line Meaning
You can turn back the tide of the cold tears from your eyes,
You have the power to stop crying and feeling sad
The pangs of wounded pride if you hold me.
Having someone to hold onto can heal your feelings of hurt and pride
Did someone do you wrong yeah, good lovin's good as gone.
If someone hurts you, it can make you doubt the existence of love
Maybe you ain't as strong as you want to be.
It's okay to not be as strong as you wish to be
It's alright if you don't want to go home.
It's okay to not want to go home
It's alright if you don't want to be alone.
It's okay to not want to be alone
I understand.
I empathize with your feelings
Nothin' stays if it's gotta go now.
Things can't stay if their time has come to end
You can't get water from a stone now.
You can't force something out of nothing
Sometimes you've got to think about.
It's important to consider
The things you're gonna love.
The things you will come to love
Now that you're doing alright.
Now that you're feeling better
You're pretty much outta sight.
You're not around as much
I don't see you knockin' 'round my door anymore.
You don't visit me like you used to
I'm glad to hear you're doing well.
I'm happy to hear that you're doing better
But I know that time will tell.
Only time can tell how things will turn out
Only when you're broken down,
Only when you're feeling low
Is that what friends are for?
Is that when friends step up to help you?
It's alright if you just want to go home.
It's okay to just want to go home
It's alright if you just want to be alone.
It's okay to just want to be alone
I understand.
I empathize with your feelings
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: HUGH THOMAS MORGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Bates
Great song with great musicians and voices; especially when Hazel "unleashes the beast". She's incredible!
MHM822
Pretty sure her name is Mavis Staples..
Dan Haskin
@MHM822 Hazel Miller
David Smith
Hazel really let's her voice shine on the song Tower.
David G.
I was blessed enough to meet Todd Park Mohr and the rest of the band about a year and a half ago in Waikiki. And I can tell you that he is as gentle in his personality as he is in his singing style.. Sweet and calm.. He was so gracious and polite. Not a rock star but a Human star.. Thanks Todd.. For giving me life long memories..
Molly Grace
P
Darrin Fry
Are they on tour.??
David G.
@Darrin Fry Yes, next week in Greensboro NC. 2 of the 3 shows are sold out. 1 show 9/25 in Virginia Beach. Lastly, 10/15 at the Delta Hot Tamale Festival Greenville, MS
I love tamales. Wish I could go to that show..
Darrin Fry
@David G. dam where the vip tickets
Tom Johns son
True of many celebs, I was a poor man in a rich man's town at one time