Alison
Billie Joe Armstrong & Elvis Costello Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, it's so funny to be seeing you after so long, girl
And with the way you look, I understand that you were not impressed
But I heard you let that little friend of mine
Take off your party dress

I'm not gonna get too sentimental
Like those other sticky valentines
'Cause I don't know if you are loving somebody
I only know it isn't mine

Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true

Well, I see you've got a husband now
Did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
You used to hold him right in your hand
But it took all that he could take

Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
When I hear the silly things that you say
I think somebody better put out the big light
'Cause I can't stand to see you this way

Allison, I know this world is killing you
Oh, Allison, my aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true
My aim is true




My aim is true
My aim is true

Overall Meaning

The song "Alison" is a conversation between two former lovers who are reunited after a long time. The lyrics reveal the complicated emotions and unresolved feelings between them. The girl is not impressed with her former lover's appearance or behavior, and it is apparent that there are some hard feelings between them.


The first verse refers to the fact that the girl let the singer's friend take off her party dress, implying that she may have cheated on him in the past. The second verse reveals that the girl is now married, and her husband couldn't handle her the way that the singer once did. The singer admits that he wishes he could stop her from talking at times because he can't bear to see her in such a state of misery.


The chorus is the most poignant part of the song. The singer admits that he knows the world is killing the girl, and he aims to reach her somehow. The repetition of "my aim is true" emphasizes the singer's determination to help the girl, even though he can't be sure what he can do to save her.


Overall, "Alison" is a haunting and bittersweet song about lost love and the pain of regret. It is a testament to the power of music to capture complicated emotions in a few simple words.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, it's so funny to be seeing you after so long, girl
I find it amusing to meet you again after such a long time, lady.


And with the way you look, I understand that you were not impressed
From your appearance, I realize that you were not pleased to see me.


But I heard you let that little friend of mine Take off your party dress
I heard that my acquaintance had the privilege of taking off your party dress.


I'm not gonna get too sentimental Like those other sticky valentines
I don't plan to become overly emotional, unlike those saccharine valentines.


'Cause I don't know if you are loving somebody I only know it isn't mine
I don't know if you are romantically involved with someone, but I'm sure it's not me.


Allison, I know this world is killing you
Allison, I comprehend that the world is hurting you.


Oh, Allison, my aim is true
Oh, Allison, I am certain of my intentions.


Well, I see you've got a husband now
Well, I observe that you are married now.


Did he leave your pretty fingers lying in the wedding cake?
Did your spouse neglect your lovely fingers in the wedding cake?


You used to hold him right in your hand
You used to love him deeply and exclusively.


But it took all that he could take
But he reached his breaking point.


Sometimes I wish that I could stop you from talking
Sometimes, I wish I could silence you.


When I hear the silly things that you say
Especially when I listen to the foolish things you utter.


I think somebody better put out the big light
I believe someone should turn off the bright lights.


'Cause I can't stand to see you this way
Since I dislike witnessing you in this state.


My aim is true
I am confident in my intentions.


My aim is true
I am accurate in my thinking.


My aim is true
I am sincere in my emotions.


My aim is true
I am genuine in my behavior.


My aim is true
I am authentic in my attitude.


My aim is true
I am forthright in my perceptions.


My aim is true
I am decisive in my actions.


My aim is true
I am resolute in my intentions.


My aim is true
I am unwavering in my focus.


My aim is true
I am determined in my pursuits.


My aim is true
I am steadfast in my character.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Elvis Costello

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@rattyeely

Amazing to see two of my heros sharing the same stage, their voices fit together so well

@andreasaunders294

fangirl gushing right now, what a duo!

@books_by_yy

true and beautiful
not only true )

Be for Real
Leonard Cohen

@AndyNYouTube

Two legends!

@zenpuppy6025

😎 that song brings back memories.

@imaculadaconceicao6892

Maravilhoso...

@books_by_yy

Have you read books by Richard Yates? He loves the truth ) But i prefer the other truth )

More Versions