Alfie
Burt Bacharach & Dionne Warwick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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" was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for the 1966 British film of the same name. The song is sung from the perspective of the title character, Alfie, who is questioning the meaning and purpose of life. He wonders whether life is just about living in the moment or if there is something more substantial to strive for. Alfie also questions whether we are meant to take more than we give or if kindness is the better path. He contemplates the idea that being cruel might be the wise choice if only fools are kind, while acknowledging the value of living by an old golden rule. Alfie concludes by expressing his belief that love is the most important thing in life and that without it, we merely exist.
The song was performed by various artists, including Dionne Warwick and Cher, but it became most well-known when it was sung by British singer-songwriter, Lily Allen, in the 2004 remake of the film. The original version was awarded the 1966 Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and it has since become one of Bacharach and David's most enduring songs.
Line by Line Meaning
What's it all about, Alfie?
Alfie, what is the purpose and meaning of life?
Is it just for the moment we live?
Do we only exist for fleeting moments, Alfie?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
When you come to understand life's true meaning, Alfie, what is it all about?
Are we meant to take more than we give?
Should we be selfish and focus on taking or generous and focus on giving, Alfie?
Or are we meant to be kind?
Perhaps, being kind is the true purpose of life, Alfie.
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
If only fools are kind, Alfie, then maybe it's better to be cruel and avoid being taken advantage of.
Then I guess it is wise to be cruel
If being kind is foolish, Alfie, then it must be wise to be cruel.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
If only the strong survive, Alfie, what value does life hold for the weak?
What will you lend on an old golden rule?
What value does the traditional moral code hold in a world that values strength over kindness, Alfie?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
I am certain there is an afterlife, Alfie.
I know there's something much more,
There must be something beyond what we see and experience in our lifetime, Alfie.
Something even non-believers can believe in
A higher power that even those without faith can believe in, Alfie.
I believe in love, Alfie
Love, Alfie, is the one thing that gives meaning to our otherwise mundane existence.
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Without experiencing true love, Alfie, we are just going through the motions of life.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
If you haven't yet experienced true love, Alfie, you haven't truly lived.
When you walk let your heart lead the way
Follow your heart, Alfie, and you will find your way in life.
And you'll find love any day, Alfie
True love is not something you have to seek out, Alfie, it will find you when the time is right.
Alfie
The song is addressed to Alfie and is a reflection on life's purpose and the importance of love.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Laurylie Polito
"Alfie"
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, if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it is 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, oh Alfie
What's it all about Alfie?
Jason Burger
@Travis Jazzman I do agree about the lower Lucille Ball voice in her later years. In her 1951-1957 "I Love Lucy" show, her character and others smoked cigarettes on the show.
Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball advertised on television for Chesterfield cigarettes during the original airing of that same show.
Lucille Ball did sing and dance on stage, such as in Broadway productions and in television specials. Some of that can be located on YouTube.
Dionne Warwick smoked on camera in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, but did not smoke while singing like some of her older contempoaries. Some of that can be found on YouTube.
Some of the rock singers used to smoke cigarettes and other smokables on stage and some still do. Adele smoked for awhile. I think that no singer should smoke cigarettes for any reason and that they should preserve their voices. Opera singers have not had a reputation for being smokers. Maybe all singers should follow that example for the sake of their voices and health as well.
lebarosky
It would be nice, some day, to walk into a night club on the Left Bank of Paris on a beautiful summer evening, and hear a duo of piano and vocals as brilliant as this.
Karma Norbu
The height of songwriting. Just beautiful - a spiritual experience. Thank you, Burt and Hal David for this classic.
april beirne
Many great performers have sung this song but my favourite is Dionne Warwick
June Bermingham
@Gwen Marie Some Might say Cilla Black? but I love Dionnes version, Cher sang it for the Film!! 💚☘️👍
Gwen Marie
Mine Too!!! It’s just something when she sings 🎤It. Especially when she sings it with Burt.
Matthew Merritt
Superb collaboration! Could anybody but them perform this song? I think not. God, the music I grew up with was the best!
Dave R
what a WONDERFUL LYRIC, with a gorgeous accompaniment.
Gwen Marie
When I say that that LYRIC is EVERYTHING!!!! Wow Hal David did that ❤️❤️👍🏾🙌🏽Rest in peace Hal
Laurylie Polito
"Alfie"
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, if only fools are kind, Alfie
Then I guess it is 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, oh Alfie
What's it all about Alfie?
Jason Burger
Thanks for the lyrics.