I'm Alive
Dave Matthews Lyrics


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So damn easy to say that life's so hard
Everybody's got their share of battle scars
As for me, I'd like to thank my lucky stars
That I'm alive and well

It'd be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you sat and watched go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me, I'm alive

And today, you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
Today's the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well
Yeah, I'm alive and well

Stars are dancing on the water here tonight
It's good for the soul when there's not a soul in sight
This boat has caught its wind and brought me back to life
Now I'm alive and well

And today, you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
Today's the first day of the rest of my life




Now I'm alive and well
Yeah, I'm alive and well

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "I'm Alive" by Dave Matthews convey a sense of gratitude and optimism towards life, despite the hardships that one may face. The song acknowledges that everyone has faced adversity and pain but chooses to focus on the fact that they are alive and breathing. The lines "So damn easy to say that life's so hard, Everybody's got their share of battle scars" empathize with the listener and suggest that it is easy to focus solely on suffering, but it is in acknowledging the good in life that one can truly appreciate living.


The song then emphasizes that it is one's perspective that shapes their perception of life. The lyrics "It'd be easy to add up all the pain, And all the dreams you sat and watched go up in flames, Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain" suggests that it is normal to contemplate the hardships that have happened. However, the line "But not me, I'm alive" indicates that while one acknowledges the pain, ultimately, they choose to focus on their present state of being alive and well. The song ends on an optimistic note, with the line "Today's the first day of the rest of my life, And I'm alive and well."


Overall, "I'm Alive" is an uplifting song that encourages the listener to appreciate their existence, focus on the present, and maintain a positive attitude towards life, regardless of the challenges they face.


Line by Line Meaning

So damn easy to say that life's so hard
It's effortless to complain about how difficult life is.


Everybody's got their share of battle scars
Everyone has been through challenging times and has had experiences that left lasting emotional or physical scars.


As for me, I'd like to thank my lucky stars
Despite life's difficulties, the singer feels grateful for his good fortune.


That I'm alive and well
He is thankful for the simple fact that he is alive and in good health.


It'd be easy to add up all the pain
It's tempting to dwell on past hurts and suffering.


And all the dreams you sat and watched go up in flames
It's disheartening to see one's dreams go up in smoke, and the regret associated with them can linger.


Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
One can spend too much time reflecting on the mess of the past, which can feel like it lingers on endlessly.


But not me, I'm alive
Despite the pain and disappointments of the past, the singer is grateful for being alive in the moment.


And today, you know that's good enough for me
The present moment is all that matters, and the singer is content to live in it.


Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
The simple act of breathing is, in itself, a blessing that should be appreciated.


Today's the first day of the rest of my life
Each moment is a fresh start, and today is the beginning of a new chapter for the singer.


And I'm alive and well
He is grateful for living and being in good health to enjoy the moment.


Stars are dancing on the water here tonight
The night sky is serene, and the starry skies hold a tranquil atmosphere.


It's good for the soul when there's not a soul in sight
Solitude is sometimes beneficial for the mind and inner wellbeing.


This boat has caught its wind and brought me back to life
Being in peace with nature and away from distractions can revitalize and bring joy to one's life.


Now I'm alive and well
He is grateful for the moment of peace and joy that has brought him back to life.


And today, you know that's good enough for me
The gift of living and being content in the moment is all that he needs in life.


Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
The simplicity of a breath and being alive is all that he needs to be content.


Today's the first day of the rest of my life
Every moment is another opportunity for new beginnings and fresh starts for the rest of his life.


Now I'm alive and well
Feeling the contentment of being alive and well.


Yeah, I'm alive and well
He is content with living and being in good health.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dean Dillon, Kenneth Chesney, Mark Tamburino

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jameslively9130

My Mom passed away and I took it hard. I hadn't talked or listened to TV or radio for 3 days. On way home from Funeral Home I turned on my car radio. This song was playing and it floored me. I had never heard it but Mom was speaking straight to me. It got me through and I still can't listen to it without crying. I will never forget it. Beautiful!!!

@Bigcholo9

Brother I hope you're doing well I lost my mother too it doesn't get easier man don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

@julieprince6184

1/16/2016 my youngest son was stabbed in the heart by a broken golf club it was a freak accident and against all odds he survived! I play him this song every year to remind him and my self that breathing in and out is a blessing and I’m thankful he’s alive!!! 🙏

@aawood00

Paralyzed a little over nine years ago. Now a quadriplegic, I'm alive and well.

@edups88

You are amazing. Glad you are here with us.

@sconyalice9073

❤️😉

@brianb4593

Luv your spirit

@WarriorFightingDarkness

Yes, everyday is a gift! I'm a torture survivor by the USA and Irish goverment for over 25 years and I play this song to lift my spirits when it becomes difficult. Love and light!

@brockhossack338

Wow! You’re attitude makes all the difference.
I had open heart surgery, triple bypass and a valve repair. But I am alive and well! God bless, take care.

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@jacobfinder5866

Dave Matthews brings a special feeling to every song he performs. 🙏

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