Aplin developed a fanbase by posting performance videos to YouTube in 2008. Her most popular videos include her original composition "Home", and covers of "The Liar and the Lighter" by You Me At Six, "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry and "Forget You" by Cee Lo Green. She has described her music as "very family orientated, very personal". In July 2010, Aplin performed on her local radio station BBC Wiltshire. Her first release was the 5-track Acoustic EP which was released on the iTunes Store on 13 September 2010. It reached the top 25 in the UK iTunes album chart, and features the song "Reverse" which was used on E4 TV show Made in Chelsea.
Her debut album English Rain was released in May 2013, to positive reviews it debuted and peaked at number 2 in the UK album charts, along with new single "Panic Cord", which peaked at number 19 in the UK.
Alive
Gabrielle Aplin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A different day
Would I know you at all?
Would I know you at all?
When your kingdom falls
And you family fade
But it wasn't your fault
It was never your fault
And I realise
You have to feel alive
And all your worries will escape through the door
And you'll wake up all alone on the floor
It's not too late
Just rely on me now
Nine months on
And people fade
I wouldn't be here at all
I wouldn't be here at all
'Cause I fell in line
At a different place
And it wasn't my fault
No it was never my fault
And I realise
You have to feel alive
Inside
And all your worries will escape through the door
And you'll wake up all alone on the floor
It's not too late
Just rely on me now
And all your worries will escape through the door
And you'll wake up all alone on the floor
It's not too late
Just rely on me now
And all your worries will escape through the door
And you'll wake up all alone on the floor
It's not too late
Just rely on me now
In "Alive," Gabrielle Aplin reflects on the idea of personal responsibility for one's circumstances and the importance of supporting those in need. The first stanza refers to someone who may have experienced a loss or a difficult situation where they didn't have control. Aplin asks if she would recognize this person if their situation had been different. The line, "When your kingdom falls and your family fade, but it wasn't your fault," suggests that the person is facing a challenge beyond their control. The following line, "It was never your fault," is a reassurance to the person.
The chorus emphasizes the idea that to really feel alive, one must take risks and let go of preoccupations. All worries will escape through the door if one dares to follow their heart. However, sometimes when one wakes up, they realize they're alone on the floor. Aplin reassures by inviting the person to rely on her in these moments.
The second stanza mirrors the first stanza, except instead of focusing on the person who has experienced loss, it focuses on Aplin's own experience. She acknowledges that she too may not have been present had she made different choices. She states that "It wasn't [her] fault," implying that the circumstances are beyond her control.
Overall, "Alive" is a poignant reminder that we all have to experience our own unique struggles, and sometimes we simply need to rely on the support of others to get through them.
Line by Line Meaning
Just one step
Taking one step can change everything
A different day
Each day is unique and can bring new experiences
Would I know you at all?
If circumstances were different, would I still recognize you?
When your kingdom falls
During times of hardship and struggle
And your family fade
When those closest to you become distant
But it wasn't your fault
Blaming oneself is not always necessary or productive
It was never your fault
Reinforcing the idea that blame is not necessary or helpful
And I realise
The artist has come to a realization
You have to feel alive
It is important to embrace the feeling of being alive
And all your worries will escape through the door
Embracing the present moment can alleviate worry and stress
And you'll wake up all alone on the floor
Feeling isolated and disconnected
It's not too late
It's never too late to change or seek help
Just rely on me now
Offering support and reassurance to the listener
Nine months on
Nine months later
And people fade
People come in and out of our lives
I wouldn't be here at all
If things were different, the artist's life may have turned out differently
'Cause I fell in line
The artist followed a certain path or made certain choices
At a different place
In a different situation or circumstance
No it was never my fault
Emphasizing that blame is not necessary
Inside
Within oneself
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MICHAEL SPENCER, GABRIELLE ALPIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind