Alfie
Jack Jones Lyrics


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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 only fools are kind, Alfie,
Then I guess it's 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, Alfie.

Overall Meaning

The song "Alfie" by Jack Jones poses existential questions about the purpose of life, and raises the issue of whether it is just a fleeting moment we live for. The title character, Alfie, is asked to consider what it is all about and asks whether we are meant to take more than we give, or be simply kind. The lyrics contrast the virtues of kindness and cruelty, and suggest that sometimes it might appear wise to be cruel, especially if only fools are kind. In addition, the song raises the question of whether life belongs only to the strong, and asks what we should lend old golden rule if that is the case.


The second half of the song turns toward a more positive and hopeful message, as the singer expresses a belief in the power of love. The lyrics suggest that love is something that even non-believers can believe in and represents something much more than just our existence. Love, according to the song, is the missing piece that makes us complete, without it we are just existing, but with it, we can truly live. The singer encourages Alfie to let his heart lead the way when walking and promises that love will be found when he does. Together the song encourages reflection on life's purpose and the importance of love as a necessary part of being alive.


Line by Line Meaning

What's it all about, Alfie?
What is the meaning and purpose of life, Alfie?


Is it just for the moment we live?
Do we only live in the present moment, Alfie?


What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
What is the true essence of life, once you've pondered and understood it, Alfie?


Are we meant to take more than we give or are we meant to be kind?
Should we be selfish or compassionate in our actions towards others, Alfie?


And if only fools are kind, Alfie,
If kindness is seen as a weakness, Alfie,


Then I guess it's wise to be cruel.
It may be smart to act tough and ruthless instead, Alfie.


And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie,
If life is only meant for the powerful people, Alfie,


What will you lend on an old golden rule?
What significance will you give to the traditional moral code, Alfie?


As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie,
I am certain there is a divine afterlife, Alfie,


I know there's something much more,
And I believe there is something far greater beyond that, Alfie.


Something even non-believers can believe in.
Even skeptics can have faith in this notion, Alfie.


I believe in love, Alfie.
I believe that love is essential, Alfie.


Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Without genuine love, we merely survive, Alfie.


Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
Without the love you desire, your life is incomplete, Alfie.


When you walk let your heart lead the way
When making choices, follow what your heart dictates, Alfie.


And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.
And you will discover the love you seek at any moment, Alfie, Alfie.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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