Alfie
Kenny G featuring Burt Bacharach Lyrics
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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
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 lyrics to Kenny G featuring Burt Bacharach's song Alfie reflect on the nature of existence and the importance of love. The song begins by questioning the purpose of life and whether it is only meant for the moment or if there is something more significant that we should be striving for. The character of Alfie is used as a representation of humanity, and the lyrics suggest that we may be meant to be kind and give more than we take, but perhaps that is only something that fools do. The idea that life belongs only to the strong suggests a dog-eat-dog world, where survival is more important than compassion. However, the lyrics posit an alternative to this worldview, suggesting that even non-believers can find something to believe in: love.
The final verse of the song is where the message becomes clearest. The lyrics state that without true love, we are nothing but existences. Until we find the love we've missed, we are incomplete, and our hearts should lead the way towards love. This message is the ultimate takeaway from Alfie: that even in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving, there is still something to strive for and believe in, something that makes existence worthwhile.
Line by Line Meaning
What's it all about, Alfie
Alfie, what is the meaning of life?
Is it just for the moment we live
Is life only meant to be lived in the present moment?
What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie
Alfie, what is the true meaning of life when you take the time to fully understand it?
Are we meant to take more than we give
Should we prioritize taking over giving in life?
Or are we meant to be kind
Alternatively, should kindness be our priority in life?
And if only fools are kind, Alfie
But if only foolish people are kind, Alfie...
Then I guess it's wise to be cruel
...wouldn't it then be wise to be cruel instead?
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie
If life is only meant for those who are strong, Alfie...
What will you lend on an old golden rule
...then how will you rely on the traditional moral principles?
As sure as I believe there's a heaven above, Alfie
Alfie, I am certain that there is a heaven above...
I know there's something much more
...and I also know that there is something even greater than that
Something even non-believers can believe in
Something that even people who don't believe in heaven can believe in
I believe in love, Alfie
That thing is love, Alfie. I believe in it.
Without true love we just exist, Alfie
Without genuine love, we are only existing, not living.
Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie
If you haven't found the love you've longed for, you haven't really found your purpose or happiness in life, Alfie.
When you walk let your heart lead the way
Alfie, as you go through life, follow your heart above all else.
And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie
Doing so, you will find love one day, Alfie. Yes, you will!
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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