After releasing numerous demos, splits, and EPs, Left Alone released their first full-length, Streets of Wilmington, in 2002. A year later, the band compiled their earlier, out-of-print recordings on the anthology Left Alone: 1996-2000. In 2003, Cortez went on the Warped Tour as a roadie. After Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman heard Left Alone's music, he chose the band to be the Warped Tour BBQ band for the 2004 tour. The band were invited back to be the BBQ band for the 2005 tour. While on the Warped Tour, Tim Armstrong of Rancid heard Left Alone's 2004 album, Lonely Starts & Broken Hearts. Armstrong signed the band to his label, Hellcat Records, and re-released Lonely Starts & Broken Hearts. The band released their third full-length album, Dead American Radio, on August 8, 2006, which features guest appearances from Tim Armstrong and Patricia Day of the Horrorpops.
The band released their self-titled album on April 7, 2009.
The Sinner
Left Alone Lyrics
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From this life full of sin
Cause I've been here seems for years now
On your doorstep repenting
I'm not looking for religion
Cause I'm more devil than a saint
And if I end up on hells door
I'm so tired of wondering
Wondering where I'll end up
Tell me where did I go wrong?
As I think about yesterday
As I sit here all alone
As my life just wastes away
Oh lord won't you help me
Cause I've done it again
I've swindled through another day
And I don't care about anything
I'm not asking for your pity
Or begging for a helping hand
I'm just looking for the reason
Why I've become a sinning man
The opening lines of Left Alone's song "The Sinner" seem to convey a plea for salvation, an appeal for deliverance from a life full of sin. The singer confesses to being on the doorstep of his creator for years, seeking forgiveness and above all, redemption. He seems to acknowledge the futility of his current state, and the lyrical tone suggests that he is at the end of his tether from a lifetime of sinning, and he feels that his prayers are going unanswered.
The singer admits that he's not looking for religion, as he considers himself more devil than saint, and he accepts the consequences of his lifestyle. He acknowledges that if he ends up at hell's door, then he will accept it as he has made his bed and must lie in it. The lyrics' brutal frankness is almost cathartic as the singer seems to be at the end of his wits and has no energy left to put up a pretense to seek help.
The song's second verse reassures the listener that the singer is not looking for handouts or pity. Instead, he seeks a reason for his deviant behavior, seemingly tired of wasting away and wondering where he'll end up. The chorus repeats, and the magnitude of the singer's emotions seems to grow more significant with each line. He wants help even though he knows he will most likely end up sinning again, perpetuating the cycle.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh Lord please deliver me
I'm asking for divine intervention to free me from my life of sin.
From this life full of sin
I'm trapped in a life where sin is my constant companion.
Cause I've been here seems for years now
I feel like I've been stuck in this cycle of sin for years, unable to escape it.
On your doorstep repenting
I'm trying to repent and seek forgiveness at your feet.
I'm not looking for religion
I don't need organized religion to tell me what's right or wrong.
Cause I'm more devil than a saint
I've strayed so far from righteousness that I'm more like the devil than a saint.
And if I end up on hells door
If I end up in hell, it's because I made my own choices and have to face the consequences.
Well I made my bed and I lay in it
I accept responsibility for my actions and the consequences that come with them.
I'm so tired of wondering
I'm exhausted from questioning where my life is headed.
Wondering where I'll end up
I'm uncertain about whether I will end up in heaven or hell.
Tell me where did I go wrong?
I'm reflecting on my past mistakes and trying to understand where I went wrong.
As I think about yesterday
I'm dwelling on my past and how my actions have brought me to where I am now.
As I sit here all alone
I'm alone with my thoughts and feelings.
As my life just wastes away
I feel like I'm wasting my life away and not living up to my potential.
Oh lord won't you help me
I'm still seeking divine help to overcome my sins.
Cause I've done it again
I've sinned once more, despite my efforts to repent and change.
I've swindled through another day
I've gone through another day without purpose or direction.
And I don't care about anything
I feel apathetic and indifferent towards life and its offerings.
I'm not asking for your pity
I don't want anyone's sympathy or compassion.
Or begging for a helping hand
I'm not desperate for assistance or aid.
I'm just looking for the reason
I'm searching for the root cause of why I've become a sinner.
Why I've become a sinning man
I want to understand why I've fallen so far from grace and become a habitual sinner.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: ELVIS CORTEZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind