Alone Everybody
Lori Chaffer Lyrics
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nobody's hurts nobody's helps
like a gun or bullet on a shelf
alone everybody's fine
i've been playing little tricks on me
it's fascinating what i'll believe
then in circled stitches my mind weaves
i tell myself my life is pretty easy
i take a pill if i am ever queasy
i shut the door when it gets a little breezy
but people really baffle me
so i tiptoe around because it's easier to fake it
try not to be loud, or emotionally naked.
i'll agree to go out with my friends, but never make it
at least i keep my evenings free
if you want to try to shift the blame
think of how hard you try and all your pain
oh, there's one amendment to the game
alone everybody cries
i've been thinking i could get along
i think i'm happy, i think i'm strong
but like my cactus when it's dry too long
alone even cacti die
alone everybody's fine
alone everybody lies
alone everybody cries
The song "Alone Everybody" by Lori Chaffer is a thoughtful, introspective piece that delves into the importance and complexities of being alone. The first verse sets the tone for the song, establishing the singer's preference for being alone as well as the starkness of solitude: when one is alone, there are no hurtful or helpful external influences, and everything is static. This can be perceived as a positive thing for the singer who seems to prefer it this way.
As the song progresses, the singer discusses the tricks she plays on herself, including weaving stories in her mind, and how "alone everybody lies." This reveals the darker aspects of being alone, such as the tendency to deceive oneself or convince oneself of falsehoods. The second verse shifts to the singer's observations of the world and how she navigates it. She presents herself as someone who tries to avoid emotional depth, preferring to keep things superficial and simple. She would rather avoid social situations and keep her evenings free, rather than engage with people on a deeper level.
Towards the end of the song, the singer muses on the idea of being alone as a choice she has made for herself, stating that she thinks she's happy and strong alone. However, she compares herself to a cactus that dies when its environment is too dry, indicating that even the most independent people need some sort of external support at times.
Line by Line Meaning
i am happiest when by myself
I find happiness in solitude, without anyone hurting or helping me.
nobody's hurts nobody's helps
I prefer not to be hurt or helped by anyone.
like a gun or bullet on a shelf
Being alone can endure me to violent thoughts, like that of a gun or a bullet stored on a shelf.
alone everybody's fine
Everyone is okay being alone.
i've been playing little tricks on me
I deceive myself sometimes in fascinating ways.
it's fascinating what i'll believe
I'm amazed at the things I believe about myself.
then in circled stitches my mind weaves
My mind weaves a web of conflicting thoughts and ideas.
alone everybody lies
People tend to lie to themselves when alone.
i tell myself my life is pretty easy
I convince myself that my life is less complex than it is.
i take a pill if i am ever queasy
I medicate myself when I'm feeling uneasy.
i shut the door when it gets a little breezy
I avoid any situation or experience that may be challenging or uncomfortable.
but people really baffle me
I find human behavior confusing and mystifying.
so i tiptoe around because it's easier to fake it
I choose to pretend rather than be honest because it's less complicated.
try not to be loud, or emotionally naked.
I avoid being emotionally transparent or vulnerable.
i'll agree to go out with my friends, but never make it
I make plans with friends but intentionally don't follow through.
at least i keep my evenings free
My evenings are typically empty and reserved for my thoughts & silence.
if you want to try to shift the blame
If you want to downplay the impact of your own behavior.
think of how hard you try and all your pain
Consider the effort you put in and the stress it causes you.
oh, there's one amendment to the game
There is one rule that everyone must follow.
alone everybody cries
People weep when they are alone.
i've been thinking i could get along
I am beginning to believe I can handle being alone.
i think i'm happy, i think i'm strong
I believe that I am happy and can withstand the pressure of solitude.
but like my cactus when it's dry too long
Like a shriveled-up cactus, I realize that being alone can take a toll on me.
alone even cacti die
Cacti can't survive long without any interaction, similar to humans.
Contributed by Elijah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.