Their best-known lineup included Terry Kirkman (vocals, woodwind instruments), Russ Giguere (vocals, guitar), Jim Yester (rhythm and lead guitar), Jules Alexander (lead and rhythm guitar), Brian Cole (bass) and Ted Bluechel Jr (drums) (and later Larry Ramos, who replaced Jules in early 1967).
Since 2014, founding members Jim Yester and Jules Alexander have been leading the current line-up of the Association, which includes Bruce Pictor, Paul Holland, Del Ramos, and Jordan Cole.
Like Always
The Association Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stepping off a stone, while I'm walking alone
Walking all alone, like always
Got me a new car, it doesn't get me too far
I'm all out of gas, like always
Got to pay the rent, but all my money's spent
All my money's spent, like always
I wonder where my pay went
I'm all out of bread, like always
Girl, let the world have my money
I don't care
Girl, make my troubles seem funny and small
In no time at all
Things have got to move, I've been to long in this groove
Hung up in this groove, like always
Things are getting better, ever since I met her
Oh, oh, there she goes, like always
Like always, like always
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The Association's song 'Like Always' deals with a person's struggle to make ends meet in their daily life, while dealing with the monotony and frustration that comes with it. The lyrics speak of the listener's difficulties, including a lack of money to pay rent, missed payments, being out of bread, and running out of gas in their new car. These struggles are highlighted by the repetition of the phrase 'like always,' emphasizing that these problems are a part of their daily life, and are not uncommon.
The tone of the song is melancholic, but also hopeful, as the chorus states that things are getting better, ever since the singer met 'her'. It is implied that this person is the one who can make their troubles seem funny and small, helping them move forward and break free from the 'groove' that they are stuck in. The song thus seems to be about finding hope and joy in the midst of difficult circumstances, and appreciating the positive impact that others may have on one's life.
Overall, the song is a poignant portrayal of the struggles that many people face in their day-to-day lives, while also being a testament to the resilience and hope that people can cling to even in dark times.
Line by Line Meaning
Stepping off a stone, while I'm walking alone
Taking one step at a time in a lonely journey
Got me a new car, it doesn't get me too far
Acquiring things that don't bring much value or happiness
Got to pay the rent, but all my money's spent
Living paycheck to paycheck without any savings
I wonder where my pay went
Questioning the whereabouts of one's earnings
Missed another payment
Failing to meet financial obligations
I'm all out of bread, like always
Running out of essential resources frequently
Girl, let the world have my money
I don't care
Girl, make my troubles seem funny and small
In no time at all
Finding solace and happiness in a loved one's company, even if it means losing material things
Things have got to move, I've been to long in this groove
Hung up in this groove, like always
Feeling stuck and wanting change in life's routine
Things are getting better, ever since I met her
Oh, oh, there she goes, like always
Finding hope and positivity in a relationship
Like always, like always, like always
Reiterating the cyclical nature of life's struggles
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Verdesca
One of my favorites. Harmonies are out of this world. Would love to see a live video of this excellent recording. When you think it's over, they ad a nice riff at the end....slip away like always. Wish the song was longer!
MrGoldenthroat
One of the most astonishing songs in rock and roll history!! A truly underrated gleaming jewel of a masterpiece!!
Christopher Thomas
+MrGoldenthroat
You said it. What an utterly insane vocal arrangement!
Clifton Floyd
Yep....
Bob Zwolinski
WOW! I haven't heard this one in about 50 years! Thanks for putting this together! The Association had some of the best vocal arrangements of that era! This track was a favorite. Larry definitely had some chops!
MrGoldenthroat
Larry Ramos had an incredible gift vocally and instrumentally!! Rest in Peace always my dear friend!!
Mike Verdesca
As much as Never My Love is a beautiful song with beautiful lyrics, I think this one would've been nice to hear on the radio just as much as NML. It is an audio masterpiece like most of the comments state. Just "like always," an Association treasure.
Bob
You can hear elements of all the best groups of the 60s in this song. They were truly an outstanding group!
VideoVillage
Nice jazzy chords. On the bridge, you can definitely hear the Beach Boys influence. Fantastic vocal arrangement. Larry Ramos- such a talent!
John A
This song is just flat-out brilliant! The chorus brings tears to my eyes!