With keen pop sensibilities, a skewed sense of humour and a willingness to draw inspiration from diverse sources (notably punk rock), Therapy? came to attention in the early 1990s rise of alternative rock, but have endured for more than a decade since; Critic Johnny Loftus writes, "After a ten-plus year career that has seen them outlast competitors and outwit industry attempts at categorization, Therapy? are still headbangers with their thinking caps screwed on tight."
Current line-up :
Andy Cairns (guitar, vocals) (1989 - )
Michael McKeegan (bass guitar, backing vocals) (1989 - )
Neil Cooper (drums) (2003 - )
Past members:
Fyfe Ewing (drums) (1989 - 1996)
Martin McCarrick (cello, guitar, backing vocals) (1996 - 2004)
Graham Hopkins (drums) (1996 - 2001)
Discography:
-Hard Cold Fire (2023)
-Cleave (2018)
-Disquiet (2015)
-A Brief Crack of Light (2012)
-Crooked Timber (2009)
-One Cure Fits All (2006)
-Never Apologise Never Explain (2004)
-High Anxiety (2003)
-Shameless (2001)
-So Much For The Ten Year Plan - A Retrospective 1990-2000 (2000)
-Suicide Pact - You First (1999)
-Semi-Detached (1998)
-Infernal Love (1995)
-Troublegum (1994)
-Face the Strange E.P. (1993)
-Shortsharpshock E.P. (1993)
-Nurse (1992)
-Pleasure Death (1992)
-Babyteeth (1991)
Northern Ireland, 1989.
Alrite
Therapy? Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So you could check me out (yeah, yeah)
Well, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
So you worked me up (yeah, yeah)
So you can work me out (yeah, yeah)
Well, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
Yes, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
Insanitised, bonkified
I got the swing of things (yeah, yeah)
Well, I'm all in sync (yeah, yeah)
Yeah, I really do (yeah, yeah)
'cause I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
So who the hell are you (yeah, yeah)
'cause I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
'cause I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
Yes, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
Insanitised, be-be-be-be-be-be-be-be-be bonkified
Insanitised, sweet, bonkified
Well, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
I got the swing of things (yeah, yeah)
Well, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
Yes, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
I got the swing of things (yeah, yeah)
Yes, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
Yes, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
Yes, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
Yes
At first glance, the lyrics to Therapy?'s song "Alrite" seem to be a collection of nonsense words and phrases strung together, but upon closer inspection, they reveal a commentary on the transient and performative nature of modern life. The opening lines - "Well, you checked me in, so you could check me out" - suggest a sense of being used by others for their own purposes. This is reinforced by the repetition of "work me up" and "work me out", which implies that the singer is being used as a tool or object of entertainment rather than as a person with their own agency.
However, the repeated refrain of "I feel alright" suggests that the singer is able to find some sense of satisfaction or fulfillment within this system. This satisfaction is described as being "insanitised" and "bonkified", which could signify a willingness to conform to societal expectations and standards in order to feel accepted and validated. The chorus further reinforces this idea, with the repetition of "I got the swing of things" and "Yes, I feel alright" suggesting a sense of comfort and familiarity with this way of life.
Overall, "Alrite" is a commentary on the complex and often contradictory nature of modern life. It suggests that while we may feel used or commodified at times, we are also capable of finding our own sense of fulfillment within these structures.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, you checked me in (yeah, yeah)
You took control of me and put me in this situation.
So you could check me out (yeah, yeah)
You only did this to observe and evaluate me.
Well, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
Despite being under your scrutiny, I am doing fine.
So you worked me up (yeah, yeah)
You pushed me to my limits.
So you can work me out (yeah, yeah)
You want to see how far I can go.
Well, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
Even though I am being put through a challenge, I am still okay.
Yes, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
I am confident in my ability to handle this.
Insanitised, bonkified
I am pumped up and energized to face whatever comes my way.
I got the swing of things (yeah, yeah)
I have adapted to the situation and am now comfortable with it.
Well, I'm all in sync (yeah, yeah)
I am in harmony with the demands and expectations of the situation.
Yeah, I really do (yeah, yeah)
I am not lying when I say that I am doing fine.
'cause I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
My positive state of mind is the reason for my success.
So who the hell are you (yeah, yeah)
I don't need your validation or approval to feel good about myself.
'cause I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
My confidence and self-assurance are not dependent on external factors.
Insanitised, be-be-be-be-be-be-be-be-be bonkified
I am exhilarated and charged up, ready to tackle anything.
Insanitised, sweet, bonkified
I am feeling a sense of euphoria and excitement.
Well, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
My emotional and mental state is stable and positive.
I got the swing of things (yeah, yeah)
I am in control of myself and the situation.
Yes, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
My sense of well-being and confidence remains strong.
Yes, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
I am not just saying this, I truly do feel fine.
Yes, I feel alright (yeah, yeah)
My physical, mental, and emotional states are all positive and stable.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: ANDREW JAMES CAIRNS, MARTIN JOHN MCCARRICK, MICHAEL GRAHAM HOPKINS, MICHAEL ROBERT MC KEEGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind