Alfie
Trijntje Oosterhuis Lyrics


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What's it all about, Alfie?
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 is wise to be cruel.
And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie,
What will you lend on an old golden rule?
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.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Trijntje Oosterhuis's song Alfie are a questioning, contemplative conversation with the eponymous character, pondering on the nature of life and love. The first verse sets the tone for the rest of the song, driving the questions towards Alfie and asking what life is really about. Is it just fleeting moments, or is there something more substantial that we need to take from it? The second verse deepens this theme, addressing the idea that perhaps we are meant to be selfish and cruel, only taking what we need and not being kind. This is a harsh outlook on life, but one that is sometimes embraced by those who believe in survival of the fittest.


The pre-chorus offers a glimmer of hope, stating that despite all of this, there is something more to life than just strength and cruelty. Even those who don't believe in a higher power can believe in something greater than themselves. And this something is revealed in the chorus: love. The singer believes that love is the key to a meaningful life, without it we are just existing. The chorus's repetition of Alfie's name reinforces the importance of these beliefs and the need for him to take them to heart.


Overall, the lyrics of Alfie are a call to action for Alfie - and the listener - to embrace the power of love and empathy, rather than succumbing to the harshness of life without it.


Line by Line Meaning

What's it all about, Alfie?
What is the meaning of life, Alfie?


Is it just for the moment we live?
Is life just temporary and fleeting?


What's it all about when you sort it out, Alfie?
When you figure out the meaning of life, what is it, Alfie?


Are we meant to take more than we give Or are we meant to be kind?
Should we be selfish or kind, Alfie?


And if only fools are kind, Alfie, Then I guess it is wise to be cruel.
If being kind is stupid, then it’s smart to be cruel, Alfie.


And if life belongs only to the strong, Alfie, What will you lend on an old golden rule?
If only the strong survive, what value is there in traditional moral principles, 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.
While I believe in heaven, I also believe in something greater that even non-believers can recognize, Alfie.


I believe in love, Alfie.
I believe in the power of love, Alfie.


Without true love we just exist, Alfie.
Without genuine love, life is merely survival, Alfie.


Until you find the love you've missed you're nothing, Alfie.
Without experiencing love, you are incomplete, Alfie.


When you walk let your heart lead the way And you'll find love any day, Alfie, Alfie.
Follow your heart, and you'll discover love whenever you desire, Alfie.




Contributed by Nolan P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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