About the song
“Alone,” a heartfelt ballad by the Bee Gees, marks the opening track on their 21st studio album, *Still Waters* (1997). Released as the album’s lead single on 17 February 1997, the song quickly became a global sensation, showcasing the enduring talent of the Gibb brothers in songwriting and performance.
**Recording and Release**
Written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, “Alone” emerged early in the album’s production process. Maurice Gibb reminisced about the creative genesis of the track, highlighting the spontaneous and collaborative nature of their songwriting sessions. The studio experimentation included the use of bagpipe sounds programmed on a computer, which added a unique texture to the song’s arrangement. This eclectic blend of influences, from ’50s pop sensibilities to Byrds-style 12-string guitar sounds, contributed to the song’s distinctive character and appeal.
Upon its release, “Alone” achieved notable chart success around the world. It peaked at number five in the United Kingdom and reached number two in New Zealand, where it ranked as one of the top-selling singles of 1997. In Canada, it climbed to number 20 and was celebrated as the most successful adult contemporary song of the year by RPM magazine. On the US Billboard Hot 100, “Alone” secured the Bee Gees their 30th and final top-40 hit, debuting as a “Hot Shot” entry at number 34.
**Song Information**
The song features Barry and Robin Gibb alternating lead vocals, employing their trademark falsetto that characterized many of their iconic hits. Maurice Gibb’s involvement in the production underscored the group’s commitment to crafting lush, emotive soundscapes that resonated deeply with their audience. The lyrics, including the poignant line “I’m on a wheel of fortune with a twist of fate,” combined with rich harmonies, encapsulated the Bee Gees’ ability to blend introspective themes with infectious melodies.
**Critical Reception**
Critically acclaimed, “Alone” received favorable reviews for its nostalgic yet contemporary sound. British magazine *Music Week* praised the song’s instantly recognizable harmonies and Barry Gibb’s adept pop production, noting its fusion of elements like cod bagpipes over an ELO-style arrangement. The song’s ability to evoke both classic pop sentiments and modern sensibilities solidified its place as a standout track in the Bee Gees’ extensive catalog.
**Music Video**
The promotional efforts for “Alone” included two distinctive music videos directed by Nick Egan. The first version, released internationally but not in the United States, featured the brothers performing in a rotating room interspersed with scenes of a female astronaut slowly removing her space suit in zero gravity—a nod to the sci-fi aesthetics of the film *Barbarella*. The US version of the video showcased the brothers recording the song in a studio, intercut with archival footage spanning their illustrious career, providing fans with a nostalgic journey through the Bee Gees’ musical evolution.
**Conclusion**
“Alone” remains a poignant testament to the Bee Gees’ enduring legacy in music. With its evocative lyrics, masterful vocal performances, and innovative production techniques, the song continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. As a pivotal track from *Still Waters* and a significant milestone in their career, “Alone” stands as a timeless example of the Bee Gees’ ability to create music that is both deeply personal and universally cherished.
Video
Lyrics
I was a midnight rider on a cloud of smoke
I could make a woman hang on every single stroke
I was an iron man, I had a master plan
But I was alone
I could hear you breathing with a sigh of the wind
I remember how your body started trembling
Oh, what a night it’s been for the state I’m in
I’m still alone
And all the wonders made for the earth
And all the hearts in all creation
Somehow I always end up alone (always end up alone)
Always end up alone
So I’ll play, I’ll wait
‘Cause you know that love takes time
We came so far
Just the beat of a lonely heart
And it’s mine
And I don’t wanna be alone
Well, since I got no message on your answer phone
Since you’re busy every minute, I just stay at home
I make believe you care, I feel you everywhere
But I’m still alone
I’m on a wheel of fortune with a twist of fate
‘Cause I know it isn’t heaven, is it love or hate?
Am I the subject of the pain?
Am I the stranger in the rain?
I am alone
And is there glory there to behold?
Maybe it’s my imagination
Another story there to be told
So I’ll play, I’ll wait
And I pray it’s not too late
We made it so far
Just the beat of a lonely heart
And it’s mine
And I don’t wanna be alone
And all the wonders made for the earth
And all the hearts in all creation
Another story there to be told
So I’ll play, I’ll wait
And I pray it’s not too late
We made it so far
Just the beat of a lonely heart
And it’s mine
And I don’t wanna be alone
Gone but not out of sight
I’m caught in the rain and there’s no one home
Face the heat of the night
The one that you love got a heart that’s made of stone
Shine and search for the light
And sooner or later you’ll be cruising on your ocean
And clean out of site
I’m caught in the rain and there’s no one home