About the song
## Alone Again: Gilbert O’Sullivan’s Heartfelt Ballad
Gilbert O’Sullivan, a name synonymous with heartfelt ballads and witty lyrics, delivered a poignant masterpiece in “Alone Again.” Released in 1972, this song quickly resonated with audiences worldwide, becoming a timeless classic. Its enduring popularity stems from O’Sullivan’s ability to capture the universal emotions of loneliness and isolation with raw authenticity.
“Alone Again” opens with a simple, melancholic piano melody that sets the stage for a tale of emotional solitude. O’Sullivan’s voice, rich and expressive, paints a vivid picture of a person grappling with feelings of abandonment and despair. The lyrics, written with poetic precision, delve into the depths of human vulnerability, exploring themes of lost love, unfulfilled dreams, and the longing for companionship.
The song’s structure is deceptively straightforward. O’Sullivan alternates between verses that recount personal anecdotes of isolation and choruses that express a universal yearning for connection. This interplay between the specific and the general allows listeners to relate to the song on a deeply personal level.
One of the song’s most striking features is its emotional honesty. O’Sullivan doesn’t shy away from expressing his pain and vulnerability. He bares his soul, inviting listeners to share in his sorrow. This raw authenticity is what makes “Alone Again” so compelling. It’s a song that speaks to the human condition, reminding us that we are all capable of feeling alone, even in the midst of crowds.
Musically, “Alone Again” is a masterpiece of restraint. The arrangement is sparse, allowing O’Sullivan’s voice and the piano melody to take center stage. There are no unnecessary flourishes or distractions. The focus is solely on the emotional impact of the song.
In conclusion, “Alone Again” is a timeless ballad that continues to touch the hearts of listeners. Gilbert O’Sullivan’s masterful songwriting and heartfelt performance have ensured its enduring popularity. Whether you’re experiencing loneliness yourself or simply appreciate the beauty of a well-crafted song, “Alone Again” is a must-listen.
Video
Lyrics
In a little while from now
If I’m not feeling any less sour
I promise myself to treat myself
And visit a nearby tower
And climbing to the top
Will throw myself off
In an effort to
Make it clear to whoever
Wants to know what it’s like when you’re shattered
Left standing in the lurch at a church
Were people saying, My God, that’s tough
She stood him up
No point in us remaining
We may as well go home
As I did on my own
Alone again, naturally
To think that only yesterday
I was cheerful, bright and gay
Looking forward to who wouldn’t do
The role I was about to play
But as if to knock me down
Reality came around
And without so much as a mere touch
Cut me into little pieces
Leaving me to doubt
Talk about, God in His mercy
Oh, if he really does exist
Why did he desert me
In my hour of need
I truly am indeed
Alone again, naturally
It seems to me that
There are more hearts broken in the world
That can’t be mended
Left unattended
What do we do
What do we do
Alone again, naturally
Looking back over the years
And whatever else that appears
I remember I cried when my father died
Never wishing to hide the tears
And at sixty-five years old
My mother, God rest her soul
Couldn’t understand why the only man
She had ever loved had been taken
Leaving her to start
With a heart so badly broken
Despite encouragement from me
No words were ever spoken
And when she passed away
I cried and cried all day
Alone again, naturally
Alone again, naturally