About the song
Gilbert O’Sullivan, the Irish singer-songwriter, gifted the world with a timeless masterpiece in 1972: “Alone Again.” This poignant ballad, with its simple yet evocative lyrics and haunting melody, has resonated with countless listeners over the decades, touching the hearts of those who have ever felt the sting of solitude.
O’Sullivan’s distinctive voice, with its soft, melancholic timbre, perfectly complements the song’s emotional depth. The opening lines, “I’m sitting here alone again, just thinking of the things I’ve done,” immediately set the scene for a tale of reflection and introspection. As the song progresses, O’Sullivan delves into the universal themes of isolation, regret, and the longing for companionship.
The simplicity of the arrangement, featuring O’Sullivan’s vocals accompanied by a gentle piano, enhances the song’s emotional impact. The repetitive chorus, “Alone again, thinking of the things I’ve done,” serves as a haunting refrain, emphasizing the protagonist’s persistent sense of isolation.
“Alone Again” is more than just a sad song; it is a poignant exploration of the human condition. O’Sullivan’s lyrics capture the universal experience of loneliness, reminding us that even in the midst of a crowded world, we can often feel alone. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless message and its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
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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