About the song
“We’re All Alone” is a timeless ballad that has traversed genres and generations since its inception. Penned by Boz Scaggs, the song first gained prominence through Frankie Valli’s rendition in 1976. However, it was Rita Coolidge’s emotive interpretation the following year that truly etched its place in music history.
Boz Scaggs originally introduced “We’re All Alone” on his acclaimed album Silk Degrees in 1976. Despite being overshadowed initially by other singles from the album like “Lido Shuffle,” its profound lyrical content and haunting melody resonated deeply with audiences. Rita Coolidge, already a familiar voice in the music scene, found herself drawn to the song’s poignant narrative.
The decision for Coolidge to record “We’re All Alone” was serendipitous. During her tenure at A&M Records, label co-founder Jerry Moss recognized the song’s potential for a female vocalist and encouraged Coolidge to take it on. Her rendition, featured on the album Anytime…Anywhere released in 1977, proved to be a masterstroke. With its release, Coolidge not only delivered a performance that showcased her vocal prowess but also secured the song’s legacy as one of her most iconic recordings.
The lyrics of “We’re All Alone” capture a sense of longing and introspection, with Coolidge infusing her own touch by slightly altering certain phrases. This adaptation, marked by lines like “Close your eyes and dream” and “Owe it to the wind my love,” added a new layer of emotional depth to the song.
Chart success soon followed, particularly in the UK where the song climbed to number 6, paralleling its ascent in Ireland and the Netherlands. In the United States, the track resonated across multiple charts, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and making a notable impact on the Adult Contemporary and Country charts as well.
Beyond its initial success, “We’re All Alone” continued to captivate audiences over the years. Coolidge’s reinterpretation in 2005 for her jazz album And So Is Love demonstrated her enduring ability to imbue the song with new nuances and reflections, proving the timeless quality of both the composition and her interpretive skills.
In essence, “We’re All Alone” remains a testament to the enduring power of music to evoke emotion and transcend eras. Its journey from Boz Scaggs’ original creation to Rita Coolidge’s definitive rendition stands as a testament to the song’s universal appeal and enduring legacy in the realm of popular music.
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Lyrics
Outside, the rain begins
And it may never end
So cry no more
On the shore, a dream
Will take us out to sea
Forever more, forever moreClose your eyes and dream
And you can be with me
‘Neath the waves
Through the caves of ours
Long forgotten now
We’re all alone, we’re all aloneClose the window, calm the light
And it will be all right
No need to bother now
Let it out, let it all begin
Learn how to pretendOnce a story’s told
It can’t help but grow old
Roses do
Lovers too, so cast
Your seasons to the wind
And hold me, dear
Oh, hold me, dearClose the window, calm the light
And it will be all right
No need to bother now
Let it out, let it all begin
All’s forgotten now
We’re all alone, oh, we’re all aloneClose the window, calm the light
And it will be all right
No need to bother now
Let it out, let it all begin
Owe it to the wind, my love
Hold me dearAll’s forgotten now, my love
We’re all alone