About the song
“Alone” is a timeless ballad that showcases the incredible harmonies and songwriting skills of the Bee Gees. Released in 1997 as the opening track on their 21st studio album, Still Waters, this song was the first single to be released from the album and marked a significant milestone in the group’s illustrious career. Written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, “Alone” is a masterclass in songcraft, with its soaring melodies, lush harmonies, and poignant lyrics.
The song’s origins are fascinating, with the brothers Gibb experimenting with bagpipe sounds and a computer-programmed groove in the studio. The result was a unique and captivating sound that blended elements of 1950s pop, rock, and R&B. The song’s chorus, with its memorable hook and soaring harmonies, is a standout feature, while the lyrics explore themes of love, fate, and the search for connection.
“Alone” was a worldwide hit, peaking at number five in the UK and number two in New Zealand, and was the 10th-highest-selling single of 1997. The song’s success was not limited to the UK and New Zealand, with it also reaching number 20 in Canada and number 28 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song’s critical reception was also overwhelmingly positive, with British magazine Music Week praising the song’s “instantly-familiar harmonies” and “sure pop production.” With its timeless sound and enduring popularity, “Alone” remains a beloved classic in the Bee Gees’ discography.
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