To Be Alive

Song Meaning

The narrator is trying to pull someone out of a self-imposed isolation. The other person is described as waiting for the world to come to them, a passive stance that the narrator clearly believes is misguided. There's a palpable frustration in lines like "It hurts that you won't let me know," suggesting a communication barrier that’s keeping them apart. The core issue seems to be the other person’s inability to let go of something, which prevents them from fully engaging with life and the narrator. The central tension lies between the narrator's desire for connection and the other person's resistance. The narrator emphasizes the joy of simply being present and authentic, stating, "I can't help to be myself" and "Any time is right to be alive." This contrasts sharply with the other person's apparent belief that "Nothing's ever gone your way," a mindset that seems to be actively hindering their own happiness and their relationship. The lyrics suggest a deep-seated hurt or a controlling force is at play, described as "somebody holding your heart." The repeated phrase "Every time you want to / Any time I touch you / I can't help to be myself" is particularly striking. It highlights the narrator's genuine reaction to the other person, a feeling that surfaces effortlessly when they connect. This unforced authenticity is presented as a key to truly experiencing life. The outro reinforces this, with the narrator affirming, "But it sure feels real / I want to hold on to this moment / Because babe it sure feels right / To be alive." Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they capture the struggle of trying to share a vibrant present with someone stuck in their past or their own head. The narrator’s earnest plea and their own uninhibited joy in the moment serve as a powerful counterpoint to the other person's perceived inertia. It’s an appeal to embrace the simple, profound feeling of being alive, right now, despite whatever holds them back.