Alive is the final song of the 2022 Find A Better Way album by The Commoners. Stream it here.
Lyrics
Tell me what’s the use in trying
For something that I just can’t see?
Feels like it’s only this or dying
But I keep on trying to believe
I’ve got a good girl
Keeps me going
And things have been looking up
Always felt like
I was broken
My ship wasn’t strong enough
And I feel like I could scream
I’m singing for my life
There’s something I’ve gotta be
Before the day I die
I know that life’s a bitch
And that used to be my type
But there’s something changing
Each day I’m alive
I was never good at lying
To anybody but myself
I told myself it’s just bad timing
But I am the one who raised hell
Well my mama said I
I need a woman
One who would treat me right
Always felt like
I was broken
But now I’m phasing doubt out of my life
And I feel like I could scream
I’m singing for my life
There’s something I’ve gotta be
Before the day I die
I know that life/s a bitch
And that used to be my type
But there’s something changing
Each day I’m alive
(Instrumental Bridge)
And I feel like I could scream
I’m singing for my life
There’s something I’ve gotta be
Before the day I die
I know that life/s a bitch
And that used to be my type
But there’s something changing
There’s something changing
And I feel like I could scream
I’m singing for my life
There’s something I’ve gotta be
Before the day I die
I know that life’s a bitch
And that used to be my type
But there’s something changing
There’s something changing…
Discussion
“Unafraid to play it slow, ‘Alive’ sees the band out, bass player Spiller on piano here over a blues number, and Eckert returning to guest on pedal steel. While the band line-up adds personnel as a song requires, that the songs are credited the four members collectively shows a common thought underlying their intention, and as I write possibly the reasons for their group name. Many of the songs held together by similar themes, this last rejoicing in being alive, and what’s possible. That Medhurst again draws attention to his vocal prowess without any grandstanding hopefully means he’s one to keep an eye, or rather ear, out for.”
–The Midlands Rocks
“Concluding the album, The Commoners extend a final invitation into their sacred heart space with Alive. Bassist Ben Spiller lends his prowess to the piano, aligning with Michael Eckert’s pedal steel for a mesmerizing outcome. Alive calls into question the value we assign to that which is important to us in life. How are we to weigh a dream against daily responsibilities, and conjure belief from a well that easily runs dry? An unforgettable ending to an incredible journey.”
-Lauren Campbell | Peter Noble Press Release
“Opening with acoustic guitar, “Alive” is another example. Medhurst’s voice is front and center in the mix where it deserves to be. Effortlessly he changes into head voice—impressive—and it adds to the moving quality of the introspective song. Pedal steel and acoustic guitar add flavor and texture to the melody.”
–Rock and Blues Muse
“Alive is the one of the best. “I’m singing for my life” offers Medhurst and possibly that underlines the importance of this to The Commoners.”
–Maximum Volume Music
Comments
Have something to add about the song? Leave a comment below.