Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “To Be Alone” by Ben Howard
The song ‘To Be Alone’ by Ben Howard conveys a strong sense of seclusion and a longing for emotional connection. He paints a picture of a person in isolation in an empty town, an image that invokes a sense of dread and sadness. The lyrics are reflective and candid in their examination of difficult emotions, as the singer struggles with the idea of being disconnected from the world and yearning to find a way of living in which they can thrive.
The song begins with a sense of hope, describing a journey of self-discovery and a desire for peace and understanding. He longs for a life beyond the silences, a life without loneliness and sorrow. He remarks that he has reached his limit and is struggling to find closure. He wants to find respite in a place where he can be himself and feel truly free from the pain of being alone.
The chorus expresses a strong longing for someone to understand him, for someone to break through the loneliness and ease his pain. He makes a plea to wholeheartedly embrace the laughter and the love that comes with being in a relationship and living life together with the person he loves. At this point, the mood of the song darkens as he finds solace in the idea of having someone to be with who would listen and accept him for his scars.
The song ends with a new sense of optimism, as the singer finds a hope in his heart to strive for the truth and happiness. No longer bounded by the loneliness, he can move forward knowing that sadness, hurt, and pain can be conquered. He promises to himself that he will fight and he will never give up.
The theme of ‘To Be Alone’ is ultimately one of looking for a way to break away from loneliness and touch someone in a meaningful way. It conveys the struggles associated with being alone but also offers optimism that a new sense of freedom and understanding is within reach. Through its powerful and emotive lyrics and melodies, it encourages the listener to never give up despite feelings of hopelessness.