Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “Alexander Supertramp” by Real Friends
Alexander Supertramp by Real Friends is a song that explores the consequences of wasted opportunities in life. It paints a vivid picture of a person in a dark place, stuck in a life they didn’t want, reflecting on a life they could have had.
The title of the song is a reference to Christopher McCandless, a man who went by the alias “Alexander Supertramp” during his journey through North America. McCandless abandoned his privileged lifestyle and attachments to family and society, opting instead for a solitary journey of self-discovery and adventure. The song draws comparisons between the narrator and McCandless, both of whom are “lost in a trance of their own downfall.” This phrase reflects the narrator’s understanding that his current situation is the result of decisions he made.
The somber lyrics in the song emphasize the feelings of regret, loneliness, and despair experienced by the narrator. The line, “a ghost of the man I thought I would become,” expresses his realization that his life didn’t quite turn out the way he wanted it to. His reflections on his decision to “sell off my dreams” for comfort and security allude to the idea that he traded his ambition for a peaceful life of mundane routine. He also finds himself wondering what could have been if he had taken a different path in life.
Despite all his regrets and sorrow, the narrator expresses a sense of hope and resilience in the song’s chorus. He sings, “I’m finding my way in an ever-changing terrain,” suggesting he’s still searching for meaning in his life. This line also serves as a reminder to listeners that no matter what they’ve gone through, they can still find a sense of purpose and hope.
Alexander Supertramp is a song about understanding the consequences of our decisions, learning from our mistakes, and striving to create a better future from our experiences. It’s a powerful reminder to take life by the reins and to make the best of our decisions, however difficult it may be.