Story Behind The Song

In my first band,back in 2001, my co-writer and myself were watching the movie The Doors. There is a scene in that film where Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison jumps on the hood of a car outside the Whisky A Go Go and screams out to the crowd on the street "How many of you are alive? How many of you are really alive?" The song was written with the feeling of that scene in mind.

Song Description

Are You Alive is a dreamy melodic rock song that challenges the fear of living out one's dreams. It's featured on SmartBlackKid's third album, Growth and Change (2012) and The Best of SmartBlackKid Vol. 1 (2015) In this day and age of social media, society is dealing with things like comparison anxiety over what is seen online vs. what is real for individuals offline. This song is meant to inspire the listener to ask if they are truly living out their dreams and best life. It's about letting go of societal molds and expectations that no longer fit one's life, accepting one's true path and allowing oneself to work to live and not the other way around. As reviewed by the music review site, Stereo Stickman "'Are You Alive' is perhaps a personal favourite. An absolutely flawless track, sensational guitar playing, heartbreakingly beautiful lyrics and vocals, a brilliant hook, and even some smooth and sweet harmonies building it up from the background."

Lyrics

Are You Alive
written by Hakhi Alakhun
Copyright 2012 (M/P)


Verse 1
I'm a dreamer everyday
my feet are on the ground
with my two eyes, focused on
the heavens,

I watch the movements of the world, conveyor belted strife,
and the scramble to
get all the best in life

Bridge:
Holding back your very tears
too afraid to face your fears
to hate yourself is the highest sin
authentic peace is found within
time goes by and by again
you haven't changed 'cause you
won't let your life begin
you struggle to survive
I ask are you alive?

(guitar hook)

Verse 2
The human way is getting old
too many things unfair
injustice thrives
and no one seems to care,
no more

Disappointment comes to you
like a friend that you've outgrown
Trying to find your way
but it won't leave you alone

Bridge 2
Scared to open up your heart
got your feelings torn apart
you can't let this happen again
so selfishness is your best friend
you've settled into life it seems
losing touch with your ability to dream
with no passion inside, I wanna know
are you alive?

(guitar lead)

Outro

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