About The Song
Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Alone Again (Naturally)” written and performed by Gilbert O’Sullivan in 1971, it became a global hit. Its melancholic theme revolves around a lonely, suicidal man abandoned at the altar, later recounting the deaths of his parents. The song delves into profound solitude, grief, and the human spirit amid adversity. O’Sullivan contemplates suicide, feeling shattered and alone, portrayed vividly in the lyrics. It topped charts in the US for six non-consecutive weeks, remaining iconic over the years. Its timeless balladry and poignant lyrics contribute to its enduring popularity.
Lyrics
In a little while from now
If I'm not feeling any less sour
I promise myself to treat myself
And visit a nearby tower
And climbing to the top
Will throw myself off
In an effort to make clear to whomever
What it's like when you're shattered
Left standing in the lurch
At a church where people saying
My God, that's tough, she stood him up
No point in us remaining
We may as well go home
As I did on my own
Alone again, naturally
To think that only yesterday
I was cheerful, bright and gay
Looking forward to, well, who wouldn't do
The role I was about to play
But as if to knock me down
Reality came around
And without so much as a mere touch
Cut me into little pieces
Leaving me to doubt
Talk about God in His mercy
Who, if He really does exist
Why did He desert me?
And in my hour of need
I truly am, indeed
Alone again, naturally
It seems to me that there are more hearts
Broken in the world that can't be mended
Left unattended
What do we do?
What do we do?
Alone again, naturally
Now, looking back over the years
And whatever else that appears
I remember I cried when my father died
Never wishing to hide the tears
And at sixty-five years old
My mother, God rest her soul
Couldn't understand why the only man
She had ever loved had been taken
Leaving her to start
With a heart so badly broken
Despite encouragement from me
No words were ever spoken
And when she passed away
I cried and cried all day
Alone again, naturally
Alone again, naturally