About The Song
Originally released by Australian pop band New World in 1972, the song “Living Next Door to Alice” charted at No. 35 in Australia. British band Smokie later recorded their version in November 1976. Smokie’s rendition became a worldwide hit, peaking at number five on the UK Singles Chart and reaching 25 in the United States.
The song revolves around unspoken affection, missed opportunities, and life changes. The protagonist has silently admired Alice, his neighbor of 24 years, but never expressed his feelings. When Alice announces her departure, he reflects on their friendship and childhood memories, heartbroken as he watches her drive away in a limousine. In the final verse, Sally reveals that she has been waiting for him for 24 years.
Lyrics
Sally called when she got the word
And she said: "I suppose you've heard
About Alice"
When I rushed to the window
And I looked outside
And I could hardly believe my eyes
As a big limousine rolled up
Into Alice's drive...
Oh, I don't know why she's leaving
Or where she's gonna go
I guess she's got her reasons
But I just don't want to know
'Cos for twenty-four years
I've been living next door to Alice
Twenty-four years just waiting for a chance
To tell her how I feel, and maybe get a second glance
Now I've got to get used to not living next door to Alice...
We grew up together
Two kids in the park
We carved our initials
Deep in the bark
Me and Alice
Now she walks through the door
With her head held high
Just for a moment, I caught her eye
As a big limousine pulled slowly
Out of Alice's drive
Oh, I don't know why she's leaving
Or where she's gonna go
I guess she's got her reasons
But I just don't want to know
'Cos for twenty-four years
I've been living next door to Alice
Twenty-four years just waiting for a chance
To tell her how I feel, and maybe get a second glance
Now I gotta get used to not living next door to Alice...
And Sally called back and asked how I felt
And she said: "I know how to help
Get over Alice"
She said: "Now Alice is gone
But I'm still here
You know I've been waiting
For twenty-four years..."
And a big limousine disappeared...
I don't know why she's leaving
Or where she's gonna go
I guess she's got her reasons
But I just don't want to know
'Cos for twenty-four years
I've been living next door to Alice
Twenty-four years just waiting for a chance
To tell her how I feel, and maybe get a second glance
But I'll never get used to not living next door to Alice...
No, I'll never get used to not living next door to Alice...
admin