Alone – Bee Gees

We’ll be adding a few Bee Gees songs retrospectively over the coming months as we draw this Music Library Project to a close. I was watching AGAIN their fabulous One Night Only concert in Las Vegas (1997) and was reminded just how many gems they have out there, some of which I regretfully overlooked. Today’s featured track, Alone, is one such song that I’m relieved to have finally included.

I remember hearing this song soon after its release in 1997 and being captivated by it. Alone is the opening track of their 21st studio album, Still Waters, and one of the later releases in their vast music catalogue. In fact, Alone was the Bee Gees’ 30th and final US Top 40 hit and peaked at No. 5 in the UK. It’s a more reflective track than many of their earlier hits, and there’s a noticeable maturity and restraint in their sound.

Alone is such a neat package, too, since it has everything I like about their music and melodies wrapped up in one song. When you watch the three of them perform, it’s hard not to be saddened by the knowledge that Barry is the only one still alive. To be the oldest brother and see all three of your younger brothers pass away must be heartbreaking (including Andy Gibb of course who was not a member of The Bee Gees). And when you consider the title and the sentiment behind today’s song, particularly the line ‘I don’t want to be alone‘, it makes it all the more poignant and sorrowful.

There’s some great singing in this song, including Barry’s familiar falsetto, but the real standout for me is Robin Gibb’s intimate and plaintive voice in the chorus: So I play, I’ll wait / ‘Cause you know that love takes time. The brothers take alternate lead vocals throughout the track, with both Barry and Robin making good use of their trademark falsetto. The interplay between their voices is one of the song’s great strengths and a fine example of what made the group so special.

Robin’s voice has always been so unique and stands out like few others. It carries a profound sense of fragility, longing and confession. It’s just so penetrating and really touches the soul. Whenever he sings, I find myself fascinated by the peculiar emotional quality of his voice and expression. Also, Robin is also a real professional in how he comports himself throughout this concert – a true class act.

Maurice Gibb remarked about the song:

‘…Because of the harmony and that chorus, it was like a bit of ’50s as well. And I like the idea of being that sort of Beatlesque type of song. I wanted that rambling. That sort of Byrds type, the 12-string thing going, but we just did it with the bagpipes instead and made it all connect. It was a very exciting demo. We weren’t too sure about the bagpipes, but Robin actually persisted. He said, “They’re great; you gotta keep the bagpipes.”‘

I’ve presented below their live version from one of my favourite concerts ever. You can also find the official video below that. Thanks, as always, for reading.

[Verse 1]
I was a midnight rider on a cloud of smoke
I could make a woman hang on every single stroke
I was an iron man, I had a master plan
But I was alone

[Verse 2]
I could hear you breathing with a sigh of the wind
I remember how your body started tremblin’
Oh, what a night it’s been
And for the state I’m in
I’m still alone

[Bridge]
And all the wonders made for the earth
And all the hearts in all creation
Somehow I always end up alone (Always end up alone)
Always end up alone

[Chorus]
So I play, I’ll wait
‘Cause you know that love takes time
We came so far (So far)
Just the beat of a lonely heart
And it’s mine
And I don’t wanna be alone

[Verse 3]
Well, since I got no message on your answer phone
Since you’re busy every minute, I just stay at home
I make believe you care, I feel you everywhere
But I’m still alone

[Verse 4]
I’m on a wheel of fortune with a twist of fate
‘Cause I know it isn’t Heaven, is it love or hate?
Am I the subject of the pain?
Am I the stranger in the rain?
I am alone
And if there glory there to behold
Maybe it’s my imagination
Another story there to be told

[Chorus]

[Bridge]
And all the wonders made for the earth
And all the hearts in all creation
Another story there to be told

[Chorus]

[Outro]
Gone but not out of sight
I’m caught in the rain and there’s no one home
Face the heat of the night
The one that you love got a heart that’s made of stone
Shine and search for the light
And sooner or later you’ll be cruisin’ on your ocean
(And I don’t want to be alone)
Shine and clean out of sight
I’m caught in the rain and there’s no one home
(And I don’t want to be alone)
Face the heat of the night
The one that you love got a heart that’s made of stone
(And I don’t want to be alone)
Shine and search for the light
And sooner or later you’ll be cruisin’ on your ocean
(And I don’t want to be alone)
Shine and clean out of sight
I’m caught in the rain and there’s no one home
(And I don’t want to be alone)

References:
1. Alone (Bee Gees song) – Wikipedia