I Will Buy You A New Life

Album: So Much For The Afterglow (1997)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a personal song written by lead singer Art Alexakis. When his daughter Anna was a baby, he and his ex-wife would go to a wealthy neighborhood in the West Hills of Portland, Oregon. They would look at the fancy houses, drive around and fantasize about living there. One day, after the success of Everclear, Art bought one of those houses and moved into the neighborhood.
  • Alexakis: "It wasn't about the money, it was about a different kind of life, giving all of yourself to another person. It's the ultimate romantic song to me." (Check out our interview with Art Alexakis.)

Comments: 10

  • Steph from GeorgiaI’ve loved this song since it’s debut, a lyrical masterpiece. However, I really thought there was a little different meaning to it, like, it was sarcasm at its best because u can’t really “buy” a new life….none the less, it’s great.
  • Erica from Texarkana kyle from boston-- i have been wondering the same thing since 1997 when i first heard this song... any ideas?
  • Allard Wood from Spartanburg , Scthe girl in the video now plays Victoria Newman on Young and the Restless.
  • Charlie from Philadelphia Area, PaI kind of took the song as him singing to his ex wife more than a current wife " here is the money that i owe you"
  • Kyle from Boston, MaWhat does the line "I moved in with the strangest guy
    Can you believe he actually thinks that I am really alive" mean?
  • Jon from Oakridge, OrLike the entire CD, a great artwork.
  • Guess from Somewhere, Moroccoi absolutely love this song.and yeah it was written by art about him wanting to give his family a better life. if you guys havent already seen the video too, go check it out! i loved the way art looks like he's about to burst out laughing throughout the song as he's singing along. and the girl in the vid is gorgeous..looks a little like denise richards.
  • Anonymousthis was the first song i ever heard by them. I LOVE IT
  • Elly from Columbus, Ohi love this song & it shows that art is a great father
  • Tyler from Buffalo, Nyits about Alexakis,like most fathers wanting the best in life for his wife and kid(s)and striving to give them the best
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.