Fully Alive

Album: Flyleaf (2005)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was inspired by Layla Palmer, the wife of Kevin Palmer (lead vocalist of Amity Lane, formerly of Trust Company). Layla has a condition called Palindromic Rheumatism, which causes her joints to fill with fluid, leaving her in great pain for months at a time and barely able to move. Despite her struggles she remains productive and positive, and an inspiration to Flyleaf lead singer Lacey Mosley. Said Mosley: "She's an awesome person, and you would never guess in a million years that she has the struggle that she has. Kinda changed my perspective about the way that I complain about things, the way that I wake up sad for no reason, and then she wakes up just glad to wake up."

    Palmer is an interior designer who runs a blog called The Lettered Cottage. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Tim - PGH, PA
  • When Kristen May joined Flyleaf as their new lead singer in 2012, the band made sure she knew the meaning behind this song, which she took to heart. As May found out, it's a very powerful song during live performances.

Comments: 7

  • Rhu from TexasBro, this song is so amazing! It really does display God’s joy inside Layla Palmer that inspired Lacey Mosley to write this. It just makes me think about my suffering and that if Layla can be happy with her condition, I can be as well.
  • Alex from Atlanta, GaYeah, they are christian.
  • Cole from Atlanta, Gais this a christian band? this song kinda makes me think they are just because of the lyrics
  • Erik from Brownwood , Txafter hearing the lyrics and knowing what its about i get chills
  • Ana from Monroe, AfghanistanLayla Palmer is in her 20's and has some sort of rare arthritis , sometimes she can't walk. But she just wakes up glad to be alive and looks forward to a bright future.
  • Angela from Sacramento, CaDoes anyone know Layla Palmer's story, or exactly why FlyLeaf shows her such respect?
    I'd love to know more about her.
  • Joshua from Celina, OhFlyleaf rocks! I almost got the chance to see them at BattleCry in Michigan but Lacey Mosley was sick...Sadly.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

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.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.