Take Me To The Alley by Gregory Porter

Album: Take Me To The Alley (2016)

License This Song

lyrics

Songfacts®:

The title song of Gregory Porter's fourth album, "Take Me To The Alley" finds him singing of redirecting the collective energy we often give to royalty to the downtrodden. The track was written in New York during Pope Francis' visit to the Big Apple.
The lyrics were inspired by the singer's late mother Ruth, who often gave food and shelter to the less fortunate. Though she died of breast cancer when he was a student, Porter still feels her influence. "The energy from 'Take Me To The Alley' comes from my mother," he told The Sun. "We would drive the streets looking for people who were in need of something, whether it would be food, housing or people who were addicted to alcohol or drugs."

"She was looking for people who were in trouble and I helped," Porter continued. "That is the way she rolled. And that's why emotionally Take Me To The Alley is my favorite and just feels good."

"I feel my mother's energy and I feel a social message coming out in that, Porter added. "It's not a sexy or romantic message but it feels good to me when I sing it. Musically it is the simplicity that draws you in."

Comments: 3

Gary Sherrill from TexasGod bless you, Gregory. I recently became an assistant Chaplain for the Union Gospel Mission Tarrant County in Fort Worth, TX. This song touched me and, with your permission, will use it for the Outside Guest's Chapel.
Mazza from LondonThe song refers to Jesus not royalty. Listen to the song again and this time think of Jesus appearing at Christmas time and asking to be taken to the alley to meet the afflicted and lost ones.
James May from Inglewood,ca.Just wanna say that that is my favorite songs by you.I play it once a day to remind myself of the less fortunate.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Silver SpringsFleetwood Mac

Stevie Nicks got the title for the Fleetwood Mac song "Silver Springs" from the city of Silver Spring, Maryland, but the song has nothing to do with the city - it's a message to her bandmate Lindsey Buckingham following their split.

StayLisa Loeb

"Stay" by Lisa Loeb was the first #1 hit by an unsigned artist. It got a boost from Ethan Hawke, who got it into a movie he starred in called Reality Bites.

Coming HomeDiddy - Dirty Money

"Coming Home" by Diddy - Dirty Money was originally iwritten for for T.I., who was getting out of prison at the time.

We're Going To Be FriendsThe White Stripes

The White Stripes song "We're Going To Be Friends" is very innocent, but Jack White feared it would be interpreted cynically. It wasn't, and was even adapted into a children's book.

Rockin' In The Free WorldNeil Young

"Rockin' In The Free World" is a very pro-America title, but the song takes on politicians who are indifferent to the poor and disenfranchised.

The Air That I BreatheThe Hollies

The Hollies hit "The Air That I Breathe" was written in part as a reaction to the smog in Los Angeles.

Editor's Picks

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.