I'm Not Alright

Album: Amaryllis (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This ballad with an Irish folk flavor features a variety of instruments including Trumpets, Trombones, Violins, Violas and Cellos. The use of strings on this and several other Amaryllis tracks was down to producer Rob Cavallo. Drummer Barry Kerch recalled to Alternative Addiction: "He thought that one of the songs was missing something, he didn't know what for a while and then he shouted 'f--k! I know, it needs strings' and then it was strings on this song, that song the other song. On other songs it was horns, or a synthesizer on others. We had a thirty seven piece orchestra on this record and one song had a fifteen piece horn section. Why? well because why not. It worked, it's fun and it's experimental."
  • This song is about being comfortable in your own skin. Kerch explained to Alternative Addiction: "It's autobiographical about Brent (Smith, vocals) saying hey, I'm really not alright, I'm a bit crazy but I'm alright with it."

Comments: 2

  • Zero from The Abyss, NjBrent hits some difficult notes in this song. I try to sing it, and I can do it, but it's hard!
  • Zero from Nowhere, NjI thought he said, "I Like crossing the line AND SLOWLY losing my mind." Whatever, great song!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up Musicians

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up MusiciansSong Writing

Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."