Would?

Alice In Chains' song 'Would?' is a powerful grunge anthem that delves into themes of addiction, regret, and the struggle for redemption. The lyrics, penned by the band's guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell, are often interpreted as a tribute to the late Andrew Wood, lead singer of the bands Malfunkshun and Mother Love Bone, who died of a heroin overdose in 1990. The song reflects on the impact of Wood's death on the Seattle music scene and serves as a poignant commentary on the destructive nature of addiction.

The opening lines, 'Know me broken by my master,' could be interpreted as the speaker acknowledging their own brokenness due to addiction, which is often personified as a 'master' that controls one's life. The phrase 'Teach thee on child love hereafter' suggests a desire to pass on lessons learned from these experiences, possibly to prevent others from falling into the same trap. The recurring lines 'Into the flood again / Same old trip it was back then' evoke the cyclical nature of addiction, where individuals find themselves repeatedly returning to their destructive habits.

The song's chorus questions the consequences of the speaker's actions, pondering whether they have gone too far and left loved ones behind. The repeated phrase 'Am I wrong?' indicates a sense of doubt and introspection, while the final line 'If I would, could you?' leaves the listener with an open-ended question about forgiveness and the possibility of change. The song's emotional weight is amplified by the band's signature heavy guitar riffs and Layne Staley's intense vocal delivery, making 'Would?' a haunting reflection on the human condition.