We're All Alone
Rita Coolidge
Embracing Solitude and Letting Go: The Essence of 'We're All Alone'
The song 'We're All Alone' by Rita Coolidge is a poignant ballad that speaks to the themes of solitude, introspection, and the acceptance of life's ephemeral nature. The lyrics suggest a sense of resignation to the inevitable changes and endings that life brings, while also finding comfort in the solitude that accompanies these moments.
The opening lines set a melancholic tone with the imagery of unending rain, symbolizing a period of sadness or hardship. The invitation to 'cry no more' and the dream that 'will take us out to sea' suggest a desire to escape from the pain and to find solace in a dreamlike, peaceful place. This place is away from the world's troubles, where one can be alone and undisturbed. The sea is often used as a metaphor for the subconscious or the unknown, and in this song, it represents a tranquil refuge.
The repeated advice to 'close the window, calm the light' and the assurance that 'it will be alright' serve as a comforting mantra to soothe the listener. The act of closing the window could be seen as shutting out external troubles and focusing inward, while calming the light might symbolize reducing the intensity of one's worries. The song encourages letting go of the past ('Once a story's told, It can't help but grow old') and embracing the present moment with someone dear, even if that moment is fleeting. The acceptance of life's impermanence and the beauty of transient relationships are central to the song's message.