Feel Alright

Steve Earle's song "Feel Alright" delves into the life of a man who has faced numerous challenges and adversities but emerges with a sense of resilience and defiance. The opening lines, "I was born my papa's son / A wanderin' eye and a smokin' gun," set the stage for a character who is inherently rebellious and troubled. This persona is someone who society might want to lock away or hide, hoping he would disappear. Yet, despite these societal pressures, he declares, "I feel alright - I feel alright tonight," showcasing his unyielding spirit.

The song's narrative continues with the protagonist offering "precious contraband" and "ancient tales from distant lands," suggesting a life filled with adventure, danger, and perhaps illicit activities. These tales of "conquerors and concubines" and "conjurers from darker times" paint a picture of a man who has seen and experienced much, including betrayal, conspiracy, sacrilege, and heresy. These elements highlight the darker aspects of human nature and history, which the protagonist seems to have intimately known.

In the final verses, the character claims to possess everything one might want or need, from "your darkest fear" to "your fondest dream." This duality of offering both dreams and fears, coupled with his ability to "ask you questions, tell you lies / Criticize and sympathize," makes him a complex and multifaceted figure. His warning, "Be careful what you wish for friend / Because I've been to hell and now I'm back again," serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of one's desires and the resilience required to overcome life's hellish experiences. Through this song, Steve Earle captures the essence of a troubled yet resilient soul who, despite everything, feels alright tonight.