In 2020 Nathaniel Rateliff released his third studio album And It’s Still Alright. He wrote the album during a tough time in his life (his divorce and the death of a close friend) so it makes sense that the lyrics from this album would cut deep. The most emotionally charged song on the album is the title track. In fact, Nathaniel Rateliff’s “And It’s Still Alright” may be his masterpiece. Within a single song exists heartache, healing, and resilience. I’ve quoted this song already, but it deserves a spotlight.
They say you learn a lot out there
Nathaniel Rateliff
How to scorch and burn
Gonna have to bury your friends
Then you’ll find it gets worse
Standing out on the ledge
With no way to get down
You start praying for wings to grow
Oh, baby, just let go
From the beginning, this song sets a contemplative and introspective mood—perfect for the Hangover Cafe—with its gentle acoustic guitar melody. His vocals also draw you in effortlessly and while it doesn’t quite feel like voyeurism, it does skirt the notion that you’re reading his personal journal. By the time we’re introduced to the opening lyrics, the singer has already experienced his profound loss(es). He lets us into his mind and how nothing has worked out the way he thought it would. But almost from the beginning, he shows his resolve. Yes, things are bad, “But it’s still alright.” It’s simple to the point that it’s almost dismissive. However, I get the notion that he’s spent countless hours dwelling on his low points only to come to the same conclusion each and every time: everything is going to be okay.
Or, as a relative taught me to call that, “EGBOK.”
As poignant as the song begins, Rateliff manages to go deeper still as the song progresses. That third verse that I quoted above is one that I readily identified with. Who among us hasn’t been out on a ledge, metaphorical or otherwise, wondering where the hell we go from here and how? Who among us hasn’t asked for a miracle at some of our lowest points ever? As soon as he finishes that verse, the orchestral accompaniment swoops in and lifts us from that ledge. I adore those wings.
With chord progressions, subtle voice quivers, sharp lyrics, and a haunting refrain, this song marries music and message perfectly. The singer seals up the juxtaposition of pain and hope perfectly at the song’s end. “Your idle hands are all that stands / From your time in the dark / But it’s still alright” and it’s from these lyrics that I take the most profound message of all: If I am going to be all right, it’s up to me. Sitting around doing nothing leads to darkness. Additionally, my own hands can actively create endless darkness. But I can also use them to pull me from that abyss by letting my fingers walk and talk across this keyboard. Or by playing (poorly) my bass. Planting a garden. Working the throttle and clutch of my motorcycle. Burning a futon. You get the idea. I’ve belabored it enough.
Please, take care of yourselves. The world benefits from your existence. I hope you’ll remember that anytime you hear Nathaniel Rateliff’s “And It’s Still Alright.” Put it on repeat if you must.
