25/02/2023
For this week’s edition of SYHOTERTH, we’ll talk about Gilbert O’ Sullivan’s 1972 smash, “Alone Again (Naturally),” which is easily the most depressing song to ever hit #1 on the Billboard 100.
The thing is, we don’t actually hate this song, and in fact, find it earnest and heartfelt. But man, is it depressing. In the span of 3:36 the singer: 1) Gets left at the altar; 2) questions the existence of God; 3) loses his father; 4) watches his mom die of heartbreak; and 5) contemplates su***de. That’s some pretty heavy lifting for anyone.
This spent 6 non-consecutive weeks at #1 from July to September of 1972, which makes us wonder of the state of mind of the American record buying public. I blame Nixon.
The fact that he was only 21 when he wrote it makes it even more perplexing. Poor guy. This song is guaranteed to make the ride down even more depressing.
enjoy. gilbert o'sullivans alone again in its original form. not that cruddy kareoke version with redubbed crap over the original. this is the real deal L...