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Songfacts:  You can leave comments about the song at the bottom of the page.

This song is about going through rehab and its aftermath. The last part of the lyrics wonders if the future is any more promising.

Guitarist Jerry Cantrell wrote this song for the late lead singer of Mother Love Bone, Andrew Wood, a very influential figure in the Seattle music scene. Wood died of a heroin overdose in 1990. Two of his band mates in Mother Love Bone, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament, went on to form Pearl Jam. (thanks Live Freak - Beirut, Lebanon)

This first appeared on the soundtrack to the 1992 movie Singles, where Alice In Chains appeared as a bar band.

Sadness and drug addiction played a big part in the band's music for the rest of their career. Their songs often reflected the life of lead singer Layne Staley, who died of a drug overdose in 2002.

Cantrell sang the intro on this. Lead singer Layne Staley had to convince him to do it.

When released as a single, the B-side was "Man in the Box," a huge hit on rock radio. That song was from their previous album, Facelift (1990).

Even though this single did much better in the UK, the album fared significantly better in the US, reaching #4, while in the UK it only hit #42.

This was included on Alice In Chains' 1996 a live album from their acoustic performance on MTV Unplugged. The album sold over a million copies.

Comments:

This is badass. love how cantrel does the beginning lyrics on this
- Matt, Houston, TX

Would is one of the best songs by Alice in Chains by far
- William, Pheonix, AZ

The song would? to me is a metiphor. My interpretation its about a relationship with two people how are using drugs at least the last part of the song seems to me that there taling to someone. Anyway this is what i feel their saying Know me broken by my master( Herion ) . Teach thee child of love here after (Hooked first time using. So i made a big mistake(Relapes) Try to see it once my way (accept it) Im i wrong? the end seems to be asking have i hurt you to much for being addict. If i would? ( stop using ) could you (stop using) i left a post on lyric interpretation as well about this song. There is a lot more to it then it seems. You have to listen to it not just here it.
- stephanie, Riverside ca, CA

one of the best grunge songs I've ever heard - one might even say a masterpiece. The beautiful dark, haunting harmonies with Cantrell and Layne just sends me. The deep, driving base and guitar work later in the song pushes you to the edge. Nothing else like it in the world of rodk. God bless and RIP Layne Staley. We are saddened not only in your early loss, but in what treats would have been in our musical future that only you knew. Peace.
- Paul, Croydon, PA

the thing i liked most about alice in chains (layne staley era) was that when layne sang you could feel his pain as he was singing these songs. Nirvana, I never could get. Kurt sounded like he was one of those whiny people that goes around moping and saying, "my life sucks, i'm so bored i'll write a song and make a million off of my woes." Puh-lease!
- jane, austin, TX

I only wish i would have seen them when the were together and instead i wasnt as into them then as i am now. Im 28 and in 92' I was thirteen so thats my only regret. I am almost obsessed with him because i feel his lyrics and music and i just wish there was something I could have done to help him. I also use and when I listen to his music it makes me want to even more, like its ok or something...thats f'd up I know.
- leighann, Buffalo, NY

The line "If I would could you" means(in my opinion" that the narrator is questioning someone else that if they were in their shoes would they have done things better of differently.
- Austin, Smallsville,New England, --

Thiis sung is about Andrew Woods off Green river and also was about Staleys dad and how staley made the mistake of him doing heroin like he did!
- Kermsit, Plainfield, IL

would?talks about layne's mistake which was being heroin user like his father was and it's clear INTO THE FLOOD AGAIN SAME OLD TRIP WAS BACK THEN SO I MADE A BIG MISTAKE TRY TO SEE IT ONCE MY WAY
- Elie, antelias, Lebanon

Kurt is just as cool as Layne and they both changed the grunge seen forever
- Brendan, vermontville, MI

Layne Staley is probably THE BEST singer of the 90's,and AIC one of the most original bands...Of all the grunge bands,most of my respect goes to AIC... R.I.P. Layne...
- Stefan, Stara Pazova, Yugoslavia

Layne Staley was Wayyyy cooler than Kurt cobain!! the only reason people idolize Cobain is because he blew his head off when his band was still in the spotlight. RIP Layne
- Jeff, Austin, TX

So many of the talented singers from the Grunge era are dead. It's very sad. They seem forever locked in that period of time. I always wonder how they would sound had they survived. I was a child of the 50's and 60's and grew up loving the Beatles,Elvis,Led Zeppelin and the Who. Most of the 60's English invasion bands and Bands like the Byrds and CCR. It's strange to look back and think John Lennon was frozen in time at 40 years old. I was 27 when he died. I am now 13 years older than he was when he was shot. It's just strange to look back and remember all that has happened in those years. So sad all the lost talent. Like Pete Townshend once said " Rock is like a huge raging inferno except it's fueled by the bodies of his friends". A good assessment by one who knows.
- Mark, Twin Cities Metro area, MN

Layne's fiance Demri Lara Parrott did not die of a heroin overdose, that much is clear. She died of endocarditis, which is an inflammation of the heart valves caused by bacteria. While the bacteria can be introduced into the bloodstream by dirty needles, many other things can cause it as well, including dental procedures (did you ever wonder why dentists give patients days of antibiotics before performing certain procedures? That's why).
- Tamara, Jacksonville, FL

I think i get it now...i think ii understand about the drugs and the "Master". hmm interesting.
- Dortez, Mesa, AZ

This is one of my favorite songs by them. Jerry Cantrell was a true musical artist, up there with Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. Honestly, this defines alternative/grunge music. I'm so glad Layne convinced Jerry to do the intro because Layne as we all know, has the most amazing beautiful voice this earth has ever known-- but Jerry has such a deep, melodic harmonizing, intro voice as well. Its so perfect when they sing together, or just alone. RIP Layne!!
- erin, tulsa, OK

Would? is the quintessential "alternative" rock song of the era. I would rate it right next to Smells like tean spirit. What is so much more powerful about Would? is it forshadows Layne's death so accurately, who could have known 12 years later L.S. would die a lonely death in Seattle. Listening to Would? performed on the unplugged album is even more haunting. In fact, L.S. wore fingerless gloves probaly to hide the needle marks on his hands.
- Ryan, Las Vegas, NV

this song probably is the soundtrack of the "cotemporary punk rock / grunge " era, i'd pick this over "teen spirit" on any day of the week,AIC are atrists in the truest sense, idont know why poeple undermine the song by sayin: "ooh...just another drug song",besides 2 me:all nirvana songs sound monotonous,they did'nt have half the versatility of wat AIC had
- talha, lahore, Pakistan

MTV sucks, what would they know about music? all they play are reality shows that are only watched by teenagers who are dumb enough to believe MTV is cool.
- kevin, Sandy, UT

This is surely one of the greatest rock songs. And every year at about april MTV Europe is kind of celebrating a Kurt Cobain memorial day and the whole time no one, really no one ever mentions the name Lane Staley. It's such a shame MTV!
- Toni, Vienna, Austria

I thought Layne died in 2001. Or was it 2002?
- Stefanie, Rock Hill, SC

I know this isn't really on the topic of AIC or the song, but I'm seeing so many references to singers that are/were great vocalisits, thatI had to throw in this glaring ommission from the list - Chris Cornell of Soundgarden & Audioslave! Hands down, this guy is the GREATEST male rock vocalist of all time.
- Jay, Long Island, NY

Jerry and layne were great, i will love alice in chains until the day i die... i think that layne did reflect alot on his life...but like any other great artist he woz famouse which means he wanted you to feel...when he shouts 'IF I COULD WOULD YOU?' to me that means put urself in my situation... if i would stop would i?
- Grant, stoke on trent, United States

This is one of the best Alice in Chains songs that I think has ever been made. Perhaps even the greatest grunge song ever. When it comes to grunge, I have much respect for Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana, but it pisses me off when many will remember Kurt Cobain on the anniversary of his death yet leave out Layne Staley.
- Kevin, Castaic, CA

What can I say about Alice In Chains? Its so apparent that they were the most talented band to ever come out of Seattle. Laynes voice was so beautiful and angry. Jerrys guitar playing was phenominal and his voice was made to sing with Staley. The bands influenced so many huge bands that are around now days. I hope Staley is at peace now, this is his 4 year anniversary today. Would is such a great song! Gotta love that bass line. " Did she call my name?? I think its gonna rain.....when I die!"
- Mike, Sonora, CA

This song is not just about going into rehab. It's about going into rehab and failing. But I firmly believe the song has a second meaning, or even many more: It has dark undertones and was indeed an ode, of sorts, to the MLB singer. "If I would, could you?" Could mean "If I could die, could you?" Or alternatively, "If I would quit, could you?" Food for thought man. But hey... I'm just a little drunk and high.
- Kevin, Calgary, Canada

yeh mother love bone was pearl jam's original band with out eddie and mike mcredi, pearl jam did a secret song on lsot dogs for layne
- Ed, Melbourne, Australia

The song is for andrew wood of mother love bone an early seatle band its for andrew and says IF I WOULD die of an overdose COULD YOU sing a song for me and layne and his girlfriend demri both died of a heroin OD but layne asked that her death was called a medical term which i forget. A mainstream and well know band did sing a song for him called layne but its not a good song more of a good try and respected effort, it didnt realy have anything to do with layne except his name was in it.
- bob, jimbotown, OH

layne did have a girlfriend.. her name was demri.. she died of a heroin overdose in 1996? i think.. layne and demri were so close.. i think thats one of the reasons layne just shut down oh and by the way layne and kurt [cobain ] died on my birthdate///// april 5
- matt, Braintree, MA

One of the best songs ever. I still get goose bumps when I listen to it.
- Jaime, Londonderry, OH

I read that this song was written about a guy in another band that died of an overdose. I don't recall the guys name though. Clearly a song dealing with drug dependancey.
- Jim, Troy, MO

Yeah D, I agree. My list of best, most powerful voices to the beautiful world of rock/metal are: Maynard, Ozzy, Axel, Bon Scott, Layne Staley, Jim Morrison. Okay so Ozzy and Jim probably aren't overly powerful, but so unique - you'll never hear another voice like either. What a shame AIC aren't and weren't given the recognition they so deserve.
- Elysia, Hamilton, New Zealand

The MTV Unplugged show is awesome. It's just really sad in some bits seeing Layne singing; He looks really broken and seems to want to hide the obvious signs of addiction his face. Will never ruin his beautiful, powerful voice though.
- Elysia, Hamilton, New Zealand

>>yeah i know. they are 2 of the best vocalists i know along with maynard james keenan from tool and royston langdon from spacehog. << Throw in Axl Rose and John Lennon and Jim Morrison...
- D, many, MA

phil you are spot on, they are so underrated
- andrew, harrisburg, PA

In response to "Polish, Crap-Hole, Poland", if Staley never resorted to using drugs, then Alice In Chains probably never would have been what it was. The thing that sets Alice In Chains apart from other grunge bands though is their vocals. Both Cantrell and Staley have excellent voices, and their voices mix and harmonize so well. If anyone here does not have the MTV unplugged album go get it. Now.
- Tom, Berlin, MD

Alice in Chains was in my opinion the best of the Grunge bands. They showed real talent on multiple album's. Cantrell showed he could write, and well Layne a true original vocalist, in a time of blandness. I embraced Alice in Chains because so many bands are so popular with no real talent or originality, they obviously were the exception! As with so many other greats Layne died way to soon, a tormented soul lost. And to top it off they are underated?
- PHIL, San Jose, CA

Layne was beautiful and didn't deserve to live life the way he did. He was dying for years and he didn't want real help. He needed a guide like a girlfriend (like me) to take him in and do drugs with a limit. He didn't know his limit and he loved drugs more then anything. We'll always miss and regret Layne's death..
- tif, NY, NY

I began listening to them when Layne died; my friend had a college radio show and played them for an hour straight, my fav band since then. supposedly theyre doing stuff with the lead singer from damage plan. I've heard Chris Cornell was Wood's roommate.
- everett, providence, RI

Well, I have to say...Alice in Chains is like my favorite band, next to Nirvana and STP...I love their doomy, sad sound; its what makes them unique...I just wish that Layne had never resulted to drugs and drinking...RIP LAYNE!
- Polish, Crap-Hole, Poland

A great song, full of powerful imagery. It's amazing that Nirvana became so popular while these guys never achieved the same cult status.
- steph, Ottawa, Canada

That was a very touching comment, Lorri. I "used" for about 15 years, but finally decided to stop before it killed me. I met a wonderful woman and have been clean for at least a decade now. I hope things are going well with you guy's struggle. It was very tough for me, but well worth it.
- Don, Spokane, WA

I always knew my husband was "stuck again" when I heard this song playing...he identified with the pain Layne Staley felt and the words of the song so strongly it was like his way of telling me baby, I'm using again...DAMN I don't want to but I am and I need HELP ! Listen for stuff like this people..in your family, friends, loves...doing so saved OUR lives...he's in rehab...and this time with God in his heart....he's done for good and not going out the way Layne did...Rest in Peace Layne, I wish you had someone to listen to you....
- Lorri, Elk Grove, CA

yeah i know. they are 2 of the best vocalists i know along with maynard james keenan from tool and royston langdon from spacehog. but i noticed the connection of gossard and amet from pearl jam who also starred in the movie singles which was the release of that song after 'dirt.' pearl jam cant act. and AIC was the best live show i saw in my life well after tool. sorry .
- Ben, Clemmons, ND

Cantrell and Stayley harmonized so well, sometimes you don't even realize their harmonizing it just sounds so perfect.
- Brian, Paoli, IN