Alive

Album: Alive (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Ben Haenow's first independent release since parting ways from Simon Cowell's Syco label, this heartfelt anthem is dedicated to all of his devoted fans.

    "My inspiration for 'Alive' was and is the fans," said Haenow. "I had the idea for the song towards the end of the first tour which was after the drop from Syco. I had doubts about carrying on, and it was really the support of the fans that kept me going and kept my dream alive.

    "I owe it all to them and wanted to write almost a thank you song," he continued. "Going out on stage night after night on that tour and having people singing along and going crazy at the shows is an incredible feeling. It gave me my confidence back after parting ways with a major label."
  • The impassioned song was co-written by Ben Haenow with his brother Alex.
  • The performance-based video was shot at Fu Manchu in London during a July 2017 gig. Speaking about the shoot, Haenow said:

    "Making the video was great fun. It was really nice to have my bro with me, though he's no Kelly Clarkson lol. We filled the club with smoke. At most points, we couldn't see the cameras so it just felt like a performance.

    Obviously as it's the first single and video since going independent, and my sound has developed and changed a fair bit from the first album, the video feels a bit more gritty and edgy which kind of felt more natural. No gimmicks, no huge budget and no running through streets (which I'm grateful for as I'm getting on a bit) so it was just me and the band. Having the fans there was a real buzz too and, for me, it felt like being part of something special."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The Kingdom

Gavin Rossdale On Lyric Inspirations and Bush's Album The KingdomSongwriter Interviews

The Bush frontman on where he finds inspiration for lyrics, if his "machine head" is a guitar tuner, and the stories behind songs from the album The Kingdom.

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" Album

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" AlbumSong Writing

In the summer of 1990, you could get arrested for selling a 2 Live Crew album or performing their songs in Southern Florida. And that's exactly what happened.

N.W.A vs. the World

N.W.A vs. the WorldSong Writing

How the American gangsta rappers made history by getting banned in the UK.

Ralph Casale  - Session Pro

Ralph Casale - Session ProSongwriter Interviews

A top New York studio musician, Ralph played guitar on many '60s hits, including "Lightnin' Strikes," "A Lover's Concerto" and "I Am A Rock."

Eagles Lyrics Quiz

Eagles Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Lots of life lessons in these Eagles lyrics - can you match them to the correct song?