Layne

Album: 14 Shades Of Grey (2003)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written as a tribute to the lead singer of Alice In Chains, Layne Staley, a big influence on Staind. Layne passed away the same day Staind lead singer Aaron Lewis' daughter Zoe Jane was born. Aaron thought Layne's death was portrayed as a typical junkie rock and roll death. He thought Layne's life was never given a proper tribute to his life, and his influence on rock and roll still lives today. This song is an attempt to keep his memory alive.
  • Layne died on April 5, 2002. Eight years earlier on the same day, Kurt Cobain died. Both were addicted to drugs, but Kurt also used drugs to forget his stomach pains. R.I.P. Kurt and Layne. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Sarah - Toronto, Canada, for above 2

Comments: 14

  • Neenee from FloridaI think the underappreciation of Layne comes because of the short period of time that the original Alice in Chains fully together. I love this song and kudos to Aaron Lewis and Staind for knocking it out of the park.
  • Chains4life from IndianaCannot believe I am just now picking up on this song. Thank you for bringing it to life. It is a beautiful tribute.
  • Nutshell from Tennessee Alice and chains has had a HUGE impact in my life and with my addiction. I am young but I’ve been down into the deep end, almost not sure if I could ever reach the surface again. I’ve lost my bestfriend to the addiction that I thought I could never relieve myself of.. him and Layne have a special place in my heart always..
  • Kayla from Oklahoma City, OkGod, Layne Staley deserves a freaking MONUMENT, but this is good too. Just enough that bands like Godsmack and Staind can benefit and make music just as beautiful as Alice in Chains, though nothing will ever beat the original... r.i.p Layne.

    ((This song should've been a single...))
  • Spog Zallagi from Blue Hill, MePersonally, Layne AND Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam) are both equally my fav hard rock singers of all time.
  • Spog Zallagi from Blue Hill, MeI first suspected this song was about Layne (before I connected with the name of the song) because of how similar Aaron sang like him. It sounded TOO MUCH like Alice In Chains when I was first listening and I knew something was up.
  • Megan from Almonte, OnLet's hope Zoe becomes a fan of Alice In Chains, it was very respectful for Aaron to write this song for Layne. R.I.P man, R.I.P
  • Nikola from Svilajnac, SerbiaLayne's music have changed my life and I think that I am the biggest fun of Alice In Chains and Layne. It's great to see that other musician like Staind respect this awesome singer and I would like to thank Staind for recogising the most beautiful side of music. Thank you Staind. Layne R.i.p. and like the people in my country say POCIVAJ U MIRU! Nikola, Serbia, Europe
  • Erin from Tulsa, Oki dont care what others say, kurt cobain was good, but layne staley will always be the very best frontman of all time.
  • Joseph Taylor from Canton , Galayne staley maybe be the most underrated lead man off all time. alice in chains were hands down the best group out of seattle and dont get the respect they should get. its nice to see another great artist give them respect
  • Kenne from Phoenix, AzThis was a nice tribute; he didn't feel exactly the way some do, but it's a nice homage.
  • Russell from Cape Town, South Africawhen i first heard this song i was like wtf is aaron trying to do!trying to sound like the late great layne but after a few listens,i realised that aaron is a fan just like me.beautiful song for a beautiful voice.RIP LAYNE!
  • Laine from Detroit, MiThis is a great song, it really pays respects to an awesome musician. People need to take notice!
  • Elisabeth from N/a, Ini love Layne Staley and i really love this song RIP layne
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Joe Elliott of Def Leppard

Joe Elliott of Def LeppardSongwriter Interviews

The Def Leppard frontman talks about their "lamentable" hit he never thought of as a single, and why he's juiced by his Mott The Hoople cover band.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.