Meaning of "It's Never Alright" by Dwight Yoakam

"It's Never Alright" by Dwight Yoakam explores the complex and often contradictory nature of human emotions. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation towards the inevitability of imperfection in life. The repeated refrain of "it's never alright" emphasizes the idea that no matter how hard we try or how much we hope for things to improve, there will always be a sense of unease or dissatisfaction lingering beneath the surface. This could be interpreted as a reflection on the fleeting nature of happiness and contentment, as well as the continuous cycle of hope and disappointment that accompanies the human experience. The speaker's struggle to hold on to positive memories and feelings, only to find them slipping away, highlights the fragility of our emotional states and the futility of trying to control or predict our own happiness. The juxtaposition of love being better when set free but still never truly feeling alright suggests a paradoxical relationship between freedom and security, and the eternal longing for a sense of peace or completeness that remains out of reach.