Meaning of "Used To Be Alright" by I Mother Earth

The lyrics of "Used To Be Alright" by I Mother Earth convey a deep sense of longing and nostalgia for a time that the narrator perceives as better and more fulfilling. The opening lines describe the enjoyment of wine and engaging conversations, highlighting a sense of contentment and camaraderie. The mention of the early morning hour suggests a deep connection and intimacy shared by the narrator and their companions.

The song reminisces about a specific experience in New Orleans, where the narrator and their friends indulged in a week-long drug-induced haze. This recollection represents a period of uninhibited joy and freedom, where they felt untethered from societal norms and expectations. The reference to the moon and sun in fog symbolizes a brief moment of enchantment and transcendence before reality sets in. The sleepless nights spent on road trips with outstretched hands, seeking new experiences and unconstrained existence, further emphasize the longing for a simpler and more carefree time.

The lyrics transition to a contrasting reality where the city smells foul on hot days and the environment feels suffocating. The narrator expresses discontent with the current state of the world and a longing for a return to their idyllic past. They yearn for the innocence and purity of the countryside and the nostalgic memories associated with it, such as the garbage dump near the dried up creek. The sarcastic line "Somebody shoot me soon" reveals the narrator's frustrations and weariness with the overwhelming pressures and hardships of life.

The song also touches on themes of disillusionment and a desire for authenticity. The reference to constantly needing faith to find stability and breaking vows suggests a loss of trust and disappointment in the institutions or systems that were once relied upon. The narrator is exhausted and feels a sense of brokenness, reflected in their physical and emotional state, with overheating and broken veins symbolizing their weariness.

In the final verse, the lyrics shift to a more universal perspective, highlighting society's problems and the narrator's role within it. The idea of being a face in the crowd reflects a loss of individuality and the struggle to be seen and heard amidst the chaos. The mention of a river running through someone's pants signifies vulnerability and fear of trust, as well as the narrator's willingness to help despite this lack of trust.

The repetition of longing for the "days of trippin' down the long road" and the acceptance that the truth and new thoughts "used to be all right" reinforce the central theme of yearning for a better time. The lyrics explore the universal human desire to escape the complexities of the present and return to a past where everything seemed easier, more satisfying, and in harmony with nature and oneself.