Meaning of "When Everything Was Alright" by Sam Roberts

"When Everything Was Alright" by Sam Roberts delves into themes of regret, nostalgia, and self-awareness. The repeated references to a time when "everything was all right" suggest a longing for a simpler, happier past. The lyrics convey a sense of self-reflection, as the singer acknowledges making the same mistakes repeatedly and feeling blind to the consequences. The lack of love and feeling of being used by another person is evident in lines like "You can't be true, and I'm spendin' all my money making sure that things are going right for you." The singer's descent into paranoia and living in fear, as well as the mention of physical ailments like jaundice, all add to the sense of despair and self-destruction. The final lines, where the singer addresses a son and speaks of never going to heaven due to his actions, hint at a moral lesson or a sense of personal responsibility for one's choices. Overall, the song conveys a deep sense of longing for a time when life seemed easier and more joyful, while also grappling with the complexities of human relationships and personal accountability.