Meaning of "Alone, Together" by The Strokes

The lyrics of "Alone, Together" delve into the desperate mindset of the protagonist who feels trapped and resigned to their circumstances. The line "No choice now, it's too late" suggests a sense of fatalism, as if the protagonist has reached a point of no return. They seem to be addressing a person named Lisa who demands their attention, but the protagonist feels drained and broken, depicted by the phrase "Dropping him down to his knees, Oh, chest down." This imagery conjures a visage of someone defeated and submissive.

The protagonist seeks escape from their circumstances, yearning for someone to "take me away." They long for the familiar comfort of the past, lamenting how things have permanently changed. The line "Life seems unreal" reflects their detachment from reality, possibly due to the effects of addiction. The suggestion to "go back to your place" could symbolize returning to a place of solace and familiarity, seeking refuge from the chaos of the outside world.

Throughout the lyrics, there is an emphasis on the destructive nature of addiction. The line "You drink too much" serves as both an accusation and a validation, implying that the protagonist's drinking habits are influenced by others. There is a sense of self-awareness, acknowledging that the protagonist's excessive drinking is a response to the behavior or expectations of those around them. The repetition of "makes me drink just the same" further emphasizes this point, highlighting the cycle of destructive habits and the inability to break free from them.

The latter half of the song takes a darker turn, exploring themes of violence and exploitation. The lines "He knows it's justified to kill to survive, He then in dollars makes more dead than alive" suggest a willingness to harm others in order to get ahead in life. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the relentless pursuit of success and the sacrifices that are often made along the way.

Despite the bleakness of the lyrics, there is a sense of camaraderie and acceptance in the line "I am with you." It implies a shared experience and understanding between the protagonist and the subject of the song. The repeated refrain "Things, they have changed in such a permanent way" reinforces the idea that the circumstances being described are irreversible, and the protagonist finds solace in the company of another who can relate to their struggles.