Down in a Hole

Alice in Chains

About Down in a Hole

"Down in a Hole" is a power ballad by Alice in Chains, and the fifth and last single from their album Dirt (1992). It is the twelfth song on most pressings of the album and fourth or eleventh on others. The song was written by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell for his then-girlfriend, Courtney Clarke. The single spent 21 weeks on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks and peaked at No. 10. The song was included on the compilation albums Nothing Safe: Best of the Box (1999) and Music Bank (1999). An acoustic version performed on Alice in Chains' MTV Unplugged in 1996 was released in a live album and DVD. 


Year:
1999
5:37
171 
#3

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Bury me softly in this womb 
I give this part of me for you 
Sand rains down and here I sit 
Holding rare flowers 
In a tomb, in bloom 

Down in a hole and I don't know if I can be saved 
See my heart I decorate it like a grave 
You don't understand who they thought 
I was supposed to be 
Look at me now a man 
Who won't let himself be 

Down in a hole, feelin' so small 
Down in a hole, losin' my soul 
I'd like to fly, but my wings have been so denied 

Down in a hole and they've put all the stones in their place 
I've eaten the sun so my tongue 
Has been burned of the taste 
I have been guilty of kicking myself in the teeth 
I will speak no more of my feelings beneath 

Down in a hole, feelin' so small 
Down in a hole, losin' my soul 
I'd like to fly but my wings have been so denied 

Bury me softly in this womb 
Oh I want to be inside of you 
I give this part of me for you 
Oh I want to be inside of you 
Sand rains down and here I sit 
Holding rare flowers in a tomb (oh I want to be inside of you) 
Oh I want to be inside

Down in a hole, feelin' so small 
Down in a hole, losin' my soul 
Down in a hole, feelin' so small 
Down in a hole, outta control 
I'd like to fly but my wings have been so denied

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Alice in Chains

Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley. The initial lineup was rounded out by drummer Sean Kinney, and bassist Mike Starr (who was replaced in 1993 by Mike Inez). more »

14 fans

Written by: Jerry Cantrell

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Background
"Down in a Hole" is a song by American rock band Alice in Chains. It is contained in their second studio album, "Dirt," which saw its release in 1992.
Songwriter
The song was penned by the band's lead guitarist, Jerry Cantrell, who described it as the most difficult song to write.
Emotional Depth
Despite the energy-driven and hard rock surface of Alice in Chains' music, "Down in a Hole" stands out as a deeply personal and emotive song. Cantrell has mentioned that it was dedicated to his long-time girlfriend, Courtney Clarke.
Music Video
The music video for "Down in a Hole" was directed by Nigel Dick. The video was shot in Los Angeles in 1992.
Success
The song was released as a single in 1993 and enjoyed significant success. It peaked #10 on the Billboard's Mainstream Rock Charts.
Cover Versions
The song has seen numerous cover versions by various artists including Ryan Adams and Demon Hunter.
Lyrics Meaning
The lyrics depict a struggle with depression and feelings of being trapped, symbolized by the "hole" title.
Cantrell's Vulnerability
Cantrell admitted in an interview with RIP Magazine in 1994 that singing lead on songs like “Down in a Hole” was a bit intimidating, as it exposed a vulnerable side to him.
Song Position in the Dirt Album
In the album sequence, "Down in a Hole" was originally situated as the 12th track, but in the final version, it was moved up to be the fourth track.
Live Performances
Alice in Chains performed the song for their concert film "MTV Unplugged" in 1996, which has often been heralded as one of the best Unplugged shows in the series.

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