Alice in Chains’ song “Would?” is a haunting and powerful tribute to Andrew Wood, the late lead singer of Mother Love Bone, who sadly passed away in 1990 because of a heroin overdose.
This song, penned by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell, explores addiction, regret, and the unknown future in a profound way.
With its touching lyrics and melancholic tune, “Would?” lets us see into the challenges faced by those touched by addiction and the deep impact it can leave on their lives.
Table of Contents
Alice in Chains “Would?” Background
The song “Would?” was written by guitarist Jerry Cantrell as a tribute to the late lead singer of Mother Love Bone, Andrew Wood, who passed away due to a heroin overdose in 1990.
Wood was an influential figure in the Seattle music scene, and two of his bandmates, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament, went on to form Pearl Jam.
In the liner notes of 1999’s Music Bank box set collection, Jerry Cantrell commented on the song:
“I was thinking a lot about Andrew Wood at the time. We always had a great time when we did hang out, much like Chris Cornell and I do. There was never really a serious moment or conversation, it was all fun. Andy was a hilarious guy, full of life and it was really sad to lose him. But I always hate people who judge the decisions others make. So it was also directed towards people who pass judgments.”
In a 2017 interview, Cantrell said of the song:
A really significant thing for all of us – was kind of a heavier foreshadowing of some things that would directly affect us and our friends – was the death of Andy Wood. That song was me thinking about him like we all did, and trying to put that down and just kind of write a little ode for him. Because he wasn’t there, and everything was taking off… It was a nice thing to be able to use that song, it was very poignant I thought, because we kind of carried him with us.
“Would?” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1: Jerry Cantrell, Jerry Cantrell & Layne Staley]
Know me, broken by my master
Teach thee on child of love hereafter
In verse 1 of “Would?” by Alice in Chains, the lyrics describe the damage caused by drug overdose, particularly heroin. The term “master” is used metaphorically to refer to heroin, which has a controlling and destructive influence. The lines “Know me, broken by my master” convey the idea that the singer feels broken or harmed by their addiction to heroin.
The following line, “Teach thee on child of love hereafter,” suggests a desire for healing and redemption in the future, acknowledging the destructive nature of the addiction and the hope for a better, more loving path ahead.
[Chorus: Layne Staley]
Into the flood again
Same old trip it was back then
So I made a big mistake
Try to see it once my way
In the chorus, the lyrics convey the singer’s struggle with drug addiction. “Into the flood again” suggests the singer is returning to the destructive cycle of drug addiction. He sings, “Same old trip it was back then.” It means the experience feels familiar and reminiscent of past drug-related problems.
He recognizes his return to drug use as a significant and harmful error and expresses a desire for understanding and empathy from others. Because it can be hard to quit drugs.
[Verse 2: Jerry Cantrell, Jerry Cantrell & Layne Staley]
Drifting body, it’s sole desertion
Flying not yet, quite the notion
Verse 2 of the song talks about feeling disconnected from the body, maybe due to drugs. The line “Flying not yet, quite the notion” suggests the singer hasn’t fully felt the drug’s effects.
It shows the disoriented feeling of a drug overdose, where the person’s body and mind are affected, but they might not realize how serious it is.
[Outro: Layne Staley]
Am I wrong?
Have I run too far to get home?
Have I gone?
Left you here alone
Am I wrong?
Have I run too far to get home? Yeah
Have I gone?
Left you here alone
If I would, could you?
The outro reflects the singer’s internal struggle, regrets, and contemplation regarding the impact of drug overdose on his life and relationships.
When he sings, “Am I wrong?” the singer is actually questioning his actions and choices, possibly related to drug use.
This line, “Have I run too far to get home?” suggests that the singer may have gone too far down the path of addiction, making it difficult to return to a state of normalcy or sobriety. “Have I gone? Left you here alone” further conveys a sense of isolation and abandonment.
The outro concludes with the question, “If I would, could you?” about the possibility of recovery and whether there is a willingness to change and seek help.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Would?”
This song is about going through rehab and its aftermath. It’s written by guitarist Jerry Cantrell and is dedicated to the late lead singer of Mother Love Bone, Andrew Wood, who died from a heroin overdose in 1990.
In the notes for the 1999 Music Bank Alice in Chains box set, Cantrell wrote that the song is about Wood and also about people who would judge Wood’s drug problems. “But I always hate people who judge the decisions others make,” Cantrell writes. “So it was directed towards people who pass judgments.”
Sadness and drug addiction were recurring themes in the band’s music, particularly after the death of their lead singer, Layne Staley, from a drug overdose in 2002.
Jerry Cantrell sang the intro on this track, although he needed convincing from Layne Staley to do so.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.