Alice in Chains – Brush Away

"Brush Away" as written by and Michael Inez Layne Staley....
I could use some time to curl away
My aggression is where you stake your claim
Why I question this curve on which you grade
My conception, a joke or latest craze?
I try to get away, and yet I stick around
So fall and crawl away, and brush away loose ground

My intention, may I arrive at eight?
Lie and dream some, surprise you guys I'm late
All right, correction, forgetting something, wait
I try to get away, and yet I stick around (2x)
So fall and crawl away, and brush away loose ground
Brush away loose ground
Brush away


Lyrics submitted by Ice

"Brush Away" as written by Michael Inez Layne Staley

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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Brush Away song meanings
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19 Comments

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  • +3
    General CommentIt's about reluctencce to be with firends.
    spooner113on September 05, 2008   Link
  • +2
    General Commentthis is my favorite AIC song. i believe it's about trying to change, yet making the same mistakes, "i try to get away and yet i stick around" so he messes up again, having to say he's sorry, clean up his mess so to speak, to "brush away loose ground" brush away the effects of his habits and try again, he tries to be on time but he's late = he's trying to change but he can't, his habit calls him back

    anyway that's my interpretation. i can relate to everything layne sings about. RIP
    marson May 18, 2004   Link
  • +2
    General CommentThis song seems like it has a few different thoughts involved but to me it seems the main theme is his dissatisfaction with being in the band and keeping up with the schedule set by Jerry or the record company or whoever while trying to make a record. Several of the songs on the Tripod album sort of reflect that.

    "I could use some time to curl away" Sounds like he's tired of the whole thing.

    "My aggression is where you stake your claim" The fact that Layne gets angry with the rest of the band is fuel for the rest of them to talk shit maybe?

    "Why I question this curve on which you grade" I think maybe this is a jab at Jerry. The curve on which you grade could be a metaphor for Jerry's assuming leadership and steering the band in a certain direction, perhaps one that Layne doesn't agree with, or questions.

    "My conception a joke or latest craze?" Sounds like concern on Layne's part as to whether the lyrics he writes and brings to the band will be made fun of or thought to be great.

    "I try to get away and yet I stick around." I think he would really like to step away from the band but feels guilty because the rest of the band wants to continue, tour, be in the spotlight, etc. and they need him as their front man.

    The second verse sounds to me like some standard interaction between Layne and the rest of the band while making the record. Layne shows up late to practice, makes up some excuses, general not-getting-along with the guys stuff.

    I don't know if any of that is right but those are just my thoughts. Awesome song from the greatest band of all time. God bless you Layne and Mike Starr.

    - "Why's is have to be this way?"
    Way26on June 26, 2014   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • +1
    General CommentHere's my guess: Sometimes you gotta take a blind step to find footing. Somtimes that step isn't secure and you fall. So you brush away the loose ground and you find your footing. Metaphor, can even be applied literally.
    bandobandoon June 20, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General CommentI think it could either be about addiction or celebrity obsession.

    In Layne's case, the two were often interrelated.

    He wants to get away from the rumor mill, or he wants isolation.

    Either one would make sense, I think.
    $p$on September 16, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI've got no idea what this song is about at all, but these lines are amazing,
    "My intention, may I arrive at eight?
    Lie and dream some, surprise you guys I'm late
    All right, correction, forgetting something, wait"

    Not a bad song at all.
    InTylerWeTruston September 29, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Commentmars is right i think and with the whole "surprise you guys im late" when they were recording 3 legged dog, Layne would always show up late or not show up at all cause he would be passed out somewheres due to drug problems obviously.
    Body Hammeron June 06, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI listen to this song when I'm mad at someone.. it fits perfect. (my agression is where you stake your claim...) I think its about when people hold grudges, keep bringing up the same shit over and over and you don't want to talk about it.
    Angry Saron July 02, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Commentin alot layne's lyrics, he jumps around from 1st,2nd, and 3rd person. also, he talks about completely different subjects in different sections. i think in the first part of this song, hes referring to God, which he does at one point or another in nearly all of his writings. the rest of it, sillybilly gots it right i think.
    shineglasson April 09, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI love the guitar solo in this song MAN!
    Negrumon June 10, 2008   Link

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