Oh recourse
Our nature is a force
So, cut it at the source
And go
A life without remorse

I'll obey
Though I am afraid
Of what it is to be alone
Awake
And happiest at play

I'm all smiles
Confident and wild
Wired with every instrument
Control
And careless all the while

Until I recall
Everything and all
Is wrong
Panic is a slow
Dissolve
A terror quiet calm


Lyrics submitted by Justus0

The Alter Lyrics as written by Jennifer Lynn Wasner

Lyrics © Songtrust Ave

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The Alter song meanings
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6 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment
    this is my interpretation. any help on the missing pieces?
    Justus0on June 28, 2011   Link
  • 0
    Lyric Correction
    updated...
    Justus0on August 27, 2011   Link
  • 0
    Lyric Correction
    official lyrics above as per email correspondence with Wye Oak.
    Justus0on August 29, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    I made a fan vid for this song. Here's the link. youtu.be/…
    danbucknereeon September 14, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    This song to me is about having power over ones own destiny and mind. Its a message to ones own fears and uncertainty. Its an Embracing song. Embrace everything no matter what. Its a beautiful song. I love every part of it. Its beauty and genius.
    danbucknereeon September 14, 2011   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation
    This song is about a person who is contemplating marriage. On the one hand, the narrator is happiest being single and playing the field, so to speak. They like that freedom. But on the other hand, they are also terrified of being alone, and they know that the older they get the more difficult it's going to be to find that special person. Thus, the title is a pun. The altar spelled with an 'a' is the precise spot where one gets married, of course, but alter with an 'e' (as in the title) means "other" and thus the narrator is of two minds about getting married. Their one self wants to do it, but their other (alter) self does not. Quite the conundrum, eh?
    Starwatcher23on August 29, 2017   Link

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