I Alone

I Alone is the second single from Live's album, Throwing Copper. The single was released to radio stations in the United States, but was not released as a commercially purchasable single. It reached #38 on Billboard's Hot 100 Airplay charts and #5 on the Hot 100 Recurrent Airplay charts.

The songs meaning has been suggested by many fans, yet little has been commented by the band. Ed Kowalczyk explained that "People think "I, Alone" is a love song but it really wasn't. The lyrics were more abstract, encompassing a much larger message."

Commenting on the line “the greatest of teachers wont hesitate”, Ed replaced 'you' with 'me': “to leave us or me there by myself chined to fate” He continued saying that a profound lesson he derived from studying Christian teachings was that religion and truth must be found for oneself and practiced instead of just taking others word for it or the learner remains separate from the teacher, "then you really are left [alone] by yourself".

B-side: "Pain Lies on the Riverside"
Released: 1994
Format: 7",Cassette, CD
Genre: Alternative rock Post-grunge
Length: 3:48
Label: Radioactive

it's easier not to be wise
and measure these things by your brains
I sank into eden with you
alone in the church by and by
I'll read to you here, save your eyes
you'll need them, your boat is at sea
your anchor is up, you've been swept away
and the greatest of teachers won't hesitate
to leave you there, by yourself,
chained to fate

I alone love you
I alone tempt you
I alone love you
fear is not the end of this!

it's easier not to be great
and measure these things by your eyes
we long to be here by his resolve
alone in the church by and by
to cradle the baby in space
and leave you there by yourself
chained to fate

oh, now, we took it back too far,
only love can save us now, all these riddles that you burn
all come runnin' back to you, all these rhythms that you hide
only love can save us now, all these riddles that you burn
yeah, yeah, yeah