Rod Wave returned yesterday with “Alone,” the latest single off his long-awaited (and once delayed) album Beautiful Mind. The song arrives after “Stone Rolling,” “Cold December,” and “By Your Side,” all three of which climbed into the upper reaches of the Genius Top Songs chart. “Alone” quickly followed suit, rising into the chart’s Top 10 within 24 hours of release.
Co-produced by Will-A-Fool and B-Squared, “Alone” finds Rod Wave trying and failing to make a toxic relationship work. No matter what he does, he winds up under-appreciated and, well, alone. The song opens with the track’s only verse, where Wave asks if anyone can relate to his situation.
Uh, you ever feel like you worthless? (Graah)
Like you ain’t worth shit? (Yeah)
And I know that I ain’t perfect
But you know that I’m worth it (Yeah)
A little later in the verse, we’re offered a better understanding of the type of person who would make Wave feel worthless. This person wasn’t exactly honest–though that doesn’t make it any easier for the Florida-born MC to forget them.
Tryna find somethin' to do in my time
Ease my pain, get you off of my mind
Three cell phones, I been on my grind
No more love means no more lies
Just when Wave thinks he has moved on, he’s left with a reminder of his ex, and the pain comes right back anyway.
I found your headband on my bedroom floor
The only evidence that you’ve been here before
I don’t get waves of missin’ you anymore
They’re more like tsunami tides in my eyes (Yeah-yeah)
Wave closes out the verse with an important realization. Their relationship is in a toxic cycle, and no matter how hard he tries, the same things are always going to happen.
It’s the same old thing (Yeah)
It’s the same old song (Yeah)
One day you’re here, next day, you’re gone (Gone)
In the end, there’s only one final outcome. Wave croons about it on the hook.
Just to end up alone (All alone, end up alone)
Just to end up alone (All alone, just to end up alone)
“Alone” arrived alongside a music video, where a woman tries everything she can to make a relationship work. She makes her boyfriend breakfast, shows him affection, and handles all the bills—and her partner doesn’t seem to care until, tragically, it’s too late.
You can read all the lyrics to “Alone” on Genius now.
