Always

**Producer(s)** | Clampitt

**Always** is a song by Ashe and is the ninth track on her album *Ashlyn*.

The song is an emotional ballad that highlights just how powerful and talented Ashe is as a vocalist.

## Background

Described as "eruptive ballad"", and "heartbreaking", with a reaction to the final note as "speechless". It has been likened to "Someone Like You" by Adele.

Ashe often gets emotional performing this song.

## Meaning

The song explores melancholic themes in which she expresses her love for her ex-lover by letting them go even though this is not what she necessarily wants. This is a similar theme to "Love Is Letting Go" from *Rae*.

## Lyrics

[Verse 1]

What if staying with me isn't the best way to keep you happy?

And if letting you go is the best way to show that I love you, I will

[Pre-Chorus]

I'll be broken when you're gone

But won't hold you if it's wrong

[Chorus]

I don't care what people say

You know I won't force you to stay

Don't want you to go, but I'll be okay

And I'll love you always

[Verse 2]

And I don't know if you'll ever come back

But I won't ever ask, cause that's selfish

Yeah, and I've come to terms I might never feel whole again

[Pre-Chorus]

I'll be broken when you're gone

But someday we'll both be moving on

[Chorus]

I don't care what people say

You know I won't force you to stay

Don't want you to go, but I'll be okay

And I'll love you

[Bridge]

One last time, for the very last time

We'll forget that it's over tonight

One last time

[Breakdown]

If you leave, I'll find my way

Just say you won't forget me, babe

I'll be right here, not far away

[Chorus]

I don't care what people say

You know I won't force you to stay

Don't want you to go, but I'll be okay

And I'll love you always

## Trivia

* The melody of final line of the final chorus ("And I'll love you always") has been likened to the melody of the lyric "And I did it my way" from the internationally famous 1969 song "My Way" by Frank Sinatra.

* Lyrically, "Always" is the direct opposite to "Love Is Not Enough".
	+ This song's goal is illustrating love shown by letting your partner go, even though it is not the ideal thing, the same as "Love It Letting Go" from *Rae*; whereas "Love It Not Enough" is about love and happiness together.

* On the physical album's liner notes, Ashe revealed that the song was about her current relationship with Spencer Roehre; it reads: "Spencer, I cried while writing "Always" because I hope it never comes true. Never underestimate your ability to always make someone feel 'at home'. I love you".
	+ Their relationship went public in September 2019.

* Now, Ashe dedicates this song to her brother, Ryne, who sadly passed in late 2020.
	+ Other songs specifically written for Ryne are "Ryne's Song" and "Love Is Letting Go".

* "Always" has a lyric change: the line "But won't hold you if it's wrong" becomes "But someday we'll both be moving on" in the second pre-chorus.
	+ Lyric switches are prevalent throughout *Ashlyn*, and are also found in: "Till Forever Falls Apart", "Love Is Not Enough", "Save Myself", "Taylor", and "Moral Of The Story".
	+ And on *Rae* can be found in: "Another Man's Jeans" and "Angry Woman".

* This song has a seamless transition into the next song, "Moral Of The Story".
	+ This is similar to how "Rae's Theme" fades into "Another Man's Jeans" on Ashe's sophomore album *Rae*.

* “I’ve had a really hard time singing this song every night of the tour,” Ashe remarked before beginning a tear-filled performance of “Always.” A ballad processing the grief of losing someone gone too soon. Overcome with emotion and unable to sing through the song’s chorus, Ashe let the audience take over, belting the track while she listened on stage as tears streamed down her face. Reminding her fans that it’s okay to be vulnerable, Ashe is known to intentionally create a space for audience members to feel and process their emotions at her concerts.

## Navigation

 Ashlyn Tracklist

## References

1. ↑ https://lancerledger.com/5900/entertainment/review-on-ashlyn-by-ashe-a-must-hear-album/
2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://genius.com/Ashe-always-lyrics
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 https://ftpunks.com/ashlyn-the-breakup-album-everyone-needs/
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2022/6/27/ashe-boston-royale-concert-review-2022/
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 https://ghsexplosion.com/5424/reviews/ashlyn-ashe/
6. ↑ https://youtube.com/watch?v=RqCXQ2hZ7iA
7. ↑ https://youtube.com/watch?v=bjPYAK8wR1Q