Eric Carmen - All By Myself/Everything

“All By Myself” (Side A) — Eric Carmen

“All By Myself” is one of the most iconic ballads of the '70s, written and performed by Eric Carmen. It was released in 1975 as the A-side of his single and hit the charts worldwide. The song is deeply emotional and is about the feeling of loneliness and longing for love. The song is partly inspired by the second piano concerto by Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff, which gives it a classic, almost symphonic atmosphere.

Musical Style:
The song's structure starts slowly with a simple piano melody, which is gradually enhanced by orchestral elements and Carmen's powerful vocals. The chorus, where he sings that he does everything alone and has no one, has a deep impact because of the intensity of the music and the vulnerability in his voice.

Lyrical Theme:
The theme of “All By Myself” is loneliness. Carmen describes the pain of being alone, especially when someone gets older and the need for company increases. The song reflects on the human need for love and connection, which makes it enormously recognisable to a wide audience.

Impact:
The song became a huge hit and has since been covered countless times by various artists. It remains a classic and one of the most recognisable ballads in pop history. Carmen's ability to transform personal emotions into universal themes has made this song a timeless masterpiece.