ALONE, PART 3

ALONE, PART 3 is a raw and unfiltered exploration of chronic loneliness, depression, and the desperate search for self-worth. It serves as the thematic conclusion to XXXTENTACION's "Alone" trilogy, revisiting the melancholic and acoustic roots of the first installment while shedding the aggressive anger found in the second.

The central theme is the failure of connection. The lyrics "Can't seem to find someone's shoulder" and "Who will I rely on when it's over?" highlight a deep-seated fear of dying alone or facing the end of the world without a companion. This isn't just about romantic rejection; it's about a fundamental lack of a support system. The artist suggests that his attempts to connect ("Took a chance with you") only resulted in emotional numbness ("made me colder"), reinforcing a cycle where isolation feels safer than vulnerability.

The song also touches heavily on self-worth and validation. By repeating the question "What is my worth?", the artist exposes his inner turmoil and insecurity. The imagery of his partner leaving him with his "scars" implies that his pain was too much for others to bear, or that he felt judged for his mental health struggles. Ultimately, the song communicates that despite the exhaustion of dealing with "hate" and "love," the pain of loneliness remains a constant, unresolved burden.

The narrative of the song plunges the listener into a deep well of isolation and existential despair. It begins with the narrator expressing a profound inability to find support, illustrating a scenario where they are searching for a "shoulder" to lean on but finding none. This absence of comfort leads to a paralyzing fear of the future, specifically questioning who will be there for them when everything comes to an end.

As the story progresses, the narrator reflects on a failed romantic endeavor. They describe taking a risk on someone, a vulnerability that backfired and left them feeling colder and more detached than before. This betrayal or failure leads to a resigned conclusion that they might simply be better off existing in solitude. The internal monologue shifts to a desperate plea for guidance in moments of weakness, crying out to God about the physical and emotional pain they are enduring. The narrator feels trapped, unsure whether to run or stay, and expresses an exhaustion with the dualities of life—being equally tired of both hate and love.

The imagery turns visceral as the narrator describes self-inflicted pain, digging nails into their arms as a physical manifestation of their internal suffering. In a cruel twist, the person they sought love from observes these scars and simply turns away, leaving the narrator to question their fundamental value as a human being. The song concludes with this haunting, unanswered question repeated over and over: "What is my worth?"

ALONE, PART 3 was released on March 16, 2018, as part of XXXTENTACION's second studio album, ?. The track was produced by the artist himself alongside his frequent collaborator John Cunningham and Robert Soukiasyan. It was recorded at a time when XXXTENTACION was exploring a more versatile sound, blending rock and acoustic elements with hip-hop.

The song holds significant historical weight within the artist's discography as it completes a trilogy that began early in his career. Part 1 (often titled "al.one"), released in 2014, utilized a sample of the track "I'm Lost" by the producer Greaf. Part 3 acts as a direct musical callback to Part 1, interpolating the same haunting guitar melody but re-recording it with cleaner, studio-quality instrumentation provided by Cunningham. This deliberate choice creates a full-circle moment, linking the polished, superstar version of X back to his raw, underground beginnings. Unlike "Alone, Part 2," which was characterized by distorted bass and screaming vocals, Part 3 returns to the somber, acoustic introspection of the original, signifying a resignation to the feeling of loneliness rather than a violent rebellion against it.

The song follows a simple, often AABB or free-form rhyme scheme that prioritizes emotional expression over complex lyricism. For example:

• Shoulder / Over / Colder / Over (A-A-A-A mono-rhyme scheme) creates a droning, inescapable feeling.
• Call / Calm and Run / Love utilize slant rhymes (imperfect rhymes), which contribute to the song's unpolished, raw aesthetic.

Rhythm: The track is set in a slow, 4/4 time signature. The rhythm is sluggish and dragging, mirroring the lethargy of depression. The vocal phrasing is often syncopated against the steady guitar, creating a push-and-pull dynamic that emphasizes the artist's instability.

Musical Techniques: The track is defined by its minimalist arrangement, featuring primarily an acoustic guitar and vocals. The guitar plays a simple, repetitive arpeggio that creates a hypnotic and somber atmosphere. There is a distinct lack of percussion (drums), which enhances the feeling of emptiness and intimacy, making the listener feel as if they are in the room with the artist.

Vocal Delivery: XXXTENTACION employs a lo-fi, distant vocal effect. His voice sounds weary and strained, often double-tracked to create a sense of internal dialogue. The delivery transitions from a soft, almost mumbled croon to a more desperate, strained plea during the "God it hurts" section, effectively conveying a breaking point.

Literary Techniques: The lyrics rely heavily on repetition (anaphora) and rhetorical questions ("What do I do?", "Do I run?", "What is my worth?"). These questions are left unanswered, mimicking the spiraling nature of anxiety where the sufferer cannot find a solution to their pain.

ALONE, PART 3 is a staple of the "Emo Rap" era and contributes significantly to XXXTENTACION's legacy as an artist who bridged the gap between hip-hop and alternative rock/grunge. It is featured on the album ?, which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and is certified multi-platinum.

Culturally, the song is revered by fans for its direct connection to X's underground roots (Part 1), symbolizing his rise to fame without losing his core emotional vulnerability. It is frequently cited in discussions about mental health in hip-hop, as it explicitly addresses self-harm and suicide ideation without the gloss of metaphor. The song has inspired countless covers and remixes on platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud, cementing its place as a modern anthem for alienated youth.

The lyrics utilize stark, physical imagery to represent psychological states:

• The Shoulder: Represents safety, comfort, and emotional support. Its absence symbolizes total isolation.
• Coldness: "It made me colder" is a metaphor for emotional numbing and the building of defense mechanisms after heartbreak.
• Digging Nails into Arms: A literal and metaphorical reference to self-harm and anxiety. It symbolizes the physical manifestation of inner pain—trying to feel something real or punish oneself.
• Scars: These represent past traumas and emotional baggage. The fact that the antagonist "turned and left" upon seeing them symbolizes the stigma of mental illness and the fear that one is "too damaged" to be loved.
• The Number 3: Symbolizes a conclusion or a spiritual trilogy, suggesting that this state of loneliness has been a journey with a beginning, middle, and now, a final acceptance.

The most significant recurring motif is the question: "What is my worth?" repeated at the end of the song. This phrase anchors the track, shifting the focus from external loneliness to internal validation. It transforms the song from a breakup ballad into an existential crisis.

Another motif is the phrase "Tired of hate, tired of love." This repetition highlights a state of anhedonia—the inability to feel pleasure—and a desire for neutrality or cessation of all feeling, which is a common symptom of deep depression. The musical motif of the guitar riff, which loops incessantly without change, reinforces the feeling of being stuck in a loop of sadness.