Released: 2015
“Here” by Alessia Cara is a refreshingly honest and self-aware anthem for the introverts and outsiders. Set against the background of a rowdy party, our narrator would much rather be at home or engaging in meaningful conversations with like-minded people. The lyrics tread a balance between a passionate disillusionment with shallow social scenarios and a defiance to stay true to herself.
In the first verse, Alessia paints a vivid picture of being stuck in a party that she doesn’t want to be at, “under clouds of marijuana” with a guy shouting over the music. The lyrics, “I’m indifferent, truly I ain’t got no business here” and “I don’t need a boyfriend, so you can go back, please enjoy your party, I’ll be here,” underline her strong sense of self-awareness and unapologetic introversion. It’s also a critique of superficial social engagements and the alienation one can feel in such situations.
In the chorus, Alessia articulates her disorientation and discomfort with the lines “Oh oh oh, I asked myself, ‘What am I doin’ here?’ And I can’t wait ’til we can break up out of here.” By repeating this question to herself, it seems she is challenging her own presence at the party, heightening the sense of unwilling compromise she’s made by being there.
Subsequent verses further explore her discomfort. She identifies herself as an “antisocial pessimist”, but points out that she’s not usually like this—implying that the shallow party narrative is pushing her towards this attitude. She’d “rather be somewhere with [her] people”, suggesting she yearns for a genuine connection and conversations about “big dreams” instead.
The lyrics “I should’ve never come to this, so holla at me, I’ll be in the car when you’re done”, reiterates her regret for attending the party and her readiness to leave. It’s an expression of her growing frustration and longing for an exit strategy.
Alessia Cara’s “Here” captures the voice of those disillusioned by surface-level social interactions, making it a captivating anthem for introverts. Despite the pressure to fit into scenarios that don’t resonate with them, she encourages the listener to stay true to oneself—a reminder that it’s okay to be different, it’s okay to say no, and it’s okay to just be “here”.
