ALAINA CROSS RELEASES “HAUNTED”
When one thinks about October 31, one immediately thinks about Halloween: pumpkins, witches and ghouls, little kids trick-or-treating in costumes, and spooky music. When one thinks about Alaina Cross, one immediately thinks of her killer vocals, her catchy AF songs, crazy colored hair, and overall badass-ery. But what one probably does not often think of is Halloween and Alaina Cross at the same time. Well, until now that is.
A SCARY STORY TO TELL
On October 31, Alaina Cross released her newest single “Haunted”. Recognizing people’s natural desires to play haunting music on Halloween, Alaina capitalized on the moment, reaching new audiences. What the listeners probably didn’t know, though, was that “Haunted” is not about Halloween. It is about an experience that is, perhaps, much scarier. And definitely more real.
In the first verse, Alaina sings: Feels like a darkness is coming / … / There is a ghost and he’s haunting me / He won’t let me be / Your shadows fill the corner / All around you hover. Alaina goes on to sing about a man who has her “under [his] spell ” and has “got a hold on [her]”. Clearly, she is haunted by a former lover and can’t seem to rid herself of his “ghost”.
For all intents and purposes, the man might as well be a ghost or a skeleton in her closet, haunting her in sleep and in wake. The listener may never know exactly what transpired between Alaina and her former lover in their seemingly reckless relationship, but she certainly makes clear her desire to stay away and her subsequent struggle to do so.
Everywhere she looks, she sees him. She feels him watching her and touching her. She is “terrified”. Toward the end of the song, Alaina likens him to a “curse” to which she feels “weak” and powerless.
THE NIGHTMARE IN THE LYRICS
This isn’t some ordinary Halloween song, you guys. This is serious stuff. Whether it was Alaina Cross’s intention, “Haunted” evokes thoughts of such deep, dark topics as domestic violence and PSD. Unfortunately, all too many women and men remain haunted by abuse and trauma that occurred to them years ago. Alaina sings: These hands on the back of my neck / Make me realize I can’t forget / … / I’m under your spell / . She alludes to a lover who manipulated her with affection to keep her from leaving. Not to mention, poisoning her with the inability to shake the memory of the pain. It’s a scary scenario to imagine, nevermind to live. Much scarier than Halloween.
TRICK AND TREAT
It is obvious that for Alaina music is not only entertainment, but an opportunity to give literal voice to the human experience. With the lure of standard musical Halloween fare and the enchantment of her incredible voice, she captures the listener’s attention while cleverly masking important messages within the lyrics. In a way, she played a trick on all of us for Halloween. Yet, we were all treated as well. Smart woman, that Alaina.
Alaina is clearly a strong, powerful woman and one that should not be underestimated. She is hard-working and driven, and beautiful inside and out. We can’t wait to hear what else she has in store. Perhaps, she’ll release her next single on Christmas? Curious to hear what that song might be about.
SHOW ALAINA CROSS SOME LOVE
Check out her website and join the email list at https://www.alainacross.com/
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