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Heaven Beside You
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Wikipedia article
"'Heaven Beside You'" is a song by American rock band Alice in Chains and the second single from their third studio album, 'Alice in Chains' (1995). It was written by guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell about his relationship with his then-girlfriend, Courtney Clarke. Cantrell sings lead vocals, with Layne Staley doing harmonies during the chorus. The song spent 26 weeks on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and peaked at No. 3. An acoustic version performed on Alice in Chains' 'MTV Unplugged' in 1996 was released in a live album and DVD. "Heaven Beside You" was included on the compilation albums 'Music Bank' (1999), 'Greatest Hits' (2001), and 'The Essential Alice in Chains' (2006).
Composition
The song is played in a mid-tempo, which contrasts with the faster paced and overall heavier sound found on most tracks from Alice in Chains' eponymous album.
Lyrics
"Heaven Beside You" was written by Jerry Cantrell after the break-up with his girlfriend of seven years, Courtney Clarke. Cantrell was unable to remain faithful to the woman who he described as "the most beautiful girl I've ever seen in my life," and added, "I still love her, but I'm too much of a fucking wolfkill, attack, move on...It's so tough when you're so used to being hard. You can't tell an oak tree to be a pine."
In the liner notes of 1999's 'Music Bank' box set collection, Jerry Cantrell said of the song:
Another attempt to reconcile the fact that my life and paths are tearing me apart from the person I love. All the things I write about her are a way for me to maybe speak to her, express things I could never express.Liner notes, 'Music Bank' box set. 1999.
Release and reception
"Heaven Beside You" was released as a single in 1996. "Heaven Beside You" peaked at number 52 on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 Airplay chart, making it Alice in Chains' second-highest charting single after "No Excuses". "Heaven Beside You" peaked at number three on the 'Billboard' Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and at number six on the 'Billboard' Modern Rock Tracks chart. "Heaven Beside You" reached the top 40 in the UK.
Allmusic's Steve Huey regarded the song "among the band's best work." Ned Raggett of Allmusic said that the song "continued in the vein of 'Jar of Flies' with its lead acoustic riff and generally low-key presentation" and added that "Cantrell's electric work is some of his best, moving beyond the admittedly powerful blasts of feedback he was known for to find a new, textured approach that balanced volume with a richer, less oppressive feel."
Music video
The music video for "Heaven Beside You" was released in 1996 and was directed by Frank W. Ockenfels III. The video is available on the home video release 'Music Bank: The Videos'.
Live performances
Alice in Chains performed an acoustic version of "Heaven Beside You" for its appearance on 'MTV Unplugged' in 1996, and the song was included on the 'Unplugged' live album and home video release.
Appearances in other media
The song was released as downloadable content for the 'Rock Band' video game series on January 12, 2010.
It was also released as downloadable content for 'Rocksmith 2014' on December 12, 2017.
Track listing
Personnel
*Jerry Cantrell lead vocals, guitars
*Layne Staley backing vocals
*Mike Inez bass
*Sean Kinney drums, percussion
Chart positions
Certifications
References
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