As released by Elliott Smith’s former record label, Kill Rock Stars, the alternative version of Alameda include altered lyrics that give a new perspective on the song.
In the chorus Elliott gives a clearer depiction of the heartbreak he has caused himself:
See what you’re gonna start
All your good...
[Verse 1]
You walk down Alameda
Shuffling your deck of trick cards over everyone
Here come the precious only son
Face down, bow to the champion
[Verse 2]
You walk down Alameda
Looking at the cracks in the sidewalk
Thinking about your friends
How you maintain all their names
A constant state of suspense
[Chorus]
For your own protection over their affection
See what you're gonna start
All you're good at now is breaking your own heart
[Verse 3]
I'm home Alameda
Brushing off the nightmares you wish could plague me when I'm awake
So now you see your first mistake was thinking that you could relate
For one or two minutes she liked you
But the fix is in
[Chorus]
You're all pretension, I never pay attention
See what you're gonna start
All you're good at now is breaking your own heart
See what you're gonna start
All you're good at now is breaking your own heart
See what you're gonna start
All you're good at now is breaking your own heart
See what you're gonna start
If you're alone it must be you who wants to be apart
Alameda (Alternate Version) was written by Elliott Smith.
Elliott Smith released Alameda (Alternate Version) on Tue Sep 18 2012.