Alice in Chains: "Don't Follow"

Piano solo renditions of “Don’t Follow” bring a delicate, emotional clarity to the song, with gentle chord voicings and flowing melodies that highlight its sorrowful core. Stripped of vocals and guitar, the piano captures a quiet sense of resignation and longing, turning the piece into a meditative reflection on loss and letting go.

About Alice in Chains:

Alice in Chains is a pioneering American rock band formed in Seattle in 1987, known for blending heavy metal with grunge influences. Fronted by Layne Staley in their early years and later by William DuVall alongside guitarist Jerry Cantrell, the band gained fame with dark, emotionally intense songs like “Man in the Box,” “Rooster,” and “Nutshell.” Their distinctive sound features haunting harmonies, sludgy guitar riffs, and lyrics exploring themes of addiction, isolation, and inner struggle. Despite personal and lineup changes, Alice in Chains remains a powerful force in rock, respected for their raw honesty and musical depth.

About “Don’t Follow”:

“Don’t Follow” is a poignant acoustic ballad by Alice in Chains from their 1994 EP Jar of Flies, showcasing the band’s softer, more introspective side. The song features a stripped-down arrangement with harmonica, acoustic guitar, and layered vocals from Jerry Cantrell and Layne Staley, creating a mournful yet tender atmosphere. Lyrically, it deals with themes of isolation, personal struggle, and the desire to break away, with Staley’s emotionally raw delivery adding depth to the song’s sense of resignation and quiet sorrow. “Don’t Follow” stands out as one of the band’s most emotionally vulnerable tracks, highlighting their ability to convey deep pain and beauty without the heavy distortion often associated with their sound.

Why did you arrange this song?:

This song was a request by a YouTube fan who had been searching for piano solo versions of this track from Alice in Chains for years. Ask, and ye shall receive!