Black Gives Way to Blue (song)

"Black Gives Way to Blue" is a power ballad by the American rock band Alice in Chains, released in 2009 as the fifth track on their fourth studio album of the same name, Black Gives Way to Blue. The song is a tribute to Layne Staley, the band's original lead singer, who died of a drug overdose in 2002.

The song was written by guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell and features Elton John on piano. Cantrell has stated that the song explores the grief and loss experienced by the band after Staley's death, as well as acknowledging the profound impact Staley had on their lives and music. He felt it was important to not only mourn Staley but also celebrate his life and the art he created.

Lyrically, the song addresses the pain of losing someone to addiction and the struggle to cope with their absence. The lyrics touch upon themes of memory, regret, and the hope for eventual healing. The phrase "Black gives way to blue" is interpreted as a metaphor for moving from darkness and despair (black) towards a sense of peace and hope (blue).

Elton John's involvement came about after Cantrell, feeling the song needed a special touch, approached him about playing piano on the track. John, a fan of Alice in Chains, readily agreed. His performance added a layer of emotional depth and gravitas to the song.

"Black Gives Way to Blue" was released as a single and received widespread critical acclaim. It is considered by many fans and critics to be one of the band's most powerful and moving songs. The song's success helped re-establish Alice in Chains after a long hiatus and solidify their legacy in the rock music landscape.