Alphabet Town by Elliott Smith is a melancholic reflection on addiction, despair, and the sense of alienation that comes with living in a big city. The song paints a vivid picture of the dark side of urban life, where the lure of substances and the struggles of inner demons take center stage. Key themes include self-destruction, longing for escape, and the hollow connections that fill urban settings. Particularly poignant moments include the references to 'whiskey-soda' and 'the lights of a city', which symbolize both the false comfort of alcohol and the overwhelming, often isolating environment of the city.