Layne Staley & Demri Parrott – The Greatest Love Story Never Told
May 24, 2009
Layne & Demri
I came across a great site that is hosted by a friend of Demri and Layne’s. It is a design site, but look at the home page or do a search for Demri. Here’s the link: Layne & Demri Posts
NE Readers know how we like to investigate the life and demise of Layne Staley. It is an important discovery that goes way beyond mere fanaticism. Staley was, among (many) other things, a very transparent person. This was the most unusual part of his personality. Most (all?) junk users thrive on misinformation and, frankly, lies. Layne avails us of an opportunity to see what his demons were and his reaction to them. He was crystal clear. So, regarding Demri, Layne’s choice of girlfriend was initially another means of seeing what was going on in his head. However, after reading the posts on the site (above) I became fascinated by Demri herself. She may have been the muse that allowed Layne to produce the most moving metal album of all time, DIRT. Her whimsical nature and quirks may be the key to his demise. They may, in fact, be the cause of his demise. Demri was his only warmth in a world that was so cold and full of terror to Layne. Her departure corresponds with his withdrawal into solitude. As I said before, I believe these fierce emotions drove Layne to belt out another two incredible songs. The last two new Alice in Chains songs before his death, “Get Born Again” and “Died”.
“Died” is clearly about Demri and her death. The song is again, transparent. Here are the lyrics:
_________________________________________________
I could climb until I reach where angels reside
Ask around to find out where the junkies apply
You just up and left me on this rock all alone
It’s my fault for knowing not what I should have known
Ohhhhhhhh
My heart is dried up beating slow
Ohhhhhh
It’s been just raining since you died
Died
Since you died
You died
I could drop until I touch the sinister side
Visit all attractions flippin’ back and aside
Still you leave me rotting on this rock all alone
It’s my fault for knowing not what I should have known
Ohhhhhhhh
My heart is dried up beating slow
Ohhhhhh
It’s been just raining since you died
Died
Since you died
You died
Ohhhhhhh
My heart is tired of beating slow
Ohhhhhh
It’s been just raining since you died
Died
Since you died
You died
I could climb until I reach where angels reside
I could drop until I touch the sinister side
Ohhhhhhhh
My heart is dried up beating slow
Ohhhhh
It’s been just raining since you died
Died
Since you died
You died
Died
You died
Died
You died
__________________________________________________
Says a lot doesn’t it? Layne would climb to find out where angels reside. Clearly he wanted to find Demri, an angel. Then, “ask around to find out where the junkies apply”. He clearly did not feel the same about himself. He seemed to say he was not worth of her “angelic” qualities as he was a mere junkie. It’s not hard to go through this and see how he felt during the end of his life.
Please visit the link above. I hope to contact the site directly and get more information for NE Readers. As always, your comments on this post and the Demri site, are always welcome.
-NE
Oh, and one more thing, for Demri, Cocteau Twins, “Pandora”……
I think she was much more to him than people realize. The lyrics of this song and others on Mad Season, to me, say a lot…
Any more info on Demri would be appreciated. New pics, new stories. She was such an interesting woman, I can see why Layne liked her so much.
I knew both Layne and Demri – I’m writing a book about my personal experiences in the 90′s “grunge” scene, including early Alice In Chains days.
@Amber hey thats really cool that you knew layne and demri, please email me (alice._in._chains@hotmail.com) if you read this
Wow.. I spelled my own name wrong…
Barbara Dearaujo
Thank you so much for mentioning my website. Please visit the site I put together dedicated to just them at http://www.divageekdesigns.com/demri/
Your welcome to contact me if you have questions or you’d like to post something on the website. That goes to anyone.
~Dreamy
Barbara Dearauko
Barbara,
Your work on the site and the memory of your friends is moving. Fans of the site have asked for more about Demri and Layne. Can we talk about a few ideas I have to deepen your efforts and my own exploration into two lives whose beauty and mystery suggest a connection with a different plane.
I look forward to your response. Reply to this post or email me @ IAmNakedEric@gmail.com
-NE