"black gives way to blue" was written by alice in chains' guitarist and vocalist jerry cantrell, and it was one of the first songs he wrote for the band's album of the same name – their first album since 1995's self-titled record. it was also the last track the band recorded for the album. the song, which features the lyrics "imitations are pale" and "lay down/i'll remember you", is a tribute to the band's late lead singer, layne staley.