She said "[it] represents my personal struggle over the past few years to find my voice, not only in music but in life".

Paulini worked on Come Alive for five years in Berlin, London, Los Angeles, New York City and Paris with several writers and producers, including Chris Rosa, Erik "Blue2th" Griggs and Philippe-Marc Anquetil.

[2][4] She stated that she wanted to take her time with the album to concentrate on improving her songwriting, having co-written all but two tracks on Come Alive.

"[6][5] Come Alive was originally scheduled for release in February 2015, but was delayed until May to make room for a new song "By My Side".

[8] Co-written by Paulini in New York, she explained that "the song is about letting go of negativity, doubt and fear – breathing in and exhaling positivity and purpose.