Cat Cohen's Songwriters' Community Website Temporary Archive

Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

Share

An empowering anthem to finding the strength to recover from a failed romantic relationship.

Concept
An affirmation to today’s independent female spirit. The singer gets revenge against her former abuser. In spirit, it is 2012’s homage to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”

Lyric
Expertly written lyrics that serve to empower and celebrate one's recovery from a poor choice in a love relationship. VERSE You know the bed feels warmer
 Sleeping here alone
 You know I dream in color
 And do the things I want

 You think you got the best of me
 Think you had the last laugh
 Bet you think that everything good is gone
 Think you left me broken down
 Think that I'd come running back
 Baby you don't know me, cause you're dead wrong CHORUS What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
 Stand a little taller
 Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone
 What doesn't kill you makes a fighter
 Footsteps even lighter
 Doesn't mean I'm over cause you're gone

 What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stronger
 Just me, myself and I
 What doesn't kill you makes you stronger
 Stand a little taller
 Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone

Groove
The uptempo 8th groove has an energetic 16th overlay that drives the song from beginning to end.

Melody
A well-crafted memorable melody with a wide sweep into the dramatic chorus. An excellent vehicle for Ms. Clarkson’s powerful voice.

Harmony
A 4-chord loop repeated throughout the verse and chorus sections. A contrasting bridge takes the song elsewhere only to return. i bVI bIII bVII iv bII I bVI i

Structure
A B A B C B Verse Chorus Verse Chorus Bridge Chorus

Signature
A short guitar figure grabs the listener and drives right into the song.

Production
The tracks highlight Clarkson’s emotional performance with energy, contrast, and conviction.

Performance
Kudos to Ms. Clarkson who delivers this song with incredible power, soul, and credibility.

Predicted Longevity
A classic expression pop-rock that is so well put together and expertly sung, I expect Grammys in its future. It has all the elements to be popular for years.