“Because of You” is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released in 2005. It was written by Clarkson, David Hodges, and Ben Moody, and produced by Hodges. The song is a power ballad that talks about the pain and hurt caused by a parent’s mistakes and how it affects their child’s life.
The Lyrics Of Because Of You
I will not make the same mistakes that you did
I will not let myself cause my heart so much misery
I will not break the way you did, you fell so hard
I’ve learned the hard way to never let it get that far
Because of you I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt
Because of you I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you I am afraid
I lose my way
And it’s not too long before you point it out
I cannot cry
Because I know that’s weakness in your eyes
I’m forced to fake
A smile, a laugh everyday of my life
My heart can’t possibly break
When it wasn’t even whole to start with
Because of you I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt
Because of you I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you I am afraid
I watched you die, I heard you cry every night in your sleep
I was so young, you should have known
Better than to lean on me
You never thought of anyone else
You just saw your pain
And now I cry in the middle of the night
For the same damn thing
Because of you I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt
Because of you I try my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you I don’t know how to let anyone else in
Because of you I’m ashamed of my life because it’s empty
Because of you I am afraid
Because of you
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
“Because of You” is a deeply personal song for Kelly Clarkson, as it was inspired by her difficult relationship with her parents. In an interview, she revealed that the song was about “my parents’ divorce and how it affected me and my siblings… It’s a song about feeling like I’m not good enough because of what happened to my family.”
The lyrics talk about how the mistakes made by her parents caused her pain and hurt, and how she learned to protect herself by not straying too far from the sidewalk and playing on the safe side. She also finds it hard to trust anyone around her, including herself, because of what happened in her past.
However, the song also shows how Kelly has learned from her parents’ mistakes and is determined not to repeat them. She wants to break the cycle of pain and hurt, and not let herself cause her heart so much misery. She also tries her hardest to forget everything and not let it affect her life, but the memories still haunt her.
The Music Video
The music video for “Because of You” was directed by Vadim Perelman and released in 2005. It features Kelly Clarkson singing in a dark, abandoned house, with scenes of her as a child and her parents arguing interspersed throughout.
The video shows the pain and hurt caused by her parents’ mistakes and how it affects her life, but also shows her determination to break the cycle and not let herself be defined by her past.
Awards And Nominations
“Because of You” was a commercial and critical success, reaching number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 and winning several awards and nominations, including:
- Billboard Music Award for Female Hot 100 Artist of the Year
- MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video
- Teen Choice Award for Choice Single
- Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance
Conclusion
“Because of You” is a powerful ballad that talks about the pain and hurt caused by a parent’s mistakes and how it affects their child’s life. Kelly Clarkson’s personal experience with her parents’ divorce inspired the song, and the lyrics show her determination to break the cycle of pain and not let herself be defined by her past.
The song was a commercial and critical success, winning several awards and nominations, and the music video beautifully captures the emotions and themes of the song.
“Because of You” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with people who have experienced similar situations, and it’s a testament to Kelly Clarkson’s talent and authenticity as an artist.
