Told throughout most of her career to not play guitar as much or at all, and to pursue a more “proven” musical direction, Calise instead chose to focus even more so on her instrument, practicing some 5-6 hours a day, and follow the only direction she knew how to—her own.
Countless film and TV placements and millions of Youtube hits later, Calise has proven that her torchy vocals, gritty guitar work and heart-and-soul lyrics are enough to make an incredible international impact, even as a completely independent artist.
Calise's hit song "Cry"--which became a web phenomenon almost overnight (spawning hundreds of covers, tributes and dance routines) after it appeared on the Lifetime show “Dance Moms”—-charted at #64 on the iTunes US Rock Chart, and its official video features "Dance Moms" star, Maddie Ziegler, who danced to the song in several episodes of the show.
Calise's 3rd solo effort, "AC3" (which signifies Calise's 3rd album, and also shows her affinity for her Vox AC-30 guitar amp) goes back to the chanteuse's alt-grunge roots, and showcases her vocal prowess, impressive guitar chops and exponential growth as a songwriter. Produced entirely at home by Calise and producer/engineer, Wes Michener (Puddle of Mudd, Marilyn Manson, Pixie Lott), AC3 is a refreshingly honest and raw record, and shows a side of Calise that fans have yet to see.
Calise’s music has appeared on a multitude of different shows such as “Dance Moms” (Lifetime), "Dance Moms: Miami" (Lifetime), "Last Call With Carson Daly" (NBC), "The Voice" (NBC), Audrina” (Vh1), "Tough Love" (Vh1), “NY Ink” (TLC), “Next” (MTV), "10 on Top" (MTV), “One Tree Hill” (CW), "Texas Women" (CMT) and in the upcoming feature film, “LA, I Hate You” starring Malcolm McDowell and William Forsythe.
This Is Me
Alexx Calise Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just ain't right for me
And I'm gonna do it again
I wish you could have listened
You were always wishing me away
Selling my soul for a dime
I'll be myself, but all in good time
Cuz I've come so far
Back at the start
This is me
I'm half of what I could be
Pull me apart and you'll see
My happiness has cost me, yea
This is me
I'm half of what I could be
Pull me apart and you'll see
My happiness has cost me, yea
Where did ya fall to, angel
Did you think that my wings could save you
What'd ya find out in the end
I wish you could take the journey
Don't you know that it would hurt me
What'd ya find out in the end
Selling my soul for a dime
I'll be myself, but all in good time
Cuz I've come so far
And here I am
Back at the start
And baby I wanna tell you
What you wanna hear
But I gotta know
Will you be there?
In Alexx Calise's song "This Is Me," the singer expresses her yearning for things that just aren't meant to be in her life. She mourns the missed opportunities and experiences that didn't come her way, but acknowledges that those things may not have been right for her in the first place. Despite the setbacks, she is determined to keep moving forward and striving for success. The line "selling my soul for a dime" suggests that she may have made some sacrifices along the way to get where she is, but is determined to be true to herself in the end.
The chorus of the song, with the repeated line "this is me," speaks to the idea of self-acceptance and coming to terms with one's flaws and imperfections. The phrase "I'm half of what I could be" suggests that the singer realizes she has room for growth and improvement, but is still comfortable with who she is at the moment. However, she also acknowledges that her happiness has come at a cost, hinting at the challenges and struggles she has faced in her pursuit of success.
The second verse of the song is directed at someone close to the singer, possibly a lover or close friend. She questions whether this person truly knows her and understands what she has gone through. She also expresses her desire for this person to take the same journey as her, even though she knows it may be painful. The final lines of the song express the singer's need for validation and support from this person, but also her uncertainty about whether they will be there for her in the end.
Line by Line Meaning
I miss the things that just aren't meant to be
I regret the things that were never supposed to happen and cannot come into fruition.
Just ain't right for me
Those things were never appropriate and suitable for me.
And I'm gonna do it again
I will continue to take chances and risks.
I wish you could have listened
I desire for someone to have sincerely understood my point of view.
You were always wishing me away
You always wanted me to disappear and leave.
Selling my soul for a dime
I used to compromise my principles and values for very little in return.
I'll be myself, but all in good time
I will be authentic, but after significant self-reflection and introspection.
Cuz I've come so far
I have made so much progress, and that's why
And here I am
I'm exactly where I am.
Back at the start
I'm back to where it all began.
This is me
I am who I am, unapologetically.
I'm half of what I could be
I'm not at my full potential.
Pull me apart and you'll see
If you break me down, you can perceive my strengths and weaknesses.
My happiness has cost me, yea
My joy and satisfaction have come at a high price.
Where did ya fall to, angel
Where did you end up, my dear?
Did you think that my wings could save you
Did you believe that I could protect you from all harm?
What'd ya find out in the end
What did you discover in the end?
I wish you could take the journey
I hope that you can experience the path I have taken.
Don't you know that it would hurt me
Don't you realize that it would pain me if you do not understand?
And baby I wanna tell you
I want to express to you, my love,
What you wanna hear
The things that you desire to hear from me.
But I gotta know
But I need to understand,
Will you be there?
If I need your support, will you be there for me?
Writer(s): alexx calise
Contributed by Harper N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.