When Instant Star wrapped after four seasons (2005-2008), Alexz endured her share of off-camera drama in her music career, when both Capitol and Epic, respectively, ended up shelving her records due to internal conflicts . "It’s been tough,” she says, “but something always keeps me going. Even with no money in my pocket, things land where they land and you keep moving.” Johnson had completed a full length record entitled Weight in 2008, and was set to release it in September the next year.
Alexz independently released her debut album, Voodoo in 2010 and remixed it in 2011 as Reloaded. She released a compilation of unheard demos in the form of The Basement Recordings (2011), while prepping to release her first EP, Skipping Stone in January 2012. She has also released one live album, Live from the Skipping Stone Tour in December 2012. Johnson later continued to release two more demo compilations, The Basement Recordings 2 and The Basement Recordings 3 in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
Finding success and a loyal fanbase through her independent releases, Johnson's 2014 EP, Heart and sophomore album Let 'Em Eat Cake were both funded through the crowdfunding service Pledgemusic. Heart and Let 'Em Eat Cake both showcase a different side of Johnson, tackling subjects such as heartbreak and loss. The two releases include tracks produced by David Kahne, who has worked with Lana Del Rey, Kelly Clarkson, Regina Spektor, and other artists.
American Dreamer
Alexz Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I’m young and I’m able, uh-huh
Driving your mustang
I’m dumb and I’m trusting, uh-huh
Someone please stop me
The shadows can’t catch me, uh-huh
You take all of me, then throw it like leaves, uh-huh
I’ve love lost in sorrow, I’ll see you tomorrow, uh-huh
Who needs a tight rope when walking on new hope, uh-huh
Can always believe with a dream up your sleeve, uh-huh
So come here, come here
Come here, come here
Stay with me ’til dawn
So come here, come here
Come here, come here
We’re both already on
Oh, American Dreamer
Like zeppelins we’re up, up in the clouds
American Dreamer
We dream and we won’t be here for long
When everything’s hopeless, you follow a compass, uh-huh
I’ll use what you give me, like kites when it’s windy, uh-huh
And heroes get boring, it’s part of their glory, uh-huh
You can’t let it get you halfway when I met you, uh-huh
Come here, come here
Come here, come here
Stay with me ’til dawn
So come here, come here
Come here, come here
We’re both already on
Oh, American Dreamer
Like zeppelins we’re up, up in the clouds
American Dreamer
We dream and we won’t be here for long
Tide is high but I’m holding on
Water will rise but I’m not sailing home
Tide is high, I’m holding on
The sun’s coming up but our night’s still young
So come here, come here
Come here, come here
Stay with me ’til dawn
So come here, come here
Come here, come here
We’re both already on
Oh, American Dreamer
Like zeppelins we’re up, up in the clouds
American Dreamer
We dream and we won’t be here for long…
Tide is high but I’m holding on
Waters rise, I’m not sailing home
Tide is high, I’m holding on
The sun’s coming up but our night’s still young
The lyrics to Alexz Johnson's song "American Dreamer" depict the struggles and aspirations of a young and naive individual navigating through life. The opening lines "Saw it on the table, I’m young and I’m able" suggest that the singer is witnessing the opportunities that life has to offer. They are driving a mustang, a symbol of freedom and adventure, but they are also trusting and perhaps easily influenced.
The line "Someone please stop me, the shadows can’t catch me" portrays a desire for someone to intervene and halt their reckless behavior, while "You take all of me, then throw it like leaves" implies that the singer feels used and discarded by others. They feel trapped and constrained by societal limitations, represented by the phrase "Caught up in cages, in minimum wages." Despite these challenges, they find solace in their dreams and the hope of a better future.
The chorus emphasizes the theme of chasing dreams and defying limitations. The line "Who needs a tight rope when walking on new hope" suggests that the singer believes in taking risks and embracing opportunities rather than following a predetermined path. They aspire to be an American Dreamer, someone who dreams big and reaches for the stars.
The second verse discusses the importance of using the resources and support given by others. The line "When everything’s hopeless, you follow a compass" implies that the singer relies on guidance and direction from those who believe in them. They compare themselves to kites in the wind, using the external forces to soar higher and achieve their goals. The line "Heroes get boring, it’s part of their glory" hints at the idea that even heroes and role models have moments of doubt and struggle.
Overall, "American Dreamer" reflects the journey of a young individual grappling with their own aspirations, the influence of others, and the pursuit of a better future. It encourages listeners to hold onto hope, embrace their dreams, and persist despite the challenges they may encounter.
Line by Line Meaning
Saw it on the table
I noticed something on the table
I’m young and I’m able, uh-huh
I am young and capable
Driving your mustang
I am driving your mustang
I’m dumb and I’m trusting, uh-huh
I am naive and trusting
Someone please stop me
I need someone to stop me
The shadows can’t catch me, uh-huh
I am too quick for the shadows to catch me
You take all of me, then throw it like leaves, uh-huh
You take everything from me and then discard it easily
Caught up in cages, in minimum wages, uh-huh
Trapped in confined spaces, working for meager wages
I’ve love lost in sorrow, I’ll see you tomorrow, uh-huh
I have experienced love that ended in sadness, but I will see you again tomorrow
Who needs a tight rope when walking on new hope, uh-huh
There is no need for a tightrope when you have new hope to guide you
Can always believe with a dream up your sleeve, uh-huh
You can always have faith when you have a dream ready to pursue
So come here, come here
Please come closer
Stay with me ’til dawn
Stay with me until morning
We’re both already on
We are already on the same page
Like zeppelins we’re up, up in the clouds
We are soaring high in the clouds like zeppelins
We dream and we won’t be here for long
We dream and we know this won't last forever
When everything’s hopeless, you follow a compass, uh-huh
When everything seems hopeless, you rely on a compass to find your way
I’ll use what you give me, like kites when it’s windy, uh-huh
I will make use of what you provide, just like flying kites in windy conditions
And heroes get boring, it’s part of their glory, uh-huh
Even heroes become predictable, but that is part of their greatness
You can’t let it get you halfway when I met you, uh-huh
You can't let it stop you from progressing when I first met you
Tide is high but I’m holding on
The situation is difficult, but I am persevering
Water will rise but I’m not sailing home
Challenges may come, but I won't be defeated
The sun’s coming up but our night’s still young
A new day is beginning, but our adventure is far from over
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: ALEXZ SPENCER JOHNSON, BRENDAN JAMES JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aleksandra Alice
I seriously love every piece of music you make :) And you're my idol since 2005 so I think that says something :)
caesarlivenloud
I LOVE this song!
Diana Estrella
The song is beautiful. And I don't think I'd could ever get tired of your beautiful voice, Alexz <3
Zoe Leid
You just get better and better every day, I've been listening to your music since I was 6 and you've got me through some tough times.. and inspired me to write too :)
T Snackx
Forever i will love this song and the struggle it represents 😭
Jules Askalotl
makes me emotional every time. Love this. Deserves so many more views.
Josi Queiroz
Love this song!
DemisChaos
i love you Alexz. I can't wait to listen Heart. You're amazing. <3
Kenneth Smith
Share Alexz J music and double/triple her fan base. She's earned it.
Tim Rozon
I love the song Alexz! So rad.