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.
Chicago
Alexz Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't follow, won't let him follow
Take a breath, steal away
Let him play these games, play these game
Gaining ground, won't fight
Not tonight, not turning off these lights
Can't shout, can't scream, think of me
Holding on, letting go
Why do we do this?
We don't know
Stepping out, standing up
Look below, I'm still hanging under
Slipped away off my feet
Can't believe how I've been totaled lately
Since the new avenue, know what to do
Just gotta let it take me
On a plane, I'm leaving for Chicago
Any place I go, you can't run
Leaving town, won't be found here tomorrow
Telling stories, mine has just begun
Taking over, leaving no traces
Only smiling faces in the sun
Starting over, tying up my laces
But the damage is done
Ride a wave, the new rave
Better loosen now, it's losing me
Caught between being me or tragedy, tragedy
Riding high, cloud nine
Won't let me through them gates no more
Found a place to escape, another door
Leaving another girl's soul
My hope is fine, about time
Need someone to hold back my hands
Let me loose, let me fall
They'll understand, understand
Hurt him once, maybe twice
They'll find you in a ditch somewhere
Spreading wings, little things
I'm keeping you away from me
On a plane, I'm leaving for Chicago
Any place I go, you can't run
Leaving town, won't be found here tomorrow
Telling stories, mine has just begun
Taking over, leaving no traces
Only smiling faces in the sun
Starting over, tying up my laces
But the damage is done
Shutting you out
Shutting you out
The damage is done
Shutting you out
Shutting you out
I'm shutting you out
I'm gonna leave you behind
One step at a time
I'm gonna do it cause I said so
I'm gonna make it cause I said so
Shutting you out
I'm shutting you out
I'm shutting you out
I'm shutting you out
I'm shutting you out
I'm gonna shut him
On a plane, I'm leaving for Chicago
Any place I go, you can't run
Leaving town, won't be found here tomorrow
Telling stories, mine has just begun
Taking over, leaving no traces
Only smiling faces in the sun
Starting over, tying up my laces
But the damage is done
The damage is done
The damage is done
The damage is done
The damage is done
(On a plane, I'm leaving for Chicago, any place I go, you can't run)
The damage is done
(Leaving town, won't be found here tomorrow, telling stories,
mine has just begun)
The damage is done
(Taking over, leaving no traces, only smiling faces in the sun)
Starting over, tying up my laces
But the damage is done
I don't wanna wait
I don't wanna be waiting no more
I don't wanna wait no more
I don't wanna wait
I don't wanna be waiting no more
I don't wanna wait no more (start over now)
Walking out the door (start over now)
I don't wanna wait (start over now)
I don't wanna be waiting no more (start over now)
I don't wanna wait
I don't wanna be waiting no more
I don't wanna wait no more
Walking out the door
I don't wanna wait
I don't wanna be waiting no more
I don't wanna wait no more
Walking out the door
I don't wanna wait
I don't wanna be waiting no more
I don't wanna wait no more
Walking out the door
I don't wanna wait
I don't wanna be waiting no more
I don't wanna wait no more
The lyrics to Alexz Johnson's song "Chicago" depict a person who is determined to move on from a toxic relationship. The individual is ready to let go and not be swayed by the games and manipulations of their partner. They have reached a point where they no longer want to fight or engage in the drama and instead choose to focus on themselves and their own happiness.
The song conveys a sense of empowerment and strength as the singer takes control of their own life. They are leaving their current location, possibly symbolizing leaving behind the past and starting anew. The mention of Chicago may serve as a metaphor for a fresh start, a place where they can escape and find themselves again.
The lyrics also express the internal struggle of holding on to the familiarity of the relationship while knowing that it is ultimately damaging. There is a realization that the damage has already been done, but the singer is determined to shut out their partner and move forward. The repetition of the phrase "I don't wanna wait, I don't wanna be waiting no more" signifies a refusal to linger in a state of waiting and uncertainty.
Overall, the lyrics of "Chicago" highlight the theme of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of personal growth. It encourages listeners to let go of toxic relationships, take charge of their own happiness, and embrace new beginnings.
Line by Line Meaning
Give him up, let him go
Release him and allow him to move on
Won't follow, won't let him follow
I will not chase after him, nor will I allow him to pursue me
Take a breath, steal away
Pause and escape from the situation
Let him play these games, play these game
Let him continue with his manipulative behavior
Gaining ground, won't fight
Making progress but choosing not to engage in conflict
Not tonight, not turning off these lights
Not giving up or surrendering tonight, refusing to be in the dark
Can't shout, can't scream, think of me
Unable to express my thoughts or feelings aloud, but hoping he still remembers me
But I can't let that be
However, I cannot allow myself to dwell on that
Holding on, letting go
Simultaneously trying to hold on to the past while also accepting the need to move on
Why do we do this?
Questioning the reasons behind our actions
We don't know
Admitting that we do not have the answers
Stepping out, standing up
Taking a brave step forward and asserting oneself
Look below, I'm still hanging under
Despite appearances, I am still emotionally attached and struggling beneath the surface
Slipped away off my feet
Unexpectedly lost my stability, my footing
Can't believe how I've been totaled lately
Cannot comprehend the extent of the emotional damage I have recently experienced
Since the new avenue, know what to do
Since discovering a new path or option, I now have a clearer sense of what actions to take
Just gotta let it take me
Simply need to allow the situation to unfold and guide me
On a plane, I'm leaving for Chicago
I am physically departing for Chicago
Any place I go, you can't run
No matter where I go, you cannot escape or avoid the consequences of your actions
Leaving town, won't be found here tomorrow
Leaving this town, ensuring that I will not be present tomorrow
Telling stories, mine has just begun
Narrating my own experiences, indicating that my journey is far from over
Taking over, leaving no traces
Assuming control and leaving behind no evidence
Only smiling faces in the sun
Surrounded by cheerful individuals in pleasant circumstances
Starting over, tying up my laces
Beginning anew and preparing oneself for the journey ahead
But the damage is done
Acknowledging that irreversible harm has been done
Ride a wave, the new rave
Embracing a new trend or craze with enthusiasm
Better loosen now, it's losing me
It is advisable to let go now, as I am becoming disenchanted
Caught between being me or tragedy, tragedy
Feeling torn between embracing oneself or succumbing to a tragic fate
Riding high, cloud nine
Experiencing a euphoric state of happiness or bliss
Won't let me through them gates no more
Being denied access to previous privileges or opportunities
Found a place to escape, another door
Discovering a new refuge or means of escape
Leaving another girl's soul
Moving on from another woman's emotional influence or grasp
My hope is fine, about time
My optimism remains intact, and it is long overdue
Need someone to hold back my hands
Desiring someone to prevent me from making impulsive or harmful choices
Let me loose, let me fall
Allowing oneself to be free and vulnerable, permitting oneself to make mistakes
They'll understand, understand
Believing that others will comprehend or empathize with one's actions
Hurt him once, maybe twice
Having caused him pain before, likely inflicting it again
They'll find you in a ditch somewhere
Others will discover you in a dangerous or harmful situation
Spreading wings, little things
Expanding one's horizons and appreciating small joys
I'm keeping you away from me
I am intentionally keeping a distance between us
Shutting you out
Blocking you from my life
The damage is done
The harm has already been inflicted
I'm gonna leave you behind
I am determined to leave you in the past
One step at a time
Progressing gradually and methodically
I'm gonna do it cause I said so
I will take action because I have made a decision
I'm gonna make it cause I said so
I am confident in my ability to succeed because I have declared it
I'm gonna shut him
I am going to close him off completely
Shutting you out
Cutting off all contact and blocking you from my life
I'm shutting you out
I am actively isolating myself from you
I'm shutting you out
I am closing you off completely
I'm shutting you out
I am deliberately keeping you away from me
I'm shutting you out
I am intentionally excluding you from my life
I'm gonna leave you behind
I am determined to move forward without you
Walking out the door
Leaving and never looking back
I don't wanna wait
I am no longer willing to delay or hesitate
I don't wanna be waiting no more
I have reached my limit of patience
Walking out the door
Choosing to leave and embark on a new journey
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: ALEXZ SPENCER JOHNSON, BRENDAN JAMES JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Black Ryder
CHICAGO
(It's done, it's done, it's done, it's done...)
(It's done, it's done, it's done, it's done...)
Give him up, let him go.
Won't follow, won't let him follow.
Take a breath, steal away.
Let him play these games, play these games.
Can't cry, won't fight,
not tonight, not turning off these lights.
Can't shout, can't scream.
He'll think I'm mean.
(But I can let that be...)
Holding on, letting go.
Why do we do this? We don't know.
Stepping out, standing up.
Look below, I'm still hanging on though.
Swept away off my feet.
Can't believe how I've been floating lately.
Sense a new avenue,
I know what to do.
(Just gotta let it take me...)
On a plane I'm leaving for Chicago.
Any place I go, you can't run.
Leaving town, won't be found here tomorrow.
Telling stories, mine has just begun.
Taking over, leaving no traces,
only smiling faces in the sun.
Starting over, tying up my laces
but the damage is done.
(It's done, it's done, it's done, it's done...)
Ride a wave, the new rave.
Let it loose and now it's losing me.
Caught between being me
or a tragedy, tragedy.
Riding high, cloud nine
won't let me through their gates no more.
I found a place to escape,
I'm out the door.
(Leaving another girl sore...)
I won't be fine, about time,
I need someone to hold back my hands.
Let me loose, let me fall.
They'll understand, understand.
Hurting once, maybe twice.
They'll find you in a ditch somewhere.
Spreading wings, little things are.
(Keeping you away from there...!)
On a plane I'm leaving for Chicago.
Any place I go, you can't run.
Leaving town, won't be found here tomorrow.
Telling stories, mine has just begun.
Taking over, leaving no traces,
only smiling faces in the sun.
Starting over, tying up my laces
but the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
I'm shutting you out.
I'm gonna leave you behind.
One step at a time.
I'm gonna do it 'cause I said so.
I'm shutting you out.
I'm gonna leave you behind.
One step at a time.
I'm gonna do it 'cause I said so.
But the damage is done.
On a plane I'm leaving for Chicago.
Any place I go, you can't run.
Leaving town, won't be found here tomorrow.
Telling stories, mine has just begun.
Taking over, leaving no traces,
only smiling faces in the sun.
Starting over, tying up my laces
but the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
Samantha Brown
Love this song. Always have. She is truly a gifted artist
Alan Rubio
I wished she had more recognition in the industry i guess she isn't that artificial
Kween's Court
This makes me so happy! Chicago is my favourite song from Alexz so I'm so glad it's on this album
Hana Bobinac
The very first version I heard of this song had a dope ending at the very end - where it made you think it was the end of it until more music came and it was so beautiful. Wish she left it in or did something in that realm with this song like before. Still love this song!! ♥️
Andrew Angles
She couldn't due to epic records owning the song
Hana Bobinac
The ending to that first version went like
“I don’t to wait
I don’t want to wait no more
And then something something
....walking out the door”
Lol ☮️🙃 I dug it.
Super Nova Girl彡
I fell in love with Alexz's voice ever since So Weird, and of course Instant Star. Thank you for continuing to make music!🍻
JustJimmie
Beautiful! I can't wait to buy and support this single!!
Black Ryder
CHICAGO
(It's done, it's done, it's done, it's done...)
(It's done, it's done, it's done, it's done...)
Give him up, let him go.
Won't follow, won't let him follow.
Take a breath, steal away.
Let him play these games, play these games.
Can't cry, won't fight,
not tonight, not turning off these lights.
Can't shout, can't scream.
He'll think I'm mean.
(But I can let that be...)
Holding on, letting go.
Why do we do this? We don't know.
Stepping out, standing up.
Look below, I'm still hanging on though.
Swept away off my feet.
Can't believe how I've been floating lately.
Sense a new avenue,
I know what to do.
(Just gotta let it take me...)
On a plane I'm leaving for Chicago.
Any place I go, you can't run.
Leaving town, won't be found here tomorrow.
Telling stories, mine has just begun.
Taking over, leaving no traces,
only smiling faces in the sun.
Starting over, tying up my laces
but the damage is done.
(It's done, it's done, it's done, it's done...)
Ride a wave, the new rave.
Let it loose and now it's losing me.
Caught between being me
or a tragedy, tragedy.
Riding high, cloud nine
won't let me through their gates no more.
I found a place to escape,
I'm out the door.
(Leaving another girl sore...)
I won't be fine, about time,
I need someone to hold back my hands.
Let me loose, let me fall.
They'll understand, understand.
Hurting once, maybe twice.
They'll find you in a ditch somewhere.
Spreading wings, little things are.
(Keeping you away from there...!)
On a plane I'm leaving for Chicago.
Any place I go, you can't run.
Leaving town, won't be found here tomorrow.
Telling stories, mine has just begun.
Taking over, leaving no traces,
only smiling faces in the sun.
Starting over, tying up my laces
but the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
I'm shutting you out.
I'm gonna leave you behind.
One step at a time.
I'm gonna do it 'cause I said so.
I'm shutting you out.
I'm gonna leave you behind.
One step at a time.
I'm gonna do it 'cause I said so.
But the damage is done.
On a plane I'm leaving for Chicago.
Any place I go, you can't run.
Leaving town, won't be found here tomorrow.
Telling stories, mine has just begun.
Taking over, leaving no traces,
only smiling faces in the sun.
Starting over, tying up my laces
but the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
But the damage is done.
Lettie Messi
Omg i remember when this was first released. Its come a long way. Loved it then and love it now. Just keeps getting better! I love the upgrades.