Alexz Johnson (Born on November 4th, 1986, in New Westminster, British Colu… Read Full Bio ↴Alexz Johnson (Born on November 4th, 1986, in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada) is never quite what you'd think: she is always, instead, a surprise. While she writes intimate, down-to-earth lyrics, they’re delivered with a larger-than-life, crystalline voice. “Growing up I was afraid of it,” she says, about realizing she could sing big as a small child- the sixth in a brood of ten-- in Vancouver. “I thought it would blow me away.” And while at first she might be able to blend into the sea of other fresh-faced, struggling artists on the streets of her current hometown of New York City, she’s actually an entertainment veteran with fifteen years in the industry and a Gemini Award under her belt.

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.

How Strong Do You Think I Am
Alexz Johnson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If I don't cry, do you think I don't feel?
If I look away, it doesn't mean I don't see
And just because I want someone when I'm alone
Doesn't mean I'm helpless, that I can't stand on my own

How far can we go before we break?
How long can I wait?

How strong do you think I am?
How much can I take of this?
Am I a rock, or a rose, or a fist?
Or the breath at the end of a kiss?

How deep do you want to go
Cause I'll go there if I can
You make it harder than it has to be
How strong? How strong do you think I am?

It's so hard to tell what's in your heart
What you keep to yourself is tearing me apart
And should I be afraid to dream about you?
And if you feel the same, whatchu going to do?

How far can we go before we break?
How long can I wait?

How strong do you think I am?
How much can I take of this?
Am I a rock, or a rose, or a fist?
Or the breath at the end of a kiss?

How deep do you want to go
'Cause I'll go there if I can
You make it harder than it has to be
How strong? How strong do you think I am?

If I move in any closer
If you let go and give yourself away
And if we let this happen to us
Everything will change

How strong do you think I am?
How much can I take of this?
Am I a rock, or a rose, or a fist?

How deep do you want to go
Cause I'll go there if I can
You make it harder than it has to be
How strong? How strong?

How strong do you think I am?
How much can I take of this?
Am I a rock, or a rose, or a fist?
Or the breath at the end of a kiss?

How deep do you want to go
Cause I'll go there if I can
You make it harder than it has to be

How strong? How strong? How strong?
How strong do you think I am?

Overall Meaning

In “How Strong Do You Think I Am,” Alexz Johnson sings about the complexities of relationships and the emotional toll they can take on a person. The lyrics suggest that just because someone appears strong on the surface, it doesn't mean they don't feel pain or struggle with difficult situations. The first few lines juxtapose crying with feeling and looking away with seeing, highlighting how people can have layered emotions and situations. She then questions if she is a rock, a rose, or a fist, which could symbolize being strong, delicate, or tough, respectively.

Line by Line Meaning

If I don't cry, do you think I don't feel?
My lack of tears does not imply a lack of emotion.

If I look away, it doesn't mean I don't see
I may choose to avoid eye contact, but that does not mean I am unaware.

And just because I want someone when I'm alone
My desire for companionship does not equate to helplessness or dependency.

Doesn't mean I'm helpless, that I can't stand on my own
I am strong and capable, even when I seek the company of others.

How far can we go before we break?
Our limits are being tested, and we may not know how much more we can take.

How long can I wait?
I am waiting for something or someone, but I do not know how much longer I can hold on.

How strong do you think I am?
I may appear strong, but I am uncertain of my own strength in this situation.

How much can I take of this?
I am enduring a difficult situation, but I do not know how much more I can handle.

Am I a rock, or a rose, or a fist?
I am contemplating what kind of person I am or should be in this situation.

Or the breath at the end of a kiss?
Perhaps I am fragile, like a fleeting breath after a kiss.

How deep do you want to go?
I am willing to explore this relationship further, but I need to know if you are too.

Cause I'll go there if I can
I am willing to take the risk and open myself up further.

You make it harder than it has to be
Your actions or words are making this situation more difficult than it needs to be.

If I move in any closer
I am considering taking a step closer to you.

If you let go and give yourself away
I am uncertain if you will reciprocate my feelings and allow yourself to be vulnerable.

And if we let this happen to us, everything will change
If we take this risk, our lives and relationship may be forever changed.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM WARD, GREGORY THOMAS JOSEPH JOHNSTON, LUKE ANTHONY MCMASTER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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