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.
Nothin' On Me
Alexz Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Treatin’ somebody wrong, there’s nowhere to be
And a broken heart is enough for two
You ain’t so smart making me so blue
Does nothing for right, does nothing for wrong
I ain’t sleeping at night, I’m just hiding alone
And a ripped out soul is potatoes in a bowl
Troubles come, shadows stray
But in the end, it’s got nothin’ on me
Bricks and mortar break the chains
Cause in the end, it’s got nothin’ on me
I used to be so sad, I felt so alone
I couldn’t leave my head
I was sore to the bone
Now I see the light, it’s gonna be alright
If the train don’t come, we’ll make it just fine
Troubles come, shadows stray
But in the end, it’s got nothin’ on me
Bricks and mortar break the chains
Cause in the end, it’s got nothin’ on me
Troubles come, shadows stray
But in the end, it’s got nothin’ on me
Bricks and mortar break the chains
Cause in the end, it’s got nothin’ on me
It’s got nothin’ on me
It’s got nothin’ on me
The lyrics to Alexz Johnson's song "Nothin' On Me" convey a sense of empowerment and resilience in the face of adversity and heartbreak. The opening lines suggest that mistreating someone will not bring any satisfaction or fulfillment to either party involved. The singer recognizes the futility in causing pain and acknowledges that a broken heart affects both individuals in a relationship. The line "You ain't so smart making me so blue" implies that the person who has caused the pain is not as clever as they may think, as their actions ultimately lead to their own unhappiness as well.
The following verses delve into the singer's personal struggles. They express how the hardships of life, represented by a "ripped out soul," can feel overwhelming, leading to a sense of isolation and sleepless nights. The metaphoric image of "potatoes in a bowl" emphasizes how messed up and confusing the world can seem, inducing a cold and detached feeling.
Despite these troubles, the chorus serves as a declaration of strength and resilience. It suggests that no matter what challenges or hardships come their way, the singer remains unaffected, as they have learned to rise above and not allow these obstacles to define them. The repetition of the phrase "it's got nothin' on me" emphasizes the singer's unwavering spirit and refusal to let adversity break them. The song concludes with a sense of optimism and hope, as the singer expresses a newfound perspective and assurance that they will be fine, even if the desired outcome doesn't arrive as expected.
Overall, "Nothin' On Me" encourages a sense of inner strength and the ability to overcome life's trials and tribulations by not allowing them to define one's self-worth.
Line by Line Meaning
Does nothing for me, does nothing for you
Doesn't bring any satisfaction or fulfillment for either of us
Treatin’ somebody wrong, there’s nowhere to be
If you mistreat someone, you won't find anywhere to hide from the consequences
And a broken heart is enough for two
One broken heart can affect both individuals involved
You ain’t so smart making me so blue
Your actions of causing me sadness don't make you intelligent
Does nothing for right, does nothing for wrong
Doesn't have any impact on what is morally right or wrong
I ain’t sleeping at night, I’m just hiding alone
I can't sleep peacefully because I'm constantly hiding and avoiding something
And a ripped out soul is potatoes in a bowl
When your soul feels torn apart, it's like having something as insignificant as potatoes in a bowl
In a fucked up world that makes you feel so cold
Living in a messed up world that leaves you feeling emotionally detached and numb
Troubles come, shadows stray
Difficulties arise, and uncertainties surround
But in the end, it’s got nothin’ on me
Despite the challenges, they don't have a lasting effect on me
Bricks and mortar break the chains
The physical barriers and structures can shatter the restraints
Cause in the end, it’s got nothin’ on me
Because ultimately, it doesn't overpower or control me
I used to be so sad, I felt so alone
I used to experience immense sadness and a sense of isolation
I couldn’t leave my head
I couldn't escape my own thoughts and worries
I was sore to the bone
I was emotionally and physically drained
Now I see the light, it’s gonna be alright
Now I have a positive outlook and believe that everything will be okay
If the train don’t come, we’ll make it just fine
Even if things don't go as planned, we'll still manage and succeed
It’s got nothin’ on me
It has no power or influence over me
It’s got nothin’ on me
It has no power or influence over me
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALEXZ SPENCER JOHNSON, BRENDAN JAMES JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RaeRae T
Alexz is always at her best when it is her and minimal back up. She has such a beautiful pure voice but a lot of her songs end up sounding over produced. I wish she did more acoustic or paired down versions of her songs. All the background noise ends up taking away from her message and voice.
BlahBlahWoofWoof12
Been a fan since the days of Instant Star & you're still in my top favorite artists of all time
David Puett
A. Great. Song,,,love it,,,. Dave. 2021. Happy. New. Year. Every. One🤩✨🍒
Constanza Banno Carosio
This is my favorite version of the song
James Schaeffer
This is awesome!
Bessiecuttie
Where’s the love ❤button
Amber Westman
This is such an amazing version!!!!!! Alexz has one of my all time favorite voices! Absolutely beautiful
Elizabeth Barone
I love this song so, so much. I could listen to it all day.
Nicole Silva
This is absolutely amazing!!!!! I have been in love with your voice since instant star. Thank you for continuing to share it with all your fans :)
kimberli Mendoza
perfect!! :)