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.
Over-Rated
Alexz Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You think it's cool, just cause they're telling you
You gotta have it, then you'll never miss it at all
You need the thrill, just cause it's killing you
You're so close, so don't take it too far
[Chorus:]
Where there's smoke you'll find a mirror
I've watched it fade
So please don't give in
Don't forget what you believe in
It's over-rated
It's not worth chasing
Don't you know that
You'll love to love and then you'll hate it
[Verse 2]
Love and lost and everything between
It's perfect, it's poison that made me fall
You want it bad
Don't want it to skip away
It's too fast
It's gonna drag you down
[Chorus:]
Where there's smoke you'll find a mirror
It's over-rated
I've watched it fade
So please don't give in
Don't forget what you believe in
It's over-rated
It's not worth chasing
Don't you know that
You'll love to love and then you'll hate it
[Bridge:]
Coming close now, not any clearer
With every breath you're going deeper
But I will pull you back to me
It's over-rated
It's not worth chasing
Don't you know that
You'll love to love and then you'll hate it
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, oh..
It's over-rated
And it's over-rated
You learn to love and then you'll hate it
You learn to love and then you'll hate it
It's over-rated
The Alexz Johnson song "Over-Rated" is a cautionary tale about chasing after what society deems as cool or desirable, only to eventually realize that it is not worth the effort or sacrifice. The first verse describes how we often try to keep up with what others have, even if we don't really need it, just because it's considered trendy. The build-up of this obsession leads to a dangerous thrill, which is "killing" the person, but they don't see it because they are "so close". The chorus warns that this pursuit is "over-rated" and will eventually fade away. Instead, the song advises not giving in to societal pressure and staying true to one's own beliefs.
The second verse talks about the experience of love, which is also deemed "perfect," but ultimately can become "poison." It highlights the desperation we feel to not let it slip away, even though deep down, we know it's moving too fast and will bring us down. The chorus reinforces the warning that this chase is not worth it, and that we will eventually "hate it." The bridge adds another layer, describing the confusion that arises when we become too invested in these pursuits, but ultimately, someone or something will "pull you back." The song ends with the same message as the chorus, repeating that this chase is "over-rated."
Line by Line Meaning
You think it's cool, just cause they're telling you
You follow trends blindly without forming your own opinion
You gotta have it, then you'll never miss it at all
You want what you don't have, but you won't value it once you get it
You need the thrill, just cause it's killing you
You seek danger for the excitement it provides, even if it could harm you
You're so close, so don't take it too far
You're taking risks although you're already in a favorable position
Where there's smoke you'll find a mirror
Things that appear attractive can be deceptive
It's over-rated
The hype surrounding something is unjustified
I've watched it fade
I've seen the novelty of something wear off
So please don't give in
Don't succumb to peer pressure or societal norms
Don't forget what you believe in
Stay true to your values and principles
It's not worth chasing
The pursuit of something isn't worth the effort or risk involved
Don't you know that
Are you not aware that
You'll love to love and then you'll hate it
Your fondness for something could turn into dislike or disappointment
Love and lost and everything between
Romantic relationships can have ups and downs
It's perfect, it's poison that made me fall
What seems ideal could have harmful effects
You want it bad
You desire something intensely
Don't want it to skip away
You don't want to lose something you value
It's too fast
You're in a hurry to get what you want, even if it's not wise
It's gonna drag you down
What you're pursuing could lead to negative consequences
Coming close now, not any clearer
You're getting closer to what you want, but you're not sure it's what you need
With every breath you're going deeper
You're getting more involved in what you're pursuing, even if it's harmful
But I will pull you back to me
I'll try to steer you in the right direction, away from what's harmful
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, oh..
The refrain repeats the title and the idea that something is overrated
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CHRISTOPHER WARD, GREG JOHNSTON, JEEN O'BRIEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kween's Court
I love this song and love the scene where she performs it despite the crowd booing her and the band.
jamiemaria22
Love all her music still listening to it years later
Watched it as a teen