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.
Swallowed
Alexz Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, my darling am I being followed?
Oh, my darling can we all still stay out?
Oh, my darling are we being swallowed...?
Oh, my darling can we find a way out?
Oh, my darling am I being followed?
Oh, my darling can we all still stay out?
Hey now, oh, no,
don't wanna' let it go,
tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Hang on, relax,
don't wanna' hold you back,
tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Oh, my darling have they all been lying?
Oh, my baby what's the use of trying?
Oh, my darling tell me, am I moving?
Oh, my baby tell me I'm improving...
Oh, my darling can you all still see me?
Oh, my baby can you see they're leaving,
on a train hiding in the forest,
leaving only, little messes for us...?
Hey now, oh, no,
don't wanna' let it go,
tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Hang on, relax,
don't wanna' hold you back,
tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
I'll go, won't find me lonely,
I'm going alone, in my hands,
I'll hold all of my glory,
can't swallow me up again...
I'll go, won't find me lonely,
I'm going alone, in my hands,
I'll hold all of my glory,
can't swallow me up again...
Hey now, oh, no,
don't wanna' let it go,
tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Hang on, relax,
don't wanna' hold you back,
tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
The lyrics to Alexz Johnson's "Swallowed" reflect a sense of fear and uncertainty in the face of an impending danger. The repeated refrain of "Oh, my darling can we find a way out?" emphasizes the desperation to escape a situation that feels overwhelming and all-consuming. The question of being followed and swallowed adds to the sense of paranoia and feeling of being trapped. Johnson's use of "my darling" adds a personal touch to the lyrics, as the singer is often pleading with someone she cares for deeply.
The second verse takes on a slightly more defeated tone, questioning if the efforts to escape are worth it if all they lead to is being swallowed up again. The imagery of "a train hiding in the forest, leaving only little messes for us" adds to the sense of foreboding and danger. However, the final verse takes on a more hopeful tone, with Johnson stating that she will go alone but hold onto her "glory" and not let herself be swallowed up again.
Overall, the lyrics to "Swallowed" depict a sense of fear and desperation in the face of a threatening situation, but also convey a determination to not be defeated by it.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, my darling can we find a way out?
Asking if there's a way to avoid whatever negative events are occurring or about to occur.
Oh, my darling am I being followed?
Asking if there is someone or something chasing or tracking them.
Oh, my darling can we all still stay out?
Asking if they can continue to avoid whatever negative events are occurring or about to occur.
Oh, my darling are we being swallowed...?
Asking if they are being consumed or overwhelmed by the negative events.
Hey now, oh, no, don't wanna' let it go, tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Repeating the question of whether or not they are being overwhelmed by negative events.
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Continuing to repeat the question of whether or not they are being overwhelmed by negative events.
Hang on, relax, don't wanna' hold you back, tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Encouraging the listener not to give up and repeating the question of whether or not they are being overwhelmed by negative events.
Oh, my darling have they all been lying?
Asking if everyone around them has been dishonest or hiding something.
Oh, my baby what's the use of trying?
Questioning the value of making an effort if the situation seems hopeless.
Oh, my darling tell me, am I moving?
Asking if the situation is changing or improving.
Oh, my baby tell me I'm improving...
Asking for reassurance that things are getting better or moving in a positive direction.
Oh, my darling can you all still see me?
Asking if they are still visible and haven't been completely consumed by the negative events.
Oh, my baby can you see they're leaving, on a train hiding in the forest, leaving only, little messes for us...?
Suggesting that people around them are fleeing or abandoning them and are trying to leave without detection.
I'll go, won't find me lonely, I'm going alone, in my hands, I'll hold all of my glory, can't swallow me up again...
Reassuring the listener that they will be okay and won't be consumed by the negative events because they will take control of their own life and accomplishments.
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Continuing to repeat the question of whether or not they are being overwhelmed by negative events even after expressing confidence that they won't be consumed.
Tell me my baby now, am I being swallowed...?
Final repetition of the question of whether or not they are being consumed by the negative events.
Contributed by Levi E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.