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.
There's Us
Alexz Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The one smiling like the sun, that's you
What were you thinking
What was the song inside your head
There's us, going on about a band
Working out how we play our hands
I lay there dreaming, later on alone in my bed
Not everything is supposed to come true
Some words are best unsaid
Some love is not really love at all
I'll keep everything I shared with you
And that's enough, there's us
Freeze frame, I'm not about to cry
It's too late for us to change, why try
I've got a camera tucked away inside my heart
If I'm a loser, or just unlucky, so are you
Not everything is supposed to come true
Some words are best unsaid
Some love is not really love at all
I'll keep everything I shared with you
And that's enough, there's us
Somewhere between then and now
I looked away when you said we'll never change
And if you think what might've been
You'll lose today and we've got songs to play
Not everything is supposed to come true
Some words are best unsaid
Some love is not really love at all
I'll keep everything I shared with you
And that's enough, there's us
Not everything is supposed to come true
Some words are best unsaid
Some love is not really love at all
I'll keep everything I shared with you
And that's enough,
There's us
There's us
There's us
The song "There's Us" by Alexz Johnson explores the bittersweet feelings of a past relationship that has ended but still holds a special place in the singer's heart. The opening lines set the tone for things left unsaid and a sense of unease, with the singer looking down at their shoes while the other person is smiling like the sun. The lyrics continue to touch on the past experiences shared between the two, recalling moments of dreaming and playing music together. Although the relationship may not have worked out, the singer seems to hold onto the memories and acknowledges their importance with the repeated phrase "there's us."
The chorus speaks to the idea that not all love is meant to be forever and not everything is meant to come true. Sometimes the best thing we can do is cherish what we have and move forward. The bridge adds an element of regret and longing, with the singer realizing they may have missed an opportunity by looking away when the other person said they would never change. However, the final lines circle back to the main theme of the song - that despite everything, there's still "us."
Overall, the song captures the emotions of a relationship that has ended but still holds a special place in the heart. Rather than dwelling on what could have been, the singer chooses to focus on the memories they created and the connection they still share with the other person.
Line by Line Meaning
There's me, looking down at my shoes
I feel small and insignificant, my confidence is low.
The one smiling like the sun, that's you
You are the bright spot in my day, always optimistic and happy.
What were you thinking
I'm curious about the thoughts and ideas that make you who you are.
What was the song inside your head
I wonder what inspires you, what motivates your actions and emotions.
There's us, going on about a band
We are sharing our interests, connecting and finding common ground.
Working out how we play our hands
We are strategizing, discussing how to navigate through life together.
I lay there dreaming, later on alone in my bed
I imagine different scenarios and possibilities for our future, and how we fit into each other's lives.
If I was stupid, maybe careless, so are you
We both make mistakes, and that's okay. We learn and grow from them together.
Not everything is supposed to come true
Life doesn't always go as planned, but that's part of the journey.
Some words are best unsaid
Sometimes it's better not to say anything at all, to avoid hurting each other or creating unnecessary tension.
Some love is not really love at all
Not everything that feels like love is actually healthy or beneficial for us.
I'll keep everything I shared with you
I value the memories and experiences we've had together, even if they didn't all work out as planned.
And that's enough, there's us
Our connection and relationship is enough, even if we don't have everything we want in life.
Freeze frame, I'm not about to cry
I'm emotionally stable and not overwhelmed, even in challenging moments.
It's too late for us to change, why try
We've accepted who we are and what we bring to the relationship, and there's no need to try and change each other now.
I've got a camera tucked away inside my heart
I hold onto the memories and emotions of our time together, always keeping them close to me.
If I'm a loser, or just unlucky, so are you
We both have flaws and difficulties in life, but we support each other through them.
Somewhere between then and now
Time has passed and things have changed since we first met.
I looked away when you said we'll never change
I didn't agree with you, and didn't want to argue about it at the time.
And if you think what might've been
If we dwell on the past and regret our choices, it can distract us from the present and future.
You'll lose today and we've got songs to play
We should focus on living in the moment, celebrating our bond and shared experiences.
Not everything is supposed to come true
Once again, life doesn't always match our expectations or plans.
I'll keep everything I shared with you
Our connection and shared experiences matter more than anything else.
And that's enough, there's us
Our bond and love for each other is enough, regardless of what else we may or may not have in our lives.
There's us
We are together, and that's what matters most.
There's us
Our connection persists, even in difficult moments or uncertainty about the future.
There's us
Our relationship is unique and special, and can weather any challenge as long as we are together.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: WARD, WELLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lorahohday
I didn't know there was a BSB version of this song. I always loved this song since it premiered in the episode of IS season 1. I was a die-hard BSB fan since I was like 5 years old, and I heard that version and literally cried. I'm a 22 year old. That was serious for me haha
@Marcusaurelius825
Alexz Johnson is the best and original!!
@mynabyrdcryan1240
I prefer the original as well. Her voice is so real and makes you feel like your looking down on the world. It's brilliant like floating on a cloud, like she's really been there. Alexz is amazing! :)
@Ayane94
I love the lyrics to this song! <3 Makes me feel all floaty inside. ^^ Alexz Johnson's amazing! <333
@NaiiliLavigne20
Two words: awesome voice ♥
@Adirondaque
there is a kind of vurnerabilty in her voice that I like ^_^
@PestimisticAngel
Thanks for the up load. I heard this song a few months ago in a theresa ethan video.
@cynthiabowles2896
Just so everyone knows this song was originally Alexz Johnson's song. A song she co wrote for her season 2 show and album instant star in 2006. Didn't know until today that the back street boys even made their own single with it. And I was a 90s bsb fan. I do not like the bsb version this is the only way I see the song specially being a fan of the show.
@AeliaReadsBooks
Anyone else miss Instant Star?
@Bigjoe5162
There is a Channel that has season 1-4 here on youtube