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.
Thief
Alexz Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And after all that I've been told
Horror stories that I read
While mom was putting me to bed
I put a lock on every door
He wants to get inside I'm sure
He's only there to mess around
A thief, burning my whole world down
A thief, turning my whole world around
I know I've failed every test
He knew which button he could press
My heart it beats out of my chest
It's never getting any rest
Didn't want him to see me cry
But every word became a lie
Only he can read my mind
His every touch is like a crime
A thief, burning my home down
A thief, turning my whole world around
Tell me what am I to do (better watch her)
Tell me who to talk too (talk to a doctor)
I really quit loving you (it won't matter)
So why am I talking you in to letting you still break in
Chours
The lyrics of Alexz Johnson's song "Thief" depict a person who had their heart broken and their trust shattered by someone who seemed to have only wanted to cause trouble. The thief not only took their partner's gold but also broke into their heart, leaving them with a feeling of fear and vulnerability. The singer recalls having been warned about horror stories before bedtime by their mother, which now only make sense.
Despite the singer's attempts to lock all doors, the thief seems determined to cause chaos and become the talk of the town. The singer admits to having failed every test and being manipulated by the thief, who was an expert in pressing the right buttons to catch them off guard. Their heart is now in a constant state of anxiety, with every touch from the thief feeling like a crime.
The chorus repeats the metaphor of the thief burning down their world and turning it around. The singer seems torn between wanting to let go of the thief and seeking help to get rid of them. However, despite wanting to quit loving the thief, they awkwardly justify allowing them to continue breaking in. The lyrics are open to interpretation, but they convey a sense of emotional manipulation as the singer struggles with their feelings towards someone who is toxic for them.
Line by Line Meaning
He broke in my heart and took my gold
He shattered my heart and took everything that was precious to me
And after all that I've been told
Despite all the cautionary tales I've heard
Horror stories that I read
Frightening stories that I came across
While mom was putting me to bed
When I was young and vulnerable
I put a lock on every door
I tried my best to protect myself
He wants to get inside I'm sure
He seeks to penetrate my defenses
He's only there to mess around
He has no real intentions or feelings for me
Be the talking of the town
To become the subject of gossip and rumors
A thief, burning my whole world down
He's like a robber, destroying everything I care about
A thief, turning my whole world around
He's changing everything, and not for the better
I know I've failed every test
I realize my own shortcomings and mistakes
He knew which button he could press
He understood exactly how to manipulate my emotions
My heart it beats out of my chest
I feel an overwhelming intensity of emotion
It's never getting any rest
It's always on high alert and never at ease
Didn't want him to see me cry
I didn't want to show him any weakness or vulnerability
But every word became a lie
I was no longer able to be true or honest
Only he can read my mind
He has an uncanny ability to understand my thoughts and emotions
His every touch is like a crime
His actions feel like violations and trespasses
Tell me what am I to do (better watch her)
Asking for advice or guidance in dealing with this situation
Tell me who to talk too (talk to a doctor)
Looking for someone to confide in or receive help from
I really quit loving you (it won't matter)
I've stopped caring, but it won't make a difference to him
So why am I talking you in to letting you still break in
Questioning why I'm allowing him to continue causing me harm
Contributed by Isabella N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.