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.
Time To Be Your 21
Alexz Johnson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's not your fault that I can't trust
Its in my past, its in my path and I can't go there
Making a mess out of this game
To see it all go up in flames
So tired of being ruthless and reckless
Time to be your only one
Time to crash into the sun
Time to be your twenty-one
Time to dream that love will last
Time to drive my car too fast
Time to walk before I run
Time to be
Oh, time to be your twenty-one
I don't believe in love and I
I pull it to the wall
I tasted sweetness there to laugh so hard as it falls
And I could push you there if you don't stop me
Push you there if you don't stop me
Please stop me
Time to be your only one
To almost be you're way too young
Time to crash into the sun
Time to be your twenty-one
Time to dream that love will last
Time to drive my car too fast
Time to walk before I run
Time to be
Oh, time to be your twenty-one
Its gut wrenching sometimes
Its life threatening sometimes
Seems like nothing can wash it all away
Time to be your only one
To almost be you're way too young
Time to crash into the sun
Time to be your twenty-one
Time to dream that love will last
Time to drive my car too fast
Time to walk before I run
Time to be your twenty-one
Time to be your only one
To almost be you're way too young
Time to crash into the sun
Time to be your twenty-one
Time to dream that love will last
Time to drive my car too fast
Time to walk before I run
Time to be your twenty-one
The lyrics of Alexz Johnson's song "Time To Be Your 21" touch upon themes of trust, self-reflection, and personal growth. The opening lines acknowledge that the singer's inability to trust others is a result of past experiences, yet they also recognize that this personal issue is not the fault of their partner. The use of the word "path" suggests that this is an ongoing issue that will require a conscious effort to overcome.
The chorus is a call to action for the singer to mature and take responsibility for their actions. They declare that it is "time to be your only one" and that they are ready to commit fully to the relationship. The line "to almost be, you're way too young" implies that the singer recognizes that they may have been immature in the past, but they are now willing to grow and mature into a more responsible partner.
The second verse touches upon the singer's fear of vulnerability and their tendency to push people away when things get too intense. However, they also acknowledge that they have experienced moments of joy and sweetness when they allow themselves to connect with others. The plea to "please stop me" suggests that the singer recognizes their own patterns of behavior and is open to their partner's help in breaking them.
Overall, the lyrics of "Time To Be Your 21" are an honest portrayal of the struggle to trust and connect with others, and the desire to grow and mature as a person.
Line by Line Meaning
You never lied to me, not once
I acknowledge that you have always been truthful with me and I appreciate it.
It's not your fault that I can't trust
The issue of my inability to trust is solely mine and has nothing to do with you.
It's in my past, it's in my path
The reason for my trust issues lies in my past experiences, and it is something that I must confront as I move forward.
And I can't go there
I am not yet ready to confront the issues from my past that have caused my distrust.
Making a mess out of this game
My actions have been causing chaos and confusion in this relationship.
To see it all go up in flames
I fear that my harmful behavior may lead to the end of this relationship.
So tired of being ruthless and reckless
I am exhausted from constantly making decisions without regard for the consequences and it is time for me to change.
[Chorus]
It is time for me to take a new approach in this relationship.
Time to be your only one
I want to focus solely on the love and commitment we share.
To almost be, you're way too young
While I feel ready to commit to this relationship, I still have a lot to learn and experience in life.
Time to crash into the sun
I am willing to take a risk and fully invest myself in this relationship, even if it means getting hurt.
Time to be your 21
I want to be mature and ready for this relationship, both emotionally and mentally.
Time to dream that love will last
I want to hope and believe that our love can withstand any obstacles we may face.
Time to drive my car too fast
I am willing to take risks and live life to the fullest, without fear of the consequences.
Time to walk before I run
I understand the importance of taking things slowly and building a strong foundation before rushing into anything.
Time to be oh, time to be your 21
I am ready to fully commit myself to this relationship and be the best partner I can be.
I don't believe in love
I have been hurt in the past and my experiences have made me skeptical of love.
And I pull it to the wall
I tend to sabotage potential relationships before they have a chance to fully develop.
I tasted sweetness there
Despite my reservations about love, I have experienced moments of happiness and joy in relationships.
To laugh so hard as it falls
The pain of losing those relationships is often accompanied by memories of happy moments, making it bittersweet.
And I could push you there
I am capable of ruining this relationship if I continue to act recklessly.
If you don't stop me
I need your help and support to keep me from repeating my past mistakes.
Please stop me
I recognize that I need to change and I am asking for your help to do so.
It's gut-wrenching sometimes
The pain and fear that come with love can be overwhelming at times.
It's life-threatening sometimes
The risks that come with love can sometimes feel like a matter of life or death.
Seems like nothing can wash it all away
The fear and pain that come with love are difficult to forget and can linger even after the relationship has ended.
[Chorus: x3]
I am fully committed to this relationship and am willing to take risks to make it work.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Damhnait Doyle, Marc Jordan, Rob Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ZsanaeLove
Not me re watching all these episodes again and remember how many times I shipped that man with that teenager lol. The song still is a hit though lol 😂
@jacquelinerivera3225
Same 😂
@SparklesPwnAll
I knew about Instant Star and Alexz BEFORE PLL but I thought it was totally and completely freaking amazing when they used this song in that show. They should use some of her other songs as well. So no matter where you heard it, it doesn't matter. You're here supporting her music now. :D
@aldanaabigail7452
I thought the same, you don't know how excited I was when I heard this song at that Spoby moment, but I already adored Instant Star before that
@ValexaWorld
The meaning of the "time to be your 21" is because the character Jude was 16 and in love with Tommy, a 22-23 year old who said he would only pursue her if she was 21.
@_pizzashiz
teary eyed. I miss this show.
@meghan3580
toby & spencer moment.. #pll
@belduarte95
I COME HERE FOR PRETTY LITTLE LIARS!!😍😍😍😍
@taylorepstein3334
2021 and just finished re-watching this show for the umpteenth time. It's free on Youtube, but has better quality on PlutoTv, BUT PlutoTv doesn't have all the episodes......BUUUT the episodes I had to watch on Youtube were better quality than the whole first season.
I have re-watched this show every year since 2008. 13 years later and each time I've watched it, it reminded me how much I love song-writing. love you Alexz!
@Benz5469
I haven't seen this show since I was a teenager and always tried finding episodes and never could. Had no idea that it was on PlutoTv. I'm going to have to rewatch it!