Lalah Hathaway is a contemporary R&B/Jazz singer and the daughter of soul l… Read Full Bio ↴Lalah Hathaway is a contemporary R&B/Jazz singer and the daughter of soul legend Donny Hathaway. After studying at Berklee, Hathaway signed with Virgin Records and released her self titled debut, Lalah Hathaway, in 1990. The set spawned 4 R&B Hits, including the Top 5 smash Heaven Knows. Her 1994 follow up, A Moment, did less well, and Hathaway parted ways with Virgin. She went on to work with many other established artists, including Take 6, Mary J. Blige and Marcus Miller, writing, producing and doing background vocals.

In 1999 Jazz legend Joe Sample collaborated with Lalah on the album The Song Lives On, which became a staple on both Jazz and Smooth R&B radio, as well as topping the Jazz charts. However, it would not be until 2004 that Lalah Hathaway would resurface with her own project. She had her biggest hit single in years with an inspired cover of the late Luther Vandross' Forever, For Always, For Love, topping the Urban AC Chart and reaching Top 40 on Billboards mainstream R&B chart, a feat repeated by Outrun the Sky, Hathaway's first solo album in a decade, which was released late in the year.

STRONGER
Lalah Hathaway Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Do you ever think about me now?
Do you ever wonder how I kept on going?
Don't you ever wonder why I kept my eyes on the prize and I kept on moving . . .
Yeah.
People will come, people will go.
I learned that a lifetime ago.
The world keeps on spinning, and I'll keep on winning.
Just as long as I know . . .

That I'm stronger than you know.
Though at times it didn't show.
It's right there in my heart and soul.
And I'll keep on moving.
There were times when I was down, didn't know my way around, but I kept it together.
You may have thought of me as weak, but I've got stuff you could not see, and I'll keep on walking . . .
Yeah.
People will come, people will go.
I learned that a lifetime ago.
They smile in your face (that's what they'll do), and lie to your back, but I'll get over that because I'm stronger than you know.
Though at times it didn't show (wasn't always in my eyes).
It's right there in my heart and soul. (Right here) And I'll keep on going.
Stronger than you know (stronger than you know).
Though at times it didn't show (wasn't always in my eyes).
It's right there in my heart and soul. (Yes it is, yes it is y'all) And I'll keep on moving.
Stronger (so much stronger . . .
Than you know).
I'm so much (stronger, stronger yeah) than I knew, than even I knew, than even I knew.
Just know I'm stronger than you'll ever know, there were times I know it did not show, it's right here in my heart and soul, and I'll keep on moving. (you gotta keep on moving, you gotta keep on moving)
Stronger than you'll ever know there were times I know it did not show, it's right here in my heart and soul, and I'll keep on moving.
Don't you ever wonder why, you gotta keep on walking.
Stronger than you'll ever know, though at times I know it did not show, it's right here in my heart and soul, and I'll keep on moving.
Gotta be a little stronger, gotta be a little stronger, gotta be a little stronger.
It's right there in your heart and soul, all you gotta do is know.
Stronger than you will ever know.
Stronger than you'll ever know, though at times I know it did not show, it's right here in my heart and soul, and I'll keep on moving.

Stronger than you'll ever know, though at times I know it did not show, it's right here in my heart and soul, and I'll keep on moving.
You gotta keep on moving.

Overall Meaning

The song "Stronger" by Lalah Hathaway is a powerful reflection on overcoming challenges and hardships in life. The song addresses the idea that people will come and go in our lives, and that it's important to maintain focus and continue to move forward. Hathaway questions if the person she is addressing ever thinks about her and wonders how she was able to persevere. She asserts that even though there were times when she felt weak and lost, she always kept her eyes on her goals and stayed strong.

The repetition of the phrase "stronger than you know" is a declaration of self-confidence and self-belief. It is a message to the listener that they are capable of overcoming anything, even when it doesn't seem possible. Hathaway acknowledges that sometimes strength is not evident on the surface, but that it exists deep within one's heart and soul.

Overall, the song encourages listeners to keep moving forward and to believe in themselves, even when faced with adversity. It is a reminder that inner strength is a powerful force that can shape our lives and lead us to success.

Line by Line Meaning

Do you ever think about me now?
Do you ever wonder whether I still come to your mind?

Do you ever wonder how I kept on going?
Have you ever wondered about the strength that kept me going?

Don't you ever wonder why I kept my eyes on the prize and I kept on moving . . .
Have you ever thought about my motivation to keep my focus on my goals and not give up?

People will come, people will go.
I've learned that people will come in and out of your life.

I learned that a lifetime ago.
I have known this for a long time.

The world keeps on spinning, and I'll keep on winning.
The world will keep moving and I will continue to succeed.

Just as long as I know . . .
As long as I am aware of this fact.

That I'm stronger than you know.
I possess more strength than you would imagine.

Though at times it didn't show.
Even though it may not have been evident.

It's right there in my heart and soul.
It is inside me, buried deep within my heart and soul.

And I'll keep on moving.
I will continue to push forward.

There were times when I was down, didn't know my way around, but I kept it together.
There were moments of struggle and confusion, but I stayed composed and held things together.

You may have thought of me as weak, but I've got stuff you could not see, and I'll keep on walking . . .
You may have underestimated me, but I have hidden potential that you may not have recognized, and I will keep moving forward.

They smile in your face (that's what they'll do), and lie to your back, but I'll get over that because I'm stronger than you know.
People may pretend to be friendly but deceive you, but I will move past that because I possess more strength than you might expect.

It's right there in my heart and soul. (Right here) And I'll keep on going.
My inner strength is deeply rooted, and I will continue to press on.

Stronger than you know (stronger than you know).
I possess more strength than you would imagine.

I'm so much (stronger, stronger yeah) than I knew, than even I knew, than even I knew.
I have even surprised myself by realizing my own strength.

Just know I'm stronger than you'll ever know, there were times I know it did not show, it's right here in my heart and soul, and I'll keep on moving. (you gotta keep on moving, you gotta keep on moving)
I am more resilient than you can comprehend, and though my strength may not have always been visible, it is a part of me and I will continue to push forward.

Don't you ever wonder why, you gotta keep on walking.
Have you ever considered why it is crucial to continue moving forward?

Gotta be a little stronger, gotta be a little stronger, gotta be a little stronger.
One must strive to acquire more strength and resilience.

It's right there in your heart and soul, all you gotta do is know.
The strength lies within oneself, and all one must do is recognize it.

Stronger than you will ever know.
I possess more strength than you could ever comprehend.

You gotta keep on moving.
One must continue to move forward in life.

Contributed by Bella G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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