Stronger Than
Pete Yorn Lyrics

The lyrics to Pete Yorn's "Stronger Than" speak to the emotional struggle of a person who has never truly experienced love. The singer reflects on the possibility of having been loved in the past but ultimately cannot say for sure. The repeated phrase "Can it make you happy, no no no" suggests a fear of the potential emotional risks associated with love. The second verse sees the singer questioning their own understanding of love, "Can you make me happy, no no no/Can you make me sad/I gotta know myself/Before I know someone else". It is here that the idea of self-discovery becomes central to the song.

The chorus declares that "Love is stronger, stronger than fear" and repeats this line to emphasize the idea that love is capable of overcoming one's apprehensions and uncertainties. The singer suggests that they could love someone "maybe next year," but only after they have come to a better understanding of themselves. The bridge includes a conversation between the singer and another person, who insists that the singer has, in fact, been loved before. The song ends with the repetition of the phrase "I gotta know myself before I know someone else" which highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-love before being able to fully engage in a romantic relationship.