In 1990 Usher joined an R&B local quintet called the NuBeginnings, which was organized by local music svengali, Darryl Wheeler and then he decided to pursue a career in music. Aside from recording, Usher has ventured into business. He has established his own record label, US Records, and is a part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise. He has also dabbled in acting, with a recurring role on the teen sitcom Moesha, and roles in the films The Faculty (1998, with Josh Harnett) She's All That (1999, with Freddie Prinze, Jr.) and Texas Rangers (2001, with Ashton Kutcher).
Stronger
Usher Lyrics
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Pouring cups of whiskey to get through
Oh sweet child of mine, gone way too soon
Lost myself and lost my faith too
I've had my share of ups and downs
I've had my share of down and outs
Baptized in a river and almost drowned
I'm stronger than ever now, stronger than ever now
I'm stronger than ever now, stronger than ever now
(Stronger than ever now) oh-ooh
Walk through fire, now I'm fireproof
Forever wear these scars like tattoos
Finally found paradise right in my view
And its killing me that I can't share it with you
I've had my share of ups and downs
I've had my share of down and outs
Baptized in a river and almost drowned
That's when I figured out
I'm stronger than ever now, stronger than ever now
I'm stronger than ever now, I'm stronger than ever now
(Stronger than ever now) oh-ooh
Though you're gone, you still live in my mind
The only thing we ran out of is time
Since you left, I ain't been quite the same
I wonder if you miss me,? Do I make you proud?
Know you're watching me, I feel your spirit
I keep you right by my side
I'm stronger than ever now, far from perfect (stronger)
Life will knock you down, get back up (stronger)
Fight for what's worth it (stronger)
Be strong enough, I know it's easier said than done (stronger)
Stronger than ever now (stronger)
I been through it, now I know (stronger)
I'm a little bit stronger (stronger)
Stronger now, hey, stronger now (stronger)
All that I been through somehow I found my way out (stronger)
Long as I believe in me, I know I can make it (stronger than ever now)
Just when you're fed up, it only gets harder (stronger than ever now)
I know you'll make it, 'cause you're stronger (ooh)
Ooh yeah (ooh)
Stronger than ever now, ooh
Stronger
The lyrics to Usher's song "Stronger" convey a message of resilience and personal growth in the face of adversity. The opening lines, "Been through hell, now I'm hell proof/Pouring cups of whiskey to get through," suggest that the singer has faced difficult and challenging times, but has emerged stronger and more resilient as a result. The reference to pouring cups of whiskey to get through echoes the idea of finding temporary solace or escape in vices, but ultimately recognizing that inner strength is what carries them forward.
The lyrics also touch upon the loss of someone dear, as Usher mournfully sings, "Oh sweet child of mine, gone way too soon/Lost myself and lost my faith too." This loss has caused the singer to question their own identity and faith, further adding to their struggles. However, as the song progresses, Usher reveals a determination to overcome these obstacles and find strength within himself.
The repeated chorus, "I'm stronger than ever now, stronger than ever now," becomes a mantra of empowerment for Usher. He acknowledges that he has experienced both ups and downs, but through his experiences, he has discovered his internal strength. The metaphorical references to walking through fire and wearing scars as tattoos symbolize the resilience and the ability to endure hardships. Usher has found his own version of paradise, but he laments that he cannot share it with the person he lost.
The bridge of the song is a poignant reflection on the absence of the person who has passed away. Usher wonders if they are missed and if he is making them proud. He feels their presence in spirit and imagines that they are watching over him. Despite the pain of their loss, Usher remains determined to be strong, acknowledging that it is not an easy feat.
In summary, "Stronger" by Usher brings forth a message of resilience, growth, and the ability to overcome challenges. It explores themes of personal loss, self-discovery, and finding inner strength in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Been through hell, now I'm hell proof
After enduring immense hardships, I have become resilient and immune to further struggle
Pouring cups of whiskey to get through
I rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism to overcome my challenges
Oh sweet child of mine, gone way too soon
My beloved child passed away unexpectedly at a young age, causing immense grief
Lost myself and lost my faith too
I not only lost my sense of identity but also my belief in a higher power
I've had my share of ups and downs
I have experienced both moments of success and moments of failure
I've had my share of down and outs
I have faced periods of hardship and despair
Baptized in a river and almost drowned
Through a metaphorical rebirth, I came close to succumbing to despair
That's when I figured out
At that moment, I came to a realization
I'm stronger than ever now, stronger than ever now
I have emerged from my struggles with greater strength and resilience than before
(Stronger than ever now) oh-ooh
Repeated emphasis on my newfound strength and resilience
Walk through fire, now I'm fireproof
Having faced intense challenges, I am now immune to their harmful effects
Forever wear these scars like tattoos
The emotional wounds I carry are etched onto my being, becoming a permanent part of my identity
Finally found paradise right in my view
I have discovered a sense of peace and happiness in my current circumstances
And its killing me that I can't share it with you
The sadness I feel is intensified as I cannot experience and enjoy this newfound bliss with someone I love
Though you're gone, you still live in my mind
Even though you have passed away, your memory remains alive and present within my thoughts
The only thing we ran out of is time
The only thing that prevented us from experiencing more together was the finite nature of time
Since you left, I ain't been quite the same
My life has been forever altered and I struggle to regain my previous self since you departed
I wonder if you miss me,? Do I make you proud?
I ponder if you long for my presence and if I am living up to your expectations
Know you're watching me, I feel your spirit
I have a sense that you are observing me from beyond and your presence is felt strongly
I keep you right by my side
I maintain a close connection with your memory, as if you are always beside me
I'm stronger than ever now, far from perfect (stronger)
Despite my imperfections, I have become stronger than ever before
Life will knock you down, get back up (stronger)
Though life throws challenges my way, I continuously rise back up and persevere
Fight for what's worth it (stronger)
I strive to protect and pursue what holds value and significance in my life
Be strong enough, I know it's easier said than done (stronger)
I acknowledge that being resilient is more challenging in practice than in theory
I been through it, now I know (stronger)
Having experienced hardships, I have gained wisdom and understanding
I'm a little bit stronger (stronger)
I have grown incrementally stronger, building resilience over time
Stronger now, hey, stronger now (stronger)
I am currently stronger and more resilient than ever before
All that I been through somehow I found my way out (stronger)
Despite the obstacles I faced, I managed to navigate a path to overcome them
Long as I believe in me, I know I can make it (stronger than ever now)
As long as I maintain faith in myself, I am confident in my ability to succeed
Just when you're fed up, it only gets harder (stronger than ever now)
In times of frustration and weariness, the challenges I face intensify
I know you'll make it, 'cause you're stronger (ooh)
I have faith that you will overcome your struggles because you possess inner strength
Ooh yeah (ooh)
Expressing agreement and affirmation
Stronger than ever now, ooh
Emphasizing my current strength and resilience
Stronger
Reiterating my increased strength and resilience
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Usher Raymond, Yonatan Ayal, Marco Pen, Joseph Hill Jr., Taji Ausar, Andrew Fridge, Elley Duhe, Zachary Willans
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind