Because of You
Vários/Kelly Clarkson Lyrics
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Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh
I will not make
The same mistakes that you did
I will not let myself
'Cause my heart so much misery
I will not break
I've learned the hard way
To never let it get that far
Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid
I lose my way
And it's not too long before you point it out
I cannot cry
Because I know that's weakness in your eyes
I'm forced to fake
A smile, a laugh, every day of my life
My heart can't possibly break
When it wasn't even whole to start with
Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid
I watched you die (I watched you die, in your sleep)
I heard you cry every night in your sleep
I was so young
You should have known (I was too young for you to lean on me)
Better than to lean on me
You never thought of anyone else (you never saw me, yeah)
You just saw your pain
And now I cry in the middle of the night
For the same damn thing
Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I try my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you
I don't know how to let anyone else in
Because of you
I'm ashamed of my life
Because it's empty
Because of you
I am afraid
Because of you (ah, ah)
Because of you, mmm, oh
The lyrics of Vários/Kelly Clarkson's "Because Of You" are a testament to the lingering effects of emotional neglect and trauma. The singer and songwriter are reliving the memories of her childhood, where the actions of a loved one have caused an effect in her life, which has had a lasting impact on her relationships and sense of self-worth. The song is about the singer's painful journey in learning to overcome her past emotional pain.
The first verse talks about how the songwriter is determined to break the cycle of emotional pain caused by her past experiences. She vows not to repeat the mistakes of her past, and to avoid getting hurt like she did before. She also acknowledges that she has learned the hard way through her past experiences, and has developed a sense of self-preservation to protect herself.
The chorus highlights the reason for the songwriter's guardedness - the emotional pain she has endured in the past. She has learned to be cautious, to "never stray too far from the sidewalk" and to "play on the safe side" to avoid being hurt again. She also finds it difficult to trust people around her, including herself, and lives in a constant state of fear.
The second verse exposes the singer's vulnerability, her desire to hide her pain from the world. She lives her life, forcing a smile and a laugh, while concealing her inner turmoil. She has been hurt so much that it has become impossible for her to show her emotions, as they make her feel weak.
In the bridge, the songwriter reflects on her past experiences and the effect they have had on her. She recalls the pain of seeing a loved one suffer and cry every night, but she was too young and untainted to offer any help. The singer feels guilty, as she was unable to save the loved one she cherished the most.
Overall, the song is a poignant account of the effects of emotional neglect and trauma on an individual's psyche. It explores the journey of recovery, from acknowledging the source of the pain to learning to cope with it and ultimately triumphing over it.
Line by Line Meaning
I will not make
I won't commit the same mistakes you did
The same mistakes that you did
I won't repeat your errors in judgment
I will not let myself
I won't allow myself to experience severe emotional pain
Cause my heart so much misery
To avoid the anguish of heartbreak
I will not break
I won't shatter emotionally
The way you did, you fell so hard
You suffered a severe emotional breakdown
I've learned the hard way
I've gained knowledge through first-hand experience of suffering
To never let it get that far
I won't allow the situation to escalate to that degree
Because of you
Due to your past actions and behavior
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
I play it safe and stay within my comfort zone
Because of you
Due to your past actions and behavior
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
I am cautious to prevent emotional pain
Because of you
Due to your past actions and behavior
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
I struggle to trust myself and others due to past betrayals
Because of you
Due to your past actions and behavior
I am afraid
I feel constantly fearful and anxious
I lose my way
I become confused and disoriented
And it's not too long before you point it out
You quickly criticize and blame me for my mistakes
I cannot cry
I am unable to express my emotions freely
Because I know that's weakness in your eyes
Because I am aware that you view crying as a sign of weakness
I'm forced to fake
I have to pretend to be happy, even though I'm not
A smile, a laugh everyday of my life
I have to put on a façade of happiness, even when I'm sad
My heart can't possibly break
My heart is already broken, so it can't break any further
When it wasn't even whole to start with
My heart was never complete from the beginning
I watched you die
I witnessed your emotional demise
I heard you cry every night in your sleep
I listened to you cry yourself to sleep each night
I was so young
I was still a child at the time
You should have known
I expected you to understand
Better than to lean on me
You shouldn't have relied on me for emotional support
You never thought of anyone else
You only considered your own pain and suffering
You just saw your pain
You were too focused on your own emotional turmoil
And now I cry in the middle of the night
Now I experience the same emotional pain you did
For the same damn thing
Due to the same emotional trauma as you
I try my hardest just to forget everything
I am attempting to forget past emotional pain and suffering
Because of you
Due to your past actions and behavior
I don't know how to let anyone else in
I am unable to open up to others and form close relationships
Because of you
Due to your past actions and behavior
I'm ashamed of my life
I feel embarrassed and self-conscious about my past and present circumstances
Because it's empty
Because my life lacks emotional fulfillment and genuine connections
Because of you
Due to your past actions and behavior
I am afraid
I feel constantly fearful and anxious
Because of you
Due to your past actions and behavior
Because of you
Due to your past actions and behavior
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Reservoir Media Management, Inc.
Written by: Ben Moody, David Hodges, Kelly Briannne Clarkson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind