The song "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" is performed by American singer Kelly Clarkson. It is the title track from her fifth studio album, Stronger (2011), and was released as the album's second single on January 17, 2012
. The song was co-written by Kelly Clarkson, Jörgen Elofsson, Ali Tamposi, and David Gamson, with production by Greg Kurstin
. Musically, it is an uptempo dance-pop and electropop song. Lyrically, it focuses on themes of empowerment and recovery after heartbreak, inspired by the famous Friedrich Nietzsche quote: "That which does not kill us makes us stronger"
. The chorus emphasizes resilience and strength gained from overcoming adversity, with lines such as:
- "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller"
- "Doesn't mean I'm lonely when I'm alone"
- "What doesn't kill you makes a fighter, footsteps even lighter"
- "Thanks to you, I got a new thing started / Thanks to you, I'm not the broken-hearted / Thanks to you, I'm finally thinking about me"
The song's message is about personal growth and empowerment following a difficult breakup or challenge, asserting independence and strength rather than vulnerability
. In summary, "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson is a pop anthem about becoming stronger and more confident after hardship, especially emotional pain, encouraging listeners to stand tall and move forward positively
