After reading her gutsy open letter to Clive Davis that fought back against some of the hurtful accusations he made against her in his new memoir, it's fun to repurpose some of her feistiest lyrics as a career-long diatribe against the legendary but stifling mogul. Presented in no particular and leaving out her debut Thankful, which came before Kelly sought creative control, here's a look at some of the Idol's strongest and well-written declarations of self-empowerment.
By Brittany Spanos
"Mr. Know It All"
These lyrics are probably what were going through KC's mind when gearing up to write out her WhoSay post, or even when she read what Davis wrote about her in his memoir. With the poignancy of every lyric, girlfran' might as well begin dedicating this song to the real life Mr. Bring Me Down at every concert.
Mr Know It All/ Well ya think you know it all/ But ya don't know a thing at all/ Ain't it something y'all/ When somebody tells you something bout you/ Think that they know you more than you do/ So you take it down another pill to swallow
SING IT, GIRL.
"Breakaway"
As bitter and angry as Kelly can get in her songs, it's the soaring, reflective tracks that really stand out. And maybe the best revenge against a man who continuously insisted upon stifling her creative voice is to sing an Avril Lavigne-penned inspirajam about flying free and gaining independence.
"Where Is Your Heart"
Yeah, Clive, where is your heart? Who can honestly sit there and not feel an abundance of feelings after hearing "Because of You" for the first time?
Where is your heart, cause I don't really feel you/ Where is your heart, what I really want is to believe you/ Is it so hard to give me what I need/ I want your heart to bleed, that's all I'm asking for, oh / Where is your heart
Mmhmm.
"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"
Pop stars often have at least one or two "I SHALL OVERCOME" moments stored away. It's not hard to imagine this one of Kelly's is directed at Clive.
See also: Kelly Clarkson Returns To Save Pop Music From Itself Once More
"Walk Away"
The aural representation of a snap in a 'Z' formation could be dedicated 2 u, Mr. Davis.
"Whyyawannabringmedown"
So what's your evil attitude/ When you got me spending my time pleasing you/ Why must you keep me underground/ Tell me tell me, why you wanna bring me down?/ Is that too much to give a damn/ When I'm giving you one hundred and ten/ Don't blink 'cause I won't be around/ Tell me, so tell me why you wanna bring me down
Answer the question, Clive!
"Behind These Hazel Eyes"
Kelly laid her heart on the line to fight for her voice to be heard and ended up being betrayed by someone she was supposed to trust with her career. Maybe she doesn't cry on the outside anymore, but she sure as hell isn't afraid to speak up against a very powerful legend trying to crush someone who questioned his authority.
See also: Kelly Clarkson's Seven Best Cover Songs
"Already Gone"
WE DON'T MIND YOUR REPETITION, KELLY, BECAUSE SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA TELL 'EM TWICE.
"Cry"
He accused her of "hysterical sobbing" after requesting she put "Since U Been Gone" on her album, and "Miss Independent" rebutted that the real crying came when he questioned her songwriting ability. I'd like to imagine a dramatic exit from his office as she sings this song after playing "Because of You" for him.
#TeamKelly
"Gone"
There's no light at the end of the tunnel tonight/ Just a bridge that I gotta burn
What an accurate summation of this fiasco.
