Kelly Clarkson’s new single contains probably one of the most unusual compositions heard in recent pop.
We are not referring to the music, which is once again the usual mix of styles. ‘I’d Be Lyin’ moves between pop-rock, funk and clear country roots, with guitars that evoke both Prince’s ‘Kiss’ and HAIM’s plucking and a nod to Clarkson’s biggest hit.
Today’s Song Of The Day, ‘I’d Be Lyin’ may not be the immediate anthem that ‘Since U Been Gone’ was, but melodically it has the potential to become a hit. The development is measured to the millimeter, building tension until leading to a cathartic chorus, while the bridge is now pure vocal exhibition. And yes, the song still goes to the trouble of including an actual bridge.
But when we say that I’d Be Lyin’ is an unusual song it is not because of its production, but because of its lyrics. Clarkson builds the entire song on an ingenious game of retraction and irony: each verse seems like a confession of heartbreak to be denied immediately afterwards.
“It’s not the same without ya”, “You are right where I belong” or “There’s not a day that goes by without you crossing my mind” seem like the words of someone unable to get over a breakup. However, the pre-chorus invalidates everything: “Ain’t what I’m sayin’ / If I said that then… I’d be lyin’.” Country irony squared.
The key comes in the chorus with “You’re hearin’ only what you’re wantin’ to.” That phrase gives meaning to the entire song: the ex-couple continues to believe that Kelly misses her, while she makes it clear that she has already turned the page: “It took a while, but now I’m bulletproof.” Or as she once said: what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.
