Meaning of "Stronger" by Clean Bandit

"Stronger" delves into the feelings of pressure and confusion that arise from societal expectations and the desire to meet them. The narrator is bombarded by advice from others, being told to be cautious, flawless, and to control themselves. However, these expectations are overwhelming and make the narrator question their understanding of the situation, suggesting it's all a peculiar game they don't fully comprehend.

There's a sense of detachment and a fear of losing oneself implied in the lyrics. The narrator expresses the belief that one day they will wake up and forget about these expectations, and as a result, everyone around them will know them by a different name. This indicates a potential breaking point or a desire for escape from the burden of these expectations.

The desire to be stronger and be everything for someone else emerges as a central theme. The narrator longs to meet the expectations and fulfill the desires of their loved ones. The repetition of "love me like you want me to" suggests a plea for acceptance and validation. They question whether being stronger would lead to believing in their ability to love as desired. It highlights the pressure to change and conform to the desires of others in order to gain love and acceptance.

The song also touches on the fear of making mistakes and the need for forgiveness. The lyrics mention holding their breath, trying to keep themselves emotionally guarded. The question of whether they asked too much is raised, reflecting the fear of being judged and rejected for their actions. They express a desire to have another chance, implying that they have won a rush before and want to experience that again, despite any potential mistakes made in the past.

The repetition of the chorus at the end, with the added variation of wanting to be strong for the other person, reinforces the theme of meeting expectations. The condition of both parties promising to try suggests that it's a two-way street, acknowledging the importance of reciprocation and effort in a relationship. The song ends with a final plea to be loved as desired, emphasizing the longing for acceptance and understanding.

Overall, "Stronger" captures the struggle to navigate societal expectations, the desire for love and acceptance, and the need for personal growth and authenticity in relationships.