The War Is Over

Album: Stronger (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was co-written and produced by New York-based Toby Gad, the knob-twiddler behind hits for Beyoncé, The Veronicas and Colbie Caillat. The other co-writer was Barbadian British singer-songwriter Livvi Franc, whose other credits include "Rain On Me" by Cheryl Cole and "Trouble For Me" by Britney Spears.
  • The lyrics to this song are intentionally vague and universal in their meaning, and the listener is left to guess whether they refer to a romance or an actual war. Speaking to Associated Press's Ryan Pearson, Toby Gad said that though Clarkson sings almost exclusively about matters of the heart, after several days of revising lyrics alongside for Stronger, he couldn't recall her ever recounting her own personal experiences to him. "That's the underlying theme for her, to vent emotions that we all feel in our relationships," the songwriter said.

Comments: 1

  • Laura from El Paso, TxI think Kelly Clarkson is one of the most uniquely talented voices to come out of the last decade, but I think she would be even better if she would move away from the songs about relationship angst and move toward making more like "If no one will listen", "Breakaway" and "Because of You". If she does not branch out in her material I fear she will risk becoming predictable. That being said, I love here voice and probably have more of her songs in my Ipod than any other artist.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.