Each Tear

Album: Stronger With Each Tear (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Stronger With Each Tear was initially titled Stronger after "the song, which Blige recorded and released as the lead single from the soundtrack of the LeBron James' documentary More Than a Game. The reason for the renaming of the album is suspected to be the failure of "Stronger" to make an impact on the charts, resulting in this song replacing "Stronger" on the LP.
  • Blige discussed the album title with MTV News: "You gotta come from an honest place of where you are. Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger in life. I don't care if you're doing great; you're gonna always have peaks and valleys. I hit a valley. And in that valley, I became stronger, because it didn't kill me. Now I'm here again, and I'm stronger. In that strength, I found that it's OK to be vulnerable. It's OK to need someone. It's OK to say, 'I don't need you.' That's what 'stronger' means. Do not box yourself in. Be free and uninhibited. That's what 'stronger' is about."
  • The song was originally sung by just Blige on the US version of her album though on the re-release and on international releases the song is a featured duet to reflect each of the international markets. Blige duets with Jay Sean for the UK release, with Tiziano Ferro for Italy; Vanessa Amorosi for Australia, Rea Garvey for Germany and K'naan for the Canadian/US re-release.
  • A video was filmed for the Blige/Jay Sean duet, which was directed by Marcus Raboy. Afterwards Sean took to his Twitter and said: "@maryjblige is so cool! For someone that has paved the way and inspired so many artists, shes so humble. Love that. Amazing2work with."
  • Blige wrote this with Mitchum Chin - a Jamaican songwriter who co-wrote Bruno Mars' "Our First Time" and "Show Me" - and the track's producer, Dwayne Chin-Quee aka Supa Dups.

Comments: 1

  • Moses Kinyua from Embu County KenyaSuch a encouraging song. Love it so much.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?