because of you kelly clarkson

"Because of You" is a song by Kelly Clarkson from her second studio album, Breakaway (2004). Clarkson originally wrote it when she was 16 years old to cope with the emotional pain caused by her parents' divorce. The song lyrically explores the turmoil and pain of her deteriorating relationship with her father and the impact of that family trauma on her emotional life. It is a piano-driven pop ballad known for its expressive lyrics and strong vocal performance. Clarkson wanted the song on her debut album but was initially rejected by her label and later included it on Breakaway after reworking it with producers David Hodges and Ben Moody. The song discusses themes of emotional hurt, trust issues, and the lasting impact of a troubled family environment, with lyrics reflecting how Clarkson learned to avoid pain and how the experience shaped her approach to relationships and life. The music features a soft piano motif that evolves into roaring guitars at the chorus, complementing the emotional intensity of the lyrics. "Because of You" was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping charts in various countries, becoming one of Clarkson's biggest hits worldwide.