For fans of both Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire, “Because of You” is an important part of the singers’ catalogue. There’s also an important meaning behind it. As is the case with many iconic country music songs, there’s a real-life meaning to it.
Here’s the real-life story behind Kelly Clarkson’s “Because of You” as well her connection to Reba McEntire.
The story behind the Kelly Clarkson hit “Because of You”
Kelly Clarkson released “Because of You” in 2005 as the third single from her Breakaway album.
According to the singer, Clarkson wrote the song at just 16 in an effort to cope with the crumbling relationship she had with her father. It also was written as a reaction to her parents’ divorce.
The song almost made it to Clarkson’s debut album Thankful, but the record label decided not to include it in its current unfinished state. After polishing it up considerably, Clarkson included “Because of You” on her followup album Breakaway.
In 2007, Reba McEntire recorded “Because of You” as a duet with Kelly Clarkson. This version ended up as a single for McEntire’s 24th album, Reba: Duets. The duet version ended up a smash hit as well.
The song is “the most depressing one I’ve ever written,” according to Kelly Clarkson. Though she wrote it in less than 25 minutes, it still has explosive emotional resonance.
The video is equally heart-wrenching, as it paints a picture of a relationship of a father and daughter much like that of Kelly and her own father. It focuses on domestic situations between a husband and wife as well as Kelly having to deal with the aftermath.
Though the song itself isn’t a joyous ballad, it’s become synonymous with Kelly and her career. It’s also enabled her to enjoy a fruitful relationship with Reba McEntire throughout her life.
