The Voice Within (song)

Christina Aguilera Writer(s) Christina Aguilera Glen Ballard Producer(s) Glen Ballard Length 5:04 singles chronology Singles "Dirrty" "Beautiful" "Fighter" "Can't Hold Us Down" "The Voice Within" Stripped track listing "Stripped Pt. 2" "I'm Ok"

"The Voice Within" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera for her fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). The song was written by Christina Aguilera and Glen Ballard, with production handled by Ballard. It is a piano-driven ballad talks about trusting oneself and one's instincts. "The Voice Within" was released as the fifth and final single from Stripped on 5 June 2003. by RCA Records.

Reception

Upon its release, "The Voice Within" received mainly positive reviews from music critics, who called it an inspirational ballad and praised Aguilera's strong vocals on the track. Some likened the song to works by Celine Dion and Mariah Carey. Commercially, "The Voice Within" achieved moderate success on charts worldwide, peaking within the top ten of charts in several countries including Switzerland and the United Kingdom, and it reached number 33 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Music Video

Premiere date 5 June 2003 Director(s) David LaChapelle Choreographer Unknown Filmed 20-23 May 2003 Location Los Angeles, California Production Co Unknown

The song's music video was directed by David LaChapelle, who previously directed the music videos for "Dirrty" (2002) and "Can't Hold Us Down" (2003). It was filmed in black and white as a one shot. He explained to MTV News that the video's concept, "There's all kinds of connotations to the word 'stripped.' I wanted to strip it down to one take. Just her and this incredible voice. And really not have anything that is going to overshadow that. She's trying to grow as an artist and along the way she's taking all kinds of risks and a lot of times people let those things overshadow her ability and her talent. I wanted to bring it all back as a sort of bookend to this album". The video begins with a close-up scene of Aguilera and zooms out to her wearing a slip and sitting in an abandoned prop room. In one continuous black and white shot, Aguilera walks through several rooms, exits the building, and finally lays on a light box. The video was filmed at a deserted theater in downtown Los Angeles. It was inspired by neorealist works. The video was nominated for three 2004 MTV Video Music Awards: Best Female Video, Viewer's Choice, and Best Cinematography.

Lyrics

Young girl, don't cry I'll be right here when your world starts to fall Young girl, it's alright Your tears will dry, you'll soon be free to fly When you're safe inside your room you tend to dream Of a place where nothing's harder than it seems No one ever wants or bothers to explain Of the heartache life can bring and what it means When there's no one else Look inside yourself Like your oldest friend Just trust the voice within Then you'll find the strength That will guide your way You'll learn to begin To trust the voice within Young girl, don't hide You'll never change if you just run away Young girl, just hold tight And soon you're gonna see your brighter day Now in a world where innocence is quickly claimed It's so hard to stand your ground when you're so afraid No one reaches out a hand for you to hold When you're lost outside look inside to your soul When there's no one else Look inside yourself Like your oldest friend Just trust the voice within Then you'll find the strength That will guide your way You will learn to begin To trust the voice within Yeah... Life is a journey It can take you anywhere you choose to go As long as you're learning You'll find all you'll ever need to know (be strong) You'll break it (hold on) You'll make it (be strong) Just don't forsake it because (No one can tell you what you can't do) No one can stop you, you know that I'm talking to you When there's no one else Look inside yourself And like your oldest friend Just trust the voice within Then you'll find the strength That will guide your way You will learn to begin To trust the voice within Young girl don't cry I'll be right here when your world starts to fall (Listen)

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