I Didn't Know My Own Strength

Album: I Look To You (2009)
Charted: 44
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Initially it was reported that this would be the lead single from Whitney's seventh studio album, I Look To You. However after most of the tracks were heard during some pre-release album listening parties, Houston's official website stated the title song would be the first US single and Million Dollar Bill, the international lead single.
  • During the 2000s, Houston experienced considerable personal and professional turmoil, including the breakdown of her marriage to Bobby Brown and media speculation about drug use. This song talks about how she survived her darkest hour and picked herself up.
  • The song was written by Grammy award winning songwriter Diane Warren and produced by David Foster.
  • Houston clarified the song's meaning during a televised conversation with Oprah Winfrey. "I know from whence my help cometh. And I know that it's strong within me," she said. "If ever I get low, I get weak, I know where I can turn to. I love the spirit of God so much."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Desmond Child

Desmond ChildSongwriter Interviews

One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."

Booker T. Jones

Booker T. JonesSongwriter Interviews

The Stax legend on how he cooked up "Green Onions," the first time he and Otis Redding saw hippies, and if he'll ever play a digital organ.

Bill Withers

Bill WithersSongwriter Interviews

Soul music legend Bill Withers on how life experience and the company you keep leads to classic songs like "Lean On Me."

Songs About Movies

Songs About MoviesSong Writing

Iron Maiden, Adele, Toto, Eminem and Earth, Wind & Fire are just some of the artists with songs directly inspired by movies - and not always good ones.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.