Strong Enough https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1811612 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:23:05 GMT Mon, 10 Mar 2025 23:46:11 GMT Copyright © 2025 Chi Sigma Iota Strong Enough https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1811612 https://www.csi-net.org/forums/posts.aspx?topic=1811612 Strong Enough


Music Being Reviewed:
Cher. (1998). Strong enough. On Believe. Warner Bros.

Reviewer:
Jeff Tucker

Genre:
Other

Suggested Age Range:
Everyone

Subject Headings:
Divorce; GLBT Issues; Relationships; Grief & loss; Violence - Domestic 

Review:
“Strong Enough” is an empowering anthem written by Mark Taylor and Paul Barry and performed by Cher on her 1998 album Believe. The song provides a woman’s perspective as she decides to leave an unhealthy relationship characterized by deceit and infidelity. “Strong Enough” begins with a simple piano accompaniment, leading the listener at first to believe they are hearing a ballad. As the first chorus breaks with a heavy disco beat, one comes to realize that this is not a song of heartache but of freedom. In her distinct contralto, Cher proclaims, “I am strong enough to live without you . . . I’m strong enough to know you gotta go.”
 
Implications for this track abound. Examples include the notion that one is whole and inherently enough as a single person and the premise that a person can never make another individual change. “Strong Enough” can be used in counseling settings to empower women who have left or are considering leaving toxic relationships. If the song resonates, women may find it a useful and affirmative tool as they navigate post-breakup life. As Cher has been a performing artist since the 1960s, older women may find the song particularly resonant. This song also has implications for gay males leaving relationships. Cher is typically recognized as an icon in the gay community, and “Strong Enough” has received considerable airplay in queer spaces since its release over two decades ago. As a mother of a transgender son and an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights, gay male listeners can appreciate that the message of strength is coming from an ally. “Strong Enough” may also be generalized to client situations outside of relationships. Clients choosing to free themselves from environments that no longer serve them (e.g., work, church, family of origin, etc.) might identify with the lyrics and find the song an empowering tool as they assert their independence.

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