Harry Styles’ “As It Was” is a cryptic reflection of his personal experiences, which are open to interpretation. The song explores the universal experiences of nostalgia, loss, and change, but its meaning is rooted in the artist’s own life.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the potential meanings behind the song, based on information from Harry Styles’ interviews and personal life.
Table of Contents
Lyrics Interpretation
Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.
Verse 1
The song starts with the line, “Holdin’ me back, gravity’s holdin’ me back.” This line implies that the singer is stuck in a situation that is preventing him from moving forward. He then says, “I want you to hold out the palm of your hand, why don’t we leave it at that?”
This line suggests that he wants to let go of the situation and move on. However, he feels that there is nothing left to say as everything has gotten in the way. He also admits that the person he is singing about cannot be replaced, and he is the only one who will stay.
Chorus
The chorus of the song emphasizes the theme of change and nostalgia. The line “In this world, it’s just us, you know it’s not the same as it was” implies that things have changed and that the world is not the same as it used to be. This line suggests that the singer is reflecting on the past and how things used to be. He is acknowledging that things are different now, and he is trying to come to terms with that.
Verse 2
The second verse starts with the line, “Answer the phone, ‘Harry, you’re no good alone, why are you sitting at home on the floor?'” This line suggests that the singer is feeling alone and is struggling with his emotions. He then says, “Ringin’ the bell, and nobody’s coming to help.”
This line implies that he is reaching out for help but nobody is responding. He also mentions that his father is living alone and just wants to know that he is well.
Chorus
The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing the theme of change and nostalgia. The line “In this world, it’s just us, you know it’s not the same as it was” suggests that the singer is struggling to come to terms with the changes that have occurred in his life. He is reflecting on the past and how things used to be, and he is trying to accept that things are different now.
Bridge
The bridge of the song starts with the line, “Go home, get up, light-speed internet, I don’t wanna talk about the way that it was.” This line implies that the singer is trying to distract himself from his thoughts by keeping himself busy. He then says, “Leave America, two kids in tow, I don’t wanna talk about who’s doing it wrong.” This line suggests that the singer is trying to escape from his problems and move on with his life.
Chorus
The chorus is repeated once again, emphasizing the theme of change and nostalgia. The line “In this world, it’s just us, you know it’s not the same as it was” suggests that the singer is struggling to accept the changes that have occurred in his life. He is reflecting on the past and how things used to be, and he is trying to come to terms with the fact that things are different now.
Outro
The song ends with the line “As it was, you know it’s not the same as it was, as it was, as it was.” This line emphasizes the theme of change and nostalgia and suggests that the singer is struggling to come to terms with the changes that have occurred in his life. The repetition of the line “as it was” suggests that the singer is holding onto the past and finding it difficult to accept the present.
True Meaning Behind “As It Was”
The Complexity of Songwriting
In his interview with The Guardian, Harry Styles reflects on the complexities of writing songs about ex-lovers, asking whether it is okay to do so or if it becomes annoying for the person in question.
However, he also acknowledges that he writes about what comes to him, while still being self-aware about others. Therefore, “As It Was” is a song that is open to interpretation, but is still rooted in Styles’ personal experiences.
Childhood Trauma and Personal Relationships
Some suggest that the meaning behind “As It Was” is rooted in Styles’ childhood during his parents’ divorce. The lines “Ringin’ the bell / And nobody’s coming / to help / Your daddy lives by himself / He just wants to know that you’re well” could refer to his father’s shortcomings but also love for him during his self-destructive behavior, as he mentions in the song that he received a phone call suggesting he was on pills.
On the other hand, some fans speculate that the song could also be inspired by his current relationship with Olivia Wilde, as the lines “Go home, get ahead, / light-speed internet / I don’t wanna talk / about the way that it was / Leave America, two kids follow her / I don’t wanna talk / about who’s doin’ it first” suggest a potential reference to his girlfriend’s recent move to London with her children.
The Pandemic and Metamorphosis
In an interview with Apple Music, Styles suggests that “As It Was” reflects the metamorphosis that occurred during the pandemic. He was forced to slow down and recognize that he was not just a musician, but also a friend, a brother, and a son.
However, he also acknowledges that the pandemic and other events have caused irreversible changes, suggesting that we cannot go backward and that everything will never be the same again.
Conclusion
Overall, “As It Was” is a cryptic reflection of Harry Styles’ personal experiences, but it also speaks to universal experiences of loss, nostalgia, and change. The song’s lyrics are open to interpretation, but they underscore the fragility of relationships and the importance of cherishing the moments that we have with our loved ones.
By acknowledging the transience of life, Styles’ lyrics suggest that we can find a sense of peace and acceptance, even in the midst of loss and uncertainty.
Ultimately, “As It Was” is a beautiful tribute to the human experience, and a reminder that even in the midst of change and personal struggles, there is beauty and meaning to be found.