It's this tendency in her songwriting toward the jarring and the eerily beautiful that got her signed to Paul Epworth's Wolf Tone label at the tender age of 16. Watson had been laying down some early demos with Epworth's engineer Joe Hartwell-Jones at the time. Hartwell-Jones -- aka JHJ -- invited her back to the studio to continue their collaboration, and over the course of six months they recorded a clutch of stormy electronic R&B songs. Little did Watson know, she'd been invited back at the specific request of Epworth, who had heard her early recordings and encouraged JHJ to keep working on them.
Walls
Elle Watson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Climbing, running, jumping, insane
Getting closer to getting away
These walls are tattooed on the back of my brain
I swear it's getting smaller
When did it all get smaller?
See, like a poster, it stays the same
I'm colder
But I'm stronger
See I heard the same stories over and over
I'm contemplating when it was, high it got older
I don't even know what my future holds
I cannot be told, but all I know is
In my head I'm running, jumping, going, insane
I just can't wait 'til I get out of this place
Running, jumping, going, insane
I just can't wait 'til I get out of feeling this way
I am climbing out of these walls
I can't wait to show the world what you
Put me through
And hell has made me better
I just really wanna slam doors
I have so many things to prove
To all of you who think that you are better
Feel the pulse rushing through my veins
I know with white knuckles I can only pray
I keep it together
Just go under
Look in the glass and watch your face
The tables are turning, you will have your space
Be more than I have
This is closure
I hear the clock ticking over and over
I'm contemplating when it was atop my shoulder
Feel it in my bones, I'm ready to blow
Feeling pretty low 'cause all I know is
In my head I'm running, jumping, going, insane
I just can't wait 'til I get out of this place
I know that I'm desperate, I know that I need this
Cause I seem breathless from going insane
I am climbing out of these walls
I can't wait to show the world what you
Put me through
And hell has made me better
I just really wanna slam doors
I have so many things to prove
To all of you who think that you are better
To all of you who think that you are better
I am climbing out of these walls
I can't wait to show the world what you
Put me through
And hell has made me better
I just really wanna slam doors
I have so many things to prove
To all of you who think that you are better
To all of you who think that you are better
Climbing up the walls
Climbing up the walls
Climbing up the walls
Climbing up the walls
Climbing up the walls
Climbing up the walls
Climbing up the walls
Climbing, running, jumping, insane
Climbing, running, jumping, insane
Elle Watson's song "Walls" is about feeling trapped in a situation or environment that one wants to escape. The repeated lines of "Climbing, running, jumping, insane" represent the desire to break free, to move forward, and to do whatever it takes to escape the confinement. The lyrics also suggest that the singer has changed over time and has become stronger, but also colder as a result of the struggles they faced. They are ready to leave everything behind and show the world what they are capable of achieving.
The chorus, "In my head I'm running, jumping, going insane, I just can't wait 'til I get out of this place," is the expression of the singer's desire to escape the walls that are holding them back. The phrase "I'm climbing out of these walls" represents the singer's determination to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The line "And hell has made me better" indicates that everything that the singer has been through has helped them become stronger and has prepared them for what is to come. The song ends with the repetition of "Climbing up the walls" as if to emphasize the singer's unwavering determination to break free.
Line by Line Meaning
Climbing, running, jumping, insane
I feel trapped and need to escape this situation. I am restless and my mind is chaotic.
Getting closer to getting away
I am making progress towards escaping this situation.
These walls are tattooed on the back of my brain
This situation has left a lasting impact on my mental state.
I swear it's getting smaller
This situation feels suffocating and is getting worse.
When did it all get smaller?
I am questioning how and when this situation became so overwhelming.
See, like a poster, it stays the same
This situation never changes and is a constant reminder of my struggles.
It's crazy to think it's me who's changed
I have been affected by this situation and am different because of it.
I'm colder
I have become more distant and guarded because of this situation.
But I'm stronger
Despite the challenges, I have grown and become more resilient.
See I heard the same stories over and over
I am tired of hearing the same excuses and lies from those involved in this situation.
I'm contemplating when it was, high it got older
I am reflecting on when this situation started and how it has worsened over time.
I don't even know what my future holds
I am uncertain about what will happen and what my life will be like after escaping this situation.
I cannot be told, but all I know is
I am determined to succeed and will not let anyone stand in my way.
In my head I'm running, jumping, going, insane
I am so desperate to escape this situation that I feel like I am losing my mind.
I just can't wait 'til I get out of this place
I am eagerly anticipating the moment when I finally escape this situation.
I know that I'm desperate, I know that I need this
I am aware that I am in a desperate situation and that getting out is necessary for my well-being.
Cause I seem breathless from going insane
The stress and turmoil is taking a toll on my physical and mental health.
I am climbing out of these walls
I am actively working to escape this situation and leave it behind.
I can't wait to show the world what you put me through
I will use my experiences to inspire and motivate others who may be going through similar situations.
And hell has made me better
Despite the challenges, I have grown and become a stronger person because of them.
I just really wanna slam doors
I am so frustrated and angry that I want to express it physically.
I have so many things to prove
I am determined to overcome this situation and prove to myself and others that I am capable.
To all of you who think that you are better
I will show those who doubted me that I am capable and strong.
Feel the pulse rushing through my veins
I am filled with adrenaline and anxiety because of this situation.
I know with white knuckles I can only pray
I am holding on tightly and hoping for the best outcome.
I keep it together
Despite the chaos and stress, I am managing to stay composed and focused.
Just go under
I am willing to do whatever it takes to escape this situation.
Look in the glass and watch your face
I am self-reflecting and analyzing my actions and emotions in response to this situation.
The tables are turning, you will have your space
I will finally have the freedom and space to live my life without being held back by this situation.
Be more than I have
I am striving to be a better version of myself and not let this situation define me.
This is closure
Finally escaping this situation will bring me the closure I need to move on.
I hear the clock ticking over and over
I am acutely aware of the passing time and am desperate for a way out.
I'm contemplating when it was atop my shoulder
I am reflecting on how this situation has impacted me physically and emotionally.
Feel it in my bones, I'm ready to blow
I am so overwhelmed by this situation that I am on the verge of breaking down.
Feeling pretty low 'cause all I know is
I am struggling and feeling hopeless because of this situation.
To all of you who think that you are better
I am determined to show those who doubted me that I am capable and strong.
Climbing up the walls
I am literally and figuratively climbing up the walls to escape this situation.
Contributed by Mason V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.