Lights Up
Harry Styles Lyrics


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What do you mean?
I'm sorry by the way
Never coming back down
Can't you see?
I could, but wouldn't stay
Wouldn't put it like that
What do you mean?
I'm sorry by the way
Never coming around
Be so sweet if things just stayed the same
(La-da-da-da-da)

All the lights couldn't put out the dark
Runnin' through my heart
Lights up and they know who you are
Know who you are
Do you know who you are?

(Shine) step into the light
(Shine) so bright sometimes
(Shine) I'm not ever going back
(Shine) step into the light
(Shine) so bright sometimes
(Shine) I'm not ever going back
(Shine) step into the light
(Shine) so bright sometimes
(Shine) I'm not ever (ooh)

What do you mean?
I'm sorry by the way
Never going back now
Be so sweet if things just stayed the same
(La-da-da-da-da)
(La-da-da-da-da)
(La-da-da-da-da) (oh)
(La-da-da-da-da) (oh)
(La-da-da-da-da) (oh)

All the lights couldn't put out the dark
Runnin' through my heart
Lights up and they know who you are
Know who you are
Do you know who you are?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Harry Styles’s “Lights Up” are open to interpretation. However, we sense an underlying message of self-realization and acceptance. Early on in the song, he apologizes cryptically and tells listeners he’s never coming down, nor coming around again. A self-actualized person typically won’t apologize for being who they are, which suggests Harry is communicating to someone else. He goes on to say he could stay, but not like that, leading listeners to believe staying true to himself is a priority rather than conforming for others. He then repeats the phrase, “what do you mean” and “never going back,” affirming his commitment to living life his way.


In the chorus, he addresses the notion that darkness won’t disappear, but this doesn’t suggest he’s lost. Instead, Harry emphasizes how powerful light is when it enters his heart. He acknowledges people know who he is, but this prompts the question “do you know who you are?” This may be a call for others to reflect on their own self-discovery. The pre-chorus then repeats twice more, and Styles concludes with a change in lyrics with the phrase “shine,” inviting himself and others into a brighter future of self-love and acceptance.


Line by Line Meaning

What do you mean?
Asking for clarification on a previous statement


I'm sorry by the way
Apologizing for something previously done or said


Never coming back down
Refusing to be brought down by negative influences


Can't you see?
Asking someone to open their eyes to the situation


I could, but wouldn't stay
Acknowledging the possibility of staying, but ultimately choosing to leave


Wouldn't put it like that
Disagreeing with a previous statement or perception


Be so sweet if things just stayed the same
Expressing a desire for things to remain constant or unchanging


(La-da-da-da-da)
Instrumental break or filler lyrics


All the lights couldn't put out the dark
Despite having many positive influences, the negative still remains


Runnin' through my heart
Describing the overwhelming feeling of the negative influence


Lights up and they know who you are
Being recognized and celebrated for being oneself


Know who you are
Encouraging self-awareness and self-acceptance


Do you know who you are?
Questioning and encouraging self-reflection


(Shine) step into the light
Urging someone to step into the spotlight or reveal their true self


(Shine) so bright sometimes
Acknowledging the occasional brilliance of someone's true self


(Shine) I'm not ever going back
Committing to not returning to a previous state or mindset


(ooh)
Instrumental break or filler lyrics


(La-da-da-da-da)
Instrumental break or filler lyrics


(oh)
Instrumental break or filler lyrics




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Harry Edward Styles, Thomas Edward Percy Hull, Tyler Sam Johnson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@7clouds

Have you ever left the lights up in your room because you were scared in the night?

@sigggo

yeah

@aliyabatool6266

I am usually scared of dark 😣

@rebbecahisrael2631

No

@ameenachadda

ye

@pandasden7603

YASSSS ALWAYS

138 More Replies...

@athenanewton6834

This is one of Harry's best songs

@Bar1English

Agree

@boostedboosted3088

I agree

@thue263

Its my favorite

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