Big Picture
London Grammar/London Grammar Lyrics
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My only hope is to let life stretch out before me
And break me on this lonely road
I'm made of many things, but I'm not what you are made of
Only now do I see the big picture
But I swear that these scars are fine
Only you could've hurt me in this perfect way tonight
Between mistakes and what you just meant for me
Don't say you ever loved me
Don't say you ever cared
My darkest friend was
Have you forgotten all the lies you left there so fresh
Turning old in the air
And now, you have no weapons
You can try to get close to those I love
Do you really think they don't know what you're made of
Only now do I see the big picture
But I swear that these scars are fine
Only you could've hurt me in this perfect way tonight
I might be blind but you've told me the difference
Between mistakes and what you just meant for me
Someone say you ever loved me
Don't say you ever cared
My darkest friend was
The lyrics to London Grammar's song Big Picture are a reflection on a past relationship and the singer's process of coming to terms with it. The first verse includes the line "Love, what did you do to me?" which sets the stage for the emotional struggle that follows. The following lines suggest that the singer knows they need to move on and allow time to heal their wounds, but they also acknowledge that the journey will be a difficult one.
The chorus of the song is a powerful statement of the singer's resolve to move on despite the pain of their past relationship. They sing "Only now do I see the big picture, but I swear that these scars are fine" which suggests that they have gained perspective on what happened, but they are still carrying the emotional scars of their experiences. The following line "Only you could've hurt me in this perfect way tonight" is a poignant reminder that the relationship was not entirely negative, and there were moments of beauty and tenderness mixed in with the pain.
The second verse of the song is a direct address to the former partner, with the singer challenging them to be honest about their feelings. They sing "Don't say you ever loved me, don't say you ever cared" which suggests that the singer feels betrayed and seeks closure. The final lines offer a warning to the former partner that they should not try to harm the singer's loved ones.
Overall, the lyrics to Big Picture are a powerful reflection on the complex emotions of a relationship that has come to an end. The song offers a message of hope and empowerment, suggesting that it is possible to move on from past hurts and find a way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Love, what did you do to me?
Addressing the impact of love on the singer's life, questioning the actions and changes brought upon by this emotion.
My only hope is to let life stretch out before me
The singer hopes to surrender to the flow of life and allow it to unfold without resisting or directing it.
And break me on this lonely road
Acknowledging the challenges faced while traversing a solitary path, and the potential for these difficulties to transform and shape the singer.
I'm made of many things, but I'm not what you are made of
Highlighting the differences between two individuals, and the fact that the artist cannot be defined solely by their relationship with someone else.
Only now do I see the big picture
Realization of a larger perspective, understanding of the broader context and implications of past events or choices.
But I swear that these scars are fine
Acceptance of the emotional wounds inflicted by past experiences, and the belief that they are integral to one's growth and resilience.
Only you could've hurt me in this perfect way tonight
Acknowledging the unique impact of a specific person on the singer's life, and the fact that this pain can be both devastating and transformative.
I might be blind, but you've told me the difference
Between mistakes and what you just meant for me
Acknowledging the artist's own shortcomings or potential blindness, while also recognizing the value and depth of another's insight or perspective.
Don't say you ever loved me
Don't say you ever cared
The artist rejecting any claims of love or care from the other person, expressing distrust or disillusionment towards them.
My darkest friend was
Possible continuation of the previous line, or another statement highlighting the complexity or challenges of a particular friendship or relationship.
Have you forgotten all the lies you left there so fresh
Turning old in the air
Questioning the other person's memory or motives for past actions, and acknowledging the way that these secrets or betrayals can linger and affect the present.
And now, you have no weapons
You can try to get close to those I love
Do you really think they don't know what you're made of
Rejecting attempts to manipulate or control the artist or those close to them, and recognizing the flaws or true nature of the other person.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Dominic Ashley Ronald Major, Hannah Felicity May Reid, Daniel Harry Joseph Rothman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@davidmannukraine
This song had me in tears. What a wonderful group and I am 67 years of age; it is like they are reaching into my feelings and putting them into song.
@alainrobert5343
Samedi for me and im 70 year
S old
@signemadlinesheim5833
I feel the same , and I am 59
@pavelglos6181
please mee*/*\*too please
@hugobossdog2769
👍❤️ Such a great comment, me too
@kirtandreamrezzer
Same here, same age✌🥸 Magical melodic crafting, the real power of music when everything comes together. 🙏
@user-ho9ks7of9b
Beautiful, I had almost given up on new music, but I love nearly everything that these guys do. Hannah’s voice is sublime. Please tour again soon, and pay us a visit up in northern England.
@ginogelatino8059
What an amazing band. She has one of the world‘s most beautiful voices…
@br2870
London Grammar should compose a film soundtrack. They are such geniuses at building atmosphere and sound design that I believe many of their songs would have similar power even with the lyrics removed. Their emotionally honest, confrontational-yet-not-antagonistic tracks often convey raw pain but rarely imply despair, because there's a sense of a healing and maturation taking place, guided by an angelic voice and ethereal synths that hold you together just when you feel like breaking.
@awaiszafar9579
It can imply despair and hope both, depends on the way you choose to see it, Depends on how you want it to be , Mindset! that’s what stoics believed and taught us. I don’t know whether im clear enough or not.