Following the group's hiatus in 2016, Tomlinson released "Just Hold On" as a debut solo single in December 2016. It peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and was certified platinum in the UK. In 2017, Tomlinson released "Back to You" with American singer Bebe Rexha and "Miss You". In the same year, he appeared on Debrett's 2017 list of the most influential people in the UK.
In 2018, Tomlinson appeared on the fifteenth series of The X Factor as a judge and a mentor of the "Boys" category. When his mentee Dalton Harris won the competition, Tomlinson became the first former contestant of the show to become the winning mentor. His debut solo album, Walls, was released in January 2020.
Written All Over Your Face
Louis Tomlinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A hurricane behind the door
So I've come ready for a war
When you don't want coffee in the morning
I know I'm in a hole
It's hard enough to get you sober
Got no chance if I'm hungover
Not nearly vertical
All know is I'm in trouble
'Cause atmosphere's so cold, so
Hey babe, it's written all over your face, say it
A hurricane behind the door
So I've come ready for a war
When I hear that thunder in the distance
I know it's getting close
You're giving me that silent treatment
Don't know what it's achieving
When we're finished saying nothing
Can we please get back to loving?
When it's good, it's really something
Can we please get back to us now?
Hey babe, it's written all over your face, say it
A hurricane behind the door
So I've come ready for a war
Hey babe, it's written all over your face, say it
So when you find out what we're fighting for
I'll be ready to talk
It's written all over your
It's written all over your face
It's written all over your
It's written all over your face
In "Written All Over Your Face," Louis Tomlinson describes a tumultuous relationship where the signs of conflict and tension are evident through the emotions expressed on his partner's face. He compares their relationship to a hurricane brewing behind closed doors, signifying the intensity and potential destructiveness that lies beneath the surface. Tomlinson approaches the situation prepared for a battle, aware that confrontation and resolution are necessary.
The lyrics also touch upon the strain caused by addiction or dependency issues within the relationship. When Tomlinson's partner refuses morning coffee, it suggests that they are already entrenched in a destructive pattern, possibly fueled by substance abuse. He acknowledges that trying to help them overcome their addiction becomes even more challenging when he himself is struggling with hangovers. The atmosphere between them is described as cold, reflecting the emotional distance and tension in their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey babe, it's written all over your face, say it
I can see from your expression that something is bothering you. Just tell me what it is.
A hurricane behind the door
There is a lot of emotional turmoil and tension behind your silence.
So I've come ready for a war
I have prepared myself for a difficult and intense conversation.
When you don't want coffee in the morning
Even something as simple as you not wanting coffee can make me feel like there is something wrong.
I know I'm in a hole
I can sense that we are in a difficult situation.
It's hard enough to get you sober
It's already challenging to have a serious conversation with you when you are not under the influence of alcohol.
Got no chance if I'm hungover
If I am also suffering from the aftermath of drinking, there is no hope for a productive conversation.
I ain't even woken up yet
I am not mentally prepared for any conflicts or problems.
Not nearly vertical
I am not emotionally stable or balanced.
All I know is I'm in trouble
I can sense that our relationship is in trouble.
'Cause atmosphere's so cold, so
The environment between us feels icy and distant.
When I hear that thunder in the distance
When I sense an impending argument or confrontation.
I know it's getting close
I can feel that the tension between us is escalating.
You're giving me that silent treatment
Your refusal to communicate with me is causing frustration and confusion.
Don't know what it's achieving
I'm not sure what purpose this silent treatment is serving.
When we're finished saying nothing
Once this period of silence and unspoken tension is over.
Can we please get back to loving?
Can we go back to a state of love, understanding, and harmony?
When it's good, it's really something
Our relationship is incredibly special and fulfilling when things are going well.
Can we please get back to us now?
Can we please return to a state of emotional intimacy and connection?
So when you find out what we're fighting for
Once you understand the underlying issue that is causing conflict between us.
I'll be ready to talk
I am prepared and willing to have a conversation about our issues.
It's written all over your
Your emotions and inner turmoil are evident on your face.
It's written all over your face
Your facial expressions clearly communicate your feelings and emotions.
It's written all over your
Your unresolved issues and conflicts are visible.
It's written all over your face
Your face displays the signs of our relationship troubles and difficulties.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: George Henry Tizzard, Louis William Tomlinson, Richard James Parkhouse, Robert Michael Nelson Harvey
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sunshine
I still can NOT believe this is a real song 😭 thank you Louis for blessing us with your voice in it
Sophie B
I read your comment before I heard the song and needless to say, you speak straight facts!!!
Nyckolas Dempsey
Ong his voice is so beautiful wtf haha
Lela M Powell
I am so in love with this album. 😍
Amulya Srinivasa 💙 #faithinthefuture
My favourite track on the album rn 😭😭😭
Haleigh Knipping
litterly whiny louis i cant even i think hes been listening to luke hemmings live vocals too much😂
Southern Sorrows Tell me a story
I was not a 1D fan. I am a 56 year old woman who witnessed the first punk movement and the grunge movement first hand. Your music seems to marry the genres and you have made me a 1D fan. Of all the voices I like yours best. I love that you keep your accent when you sing (uber punk).This album is among a very small group of albums where every song is awesome and you can listen to it on repeat for a year and never tire. Your lyrics are honest and authentic and your melodies are flawless. Well done, and Louis that patch of blue in the gray sky is your Mother and Sister smiling down upon your success. You are a gifted artist and a remarkable human being. I look forward to finishing my memoir while listening to your music. Congratulations and well deserved.
Yummylittletoebeans
You are my favorite 56 year old women
Southern Sorrows Tell me a story
@Yummylittletoebeans and you sir are awesome af;)
Daphne Greyling
Hi I am 70 year old woman and listen to this album EVERYDAY. Just have to hear his voice. I love it.