Lights
Nightcore/Ellie Goulding Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone
'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone

Noises, I play within my head
Touch my own skin
And hope that I'm still breathing
And I think back to when
My brother and my sister slept
In an unlocked place
The only time I feel safe

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone
'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone

Home, home

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone
'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone

Home, home
Home, home

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Lights" by Ellie Goulding can be interpreted as a reflection on the singer's personal struggles with mental health and the feeling of loneliness. The first verse indicates that the singer had a way and a heart but lost both, possibly due to overwhelming emotions that she couldn't handle alone. She mentions that she's not sleeping and can't find the strength to push herself forward. In the chorus, the singer acknowledges the person who "shows the lights that stop me turn to stone" and "shines it when I'm alone." This could be interpreted as someone who is supportive of her during her darkest moments.

The second verse highlights the singer's anxiety as she mentions playing noises in her head and touching her own skin to make sure she's still breathing. She then reflects on a simpler time when she felt safe with her siblings, emphasizing how the present is far from safe. The chorus repeats and emphasizes the person who helps her through her struggles. The song ends with a repetition of the word "home," which could be interpreted as the place where the singer finds comfort and a sense of belonging.

Line by Line Meaning

I had a way then
I used to have a sense of direction and purpose in life

Losing it all on my own
But I lost everything due to my own mistakes and shortcomings

I had a heart then
I used to have love and compassion in my life

But the queen has been overthrown
But my confidence and self-assurance has been shattered

And I'm not sleeping now
I can't sleep at night due to my worries and fears

The dark is too hard to beat
I find it difficult to overcome the darkness and negativity in my life

And I'm not keeping up
I am struggling to maintain my strength and resilience

The strength I need to push me
I need someone or something to give me the strength and motivation to keep going

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You provide me with inspiration and hope that prevent me from becoming emotionally numb

You shine it when I'm alone
You are there for me even when I feel isolated and alone

And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
I try to encourage and motivate myself to be strong and resilient

And dreaming when they're gone
I imagine a better future when my problems are no longer present

'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
My problems and worries are always on my mind, calling me back to my struggles

Calling, calling, calling home
I long for a sense of security and belonging, even if it seems out of reach

Noises, I play within my head
I hear negative thoughts and worries in my mind

Touch my own skin
I try to ground myself and confirm my own existence

And hope that I'm still breathing
I struggle with anxiety and worry that I may have stopped breathing

And I think back to when
I reminisce about a time in my life when things were simpler and easier

My brother and my sister slept
I remember a time when I felt safe and protected by my family

In an unlocked place
When I didn't have to worry about locking doors or being unsafe

The only time I feel safe
That time in my life was the only time I have felt truly safe and unburdened

Home, home
I long for a sense of home and belonging in my life

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ash Howes, Elena Goulding, Richard Stannard

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

maryjane cedar

8y↑67

Lyrics~
I had a way then losing it all on my own
I had a heart then but the queen has been overthrown
And I'm not sleeping now the dark is too hard to beat
And I'm not keeping now the strength I need to push me

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine It when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone

'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine It when I'm alone

Home

Noises, I play within my head
Touch my own skin and hope that I'm still breathing
And I think back to when my brother and my sister slept
In an unlocked place the only time I feel safe

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone

'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone

Home

Yeah, hee

Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone

'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Lazy Leon

9y↑13

I had a way then losing it all on my own
I had a heart then but the queen has been overthrown
And I'm not sleeping now the dark is too hard to beat
And I'm not keeping now the strength I need to push me

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine It when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone

'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine It when I'm alone

Home

Noises, I play within my head
Touch my own skin and hope that I'm still breathing
And I think back to when my brother and my sister slept
In an unlocked place the only time I feel safe

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone

'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone

Home

Yeah, hee

Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone

'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine it when I'm alone

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Home, home
Light, lights, lights, lights
Light, lights, lights, lights

Ch.카미야

4y↑4

I had a way then
Losing it all on my own
I had a heart then
But the queen has been overthrown
And I'm not sleeping now
The dark is too hard to beat
And I'm not keeping up
The strength I need to push me

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone
'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone

Noises, I play within my head
Touch my own skin
And hope they'll still be there
And I think back to when
My brother and my sister slept
In another place
The only time I feel safe

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone
'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
Dreaming when they're gone
'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone

Home, home
(Lights, lights, lights)

Home, home
(Lights, lights, lights)

All comments from YouTube:

Jinwithjams

8y↑3.4K

Guys lets just take a moment to appreciate who ever made that pic because it's freaking awesome 😌👌🏻✨✨

Starboi

8y↑21

agreed

Nightcore Amity-style

8y↑14

Definitely

LlBiLB Jackson

8y↑11

totally:)

nevaminder

8y↑12

SO RIGHT

Cailie Powell

8y↑14

R'amen

47 More Replies...

Che Guevara

3y↑752

I just discovered the same video that I vibed to 6 years ago. Nightcore never gets old. The memories i have of this song are endless. Im now 17, graduating high school and moving on to university. I wish i could get back those innocent days, but i shall leave a comment here to endure the tides of time. If you are reading this right now, enjoy and cherish every single moment of your life as time will go by you very very quickly. Live life without regrets because you only have one opportunity. Godspeed.

Sashimi Buns

3y↑23

Just graduated as well :) no reason was vibing to nightcore last night almost crying at how far ive come ! it is nice, yea !

Wise Guy

3y↑6

I'm proud of You <3

4xKillsfaded

3y↑1

@Sashimi Buns yea I agree tho 😭💯💯

4xKillsfaded

3y↑7

I’m 17 as well and I have 12th grade this year and once that I’m out graduating to college which I wanna go to a college university in japan 😭😭🇯🇵

Che Guevara

3y↑3

@4xKillsfaded good luck my friend :)

22 More Replies...

Anna Marie Krupka

4y↑360

I haven’t listened to nightcore in like 3 years but when I saw the thumbnail I immediately remembered the countless hours I played this song on loop

Katherine Queen

3y↑6

saaamme but its been over 5 or 6 years for me

LordVader1094

2y↑2

God, same. It's giving me a rush listening to it again

audio_s

2y↑2

Same bro, same

♡Noradz♡

1y↑1

Same...

Dylan Soriano

1y↑1

haha same

Hi Im Andicus

2y↑135

There's nothing that makes me feel more nostalgic than Nightcore.

Nothing makes me miss the past as much as nightcore ,_,

Claudia Valentine

2y↑4

I have to be the same way but with nightcore and video games ^^

Gustavo Muiños

2y↑2

Dude, for real. I come back to this playlist at least once in a couple months.

Anxmaly

True

Chubbs M8

2y↑73

The nostalgia I feel from listening and even looking at the picture is almost like a hit of something since the feeling is so intense, I find it rare for anything to evoke that much nostalgia but this old memory really does it well for me like I'm travelling back in time

Martín Crespo

2y↑3

Same here, I was a kid

Chubbs M8

2y↑3

@Martín Crespo yeah good times

The Cat

2y↑3

Same, and NightcoreReality was the epitome of it for me
I like that a lot of us are returning randomly for nostalgia though

Chubbs M8

2y↑1

@The Cat yeah maybe we're all trying to go back to times where things were more magical yanno

Chubbs M8

1y↑2

@J L very very true

MAX

4y↑152

I remember listening to this every day in 2014, good times. Everything was so simpler back then

Claudia Valentine

2y↑2

I’m only fourteen, but I remember hearing this song on the radio nearly every day at the age of three. I’d be in the back of my mom’s car… and apparently this song really did have an impact on me. I love it. Nostalgia. ^^

Shockedsayajin

2y↑2

Facts...The good old times...before the darl times

L'Odyssée d'un Edolyen

50w

Preach. The song popup in my brain from Time to Time

ShizukuSeiji

9y↑54

What an adorable picture - love the sense of motion, the colours, the perspective... really good.

liv

4y↑98

I used too hear this nightcore when i was 10
And it's still hella good-

D C

3y↑3

Same, I was 8 ✌😭

Viviana

@D C same 😔

qwerty

Me too :"D

chokito

7y↑766

5 years and I still love this song <3

ZaUbEr K1ND

7y↑1

too :3

Mary FazBear

6y↑2

Ikr

:D

6y↑3

Same

Retsy Chan

6y↑2

Um Trosha Sameeeeeee

Vivian DeSantiago

6y↑1

this song will never die

15 More Replies...

Sophia the Glamour Toad

8y↑2

LOVE this nightcore!

Sinners Carat

4y↑25

I remember when I used to listen to this years ago. It’s definitely nostalgic to come back and listen to this :’)

Dejanayy

8y↑109

I remember this song from the radio it's been a long TIME! I love this song! It's lovely

kawaii gamer girl 1739

8y↑6

true

FictionGirl11

7y↑8

A lot of music that was good AND on the radio is never to be heard from again :( But yes, when it did happen this one definitely one of them :)

A・I・R

1y↑3

Не слышала эту песню годами! Вместе с её мелодией просыпаются старые-новые чувства. Эти ощущения удивительны, как-будто осознаешь себа заново, да так как казалось бы уже и не думал что можешь.

jose david rodriguez

8y↑1

el nightcore es geniall!!!!

koharu

2y↑6

This may be the one song that draws the absolute most nostalgia for me. Maybe because I have sweet memories of hearing it when I was, hell, three? Four? I’m thirteen now, and, well, I almost never listen to this genre anymore. But this, this is special. It’s crazy how much a song can cause longing for a certain time in our lives. I guess things were simpler.

Luca

4y↑3

I remember listening this few years ago. I listened to it quite a lot. Never found it again. Didn’t know the name and there’s a different nightcore song using the same image. It’s all I ever remembered. The image.
I’m an adult now. I finally found it. Nostalgia.

Lensy

thanks for the story literal trash

Josie Majka

3y↑2

Ever put on a happy song and feel like crying? That's what I feel like right now.

Dominic Mainer

8y↑2

nightcore is the best so please don't stop making it. : )

Kurai

10y↑3

Such a cute picture :3 Love it <3

House Of Chaos

3y↑2

How have I missed this gem!? I've been listening to nightcore for years

oompaloompa

2y↑7

the nostalgia that nightcore gives me. i remember having a massive obsession on nightcore when i was younger and now i'm twenty-one, getting tattoos that my younger-self would freak out over of as she wanted tattoos but never thought we'd actually get any and i have a job. nightcore gives me so much comfort to this day

red red

3y↑3

I can't remember exactly where I was when this song was pretty much non stop played but the nostalgia is still there

Mozes Taner

5y↑4

I don't know why but when i listen to Nightcore i feel so much better, stronger and faster. it's just like a booster for me thats why i love it so much!!

Anxiously Alistor

4y↑5

I heard this song since I was 6 years old,I remember when I was 6 years old my parents would drive me to school and they will always play that song during the car ride like really it give me memories and I still remember it.

Edit:This song gives me memories♥️

Blue

4y↑1

Me too

Crow’s Jester

10y↑6

I'm not a big fan of the original song, but the Nightcore version is awesome :)

Abul Kalam Mohammad

9y↑2

Such a beautiful pic the vibe u get from it with the song is like so ahhhh

raysace

5y↑2

Six years and this song is still my life. Wow.

Brooke Morse

2y↑2

almost 10 years and this song still remains on my most played

Guille

10y↑2

one of my favorite nightcores! ^-^

pigeon's peach pasta

8y↑2

This is my new life song! Thanks for making this!

Crystalcomits

8y↑5

Oh my god. This song sends chills down my spine. It's so good and amazing. In nightcore it's just 1000 percent more awesome

cuties

9y↑2

This is the best nightcore I've heard in a long time.

Mara TwasntHere

9y↑2

God! I can't get over how much happiness this picture brings to me. It says so much.

Amanda D.

5y↑8

Used to listen to nightcore 24/7 when i was 14... nostalgia q-q

Moons

8y↑18

This is such a beautiful version! I love nightcore! Thanks for uploading!

Vee

4y↑1

It’s been 4 years how are you

Moons

4y↑1

@Vee honestly I’m aight, don’t listen to nightcore much anymore but wow what a phase

Izayata

6y↑3

This is a six years old song and still better, than many songs in our days. I love it.

DahnsHeart

7y↑3

Almost 5 years. Why i haven't hear of it before ? Probably one of the best nightcore i ever saw

Staci Bonnes

11y↑8

If you like it then good for you. It's nice to see someone who stands up for them self for once. I personally think it's weird, but if you love doing it then keep doing it. :)

LadyTarasque

11y↑2

This song is addicting o_o and the pic choice fits so beautifully too

maryjane cedar

8y↑67

Vixent I guess……

Light light lights l

King Ryuuka

1y↑19

I’ve listened to this nightcore for YEARS
And I still wonder what they are running from or for in this drawing
And how the music fits so well…
Been thinking this since I was like 8

Leonidas L.

1y↑1

highschool

J D

1y↑2

It's a manga called "vampire kisses" You can read it & let me know as well

CatzGaming

5y↑2

6 years ago and this is still my fav song<3

Kiara Hopeflyte

10y↑3

love this song! i love yo hear it at night it remineds me of good memorie and help me sleep at nights when i am sad and down

Gypsy Jay

9y↑2

you have no idea how much I love this song, the photos match it perfectly!!!

Winzal Ahvella

9y↑2

i am always jealous about nightcore, cause of their voice, it's awesome, high and priceless (meaning super good)

0ph3lia

6y↑2

I’ve been listening to nightcore since this came out....6 strong years

ITA

3y↑3

2020 and this song is still my masterpice.. ❤️

Mai Light

8y↑2

Can I just say this short sentence: This is one of my fav songs!

kailey

5y↑3

7 Years and I still love this song

MsPandaKinz

9y↑2

This song is just... amazing. I mean the Nightcore. This is the song that plays in my dreams.

jungchim aj

4y↑1

Que nostalgia este fue mi primer nightcore cuando tenía como 10-11 años, volverlo a escuchar me llena de buenos recuerdos (◍•ᴗ•◍)❤

MR.VIRIDITY

50w↑1

This song reminds me of my ex. Although I love the girl I'm with now the marvelous memories of my past is something only music can make so vivid for me

kinetick

11y↑1

Ah, this song.... Chills up my spine -3- This song is my definition of true bliss.

Thora Saylor

7y↑3

This song brings back memories from the time when I first listened to it. 😊 Is this the same for anyone else?

IlluminatedGame

9y↑4

this song is so old yet it still means so much

yuki

9y↑2

Omg!
I <3 this video! i want to listen to it over and over again!
Great work!

VioletSkaya

9y↑2

Wow the image is leaving me with no words, with the song it's just making it perfect

TT YL

2y↑2

9 years and I still love it

mxlktea

11y↑1

Keep making more nightcores! i always enjoy them! hehe ^w^

Jade Gomez

3y↑5

Damn y’all really want me to go back to my nightcore phase because I’m almost to go back to it

BurningPyre16

9y↑4

Wow... I just discovered that it is possible for Ellie Goulding's voice to become even higher pitched! I love this XD

Tayes Woodham

2y↑3

this song came on at a rave and I have never stopped thinking of it

Alif Izzudin

50w↑1

Last time i heard this song. I was just around 16-17, playing games and watching anime. Now i am blessed with a small family. Time goes by quick

Commiserable

5y↑5

Almost 7 years now.. still in my playlist

Gnzx221

8y↑2

Woah this is awesome I used to like this song but forgot about it... thanks for bringing it back!!!

ize ♡

6y↑1

I've listened to this song every year for 6 years... Damn, I still love it so much. It gives me a magical vibe.

Becky Quinn

6y↑5

This is the exact video I used to come to to listen to this song 5 years ago! It’s amazing how time flys!

Kykuuichi

9y↑1

This nightcore somehow gives me a really good feeling inside. I love it!

edith

8y↑2

I love this version of this song it sounds great

samantha austin

8y↑2

Nightcore,you light up my HEART! 💡

Angellx X

9y↑2

the more i stare at the background the more enchanting it becomes

venne gusae

6y↑2

6 years later, i still love it . <3

HALE

10y↑7

I was like 'OMG THIS SONG IS SO GOOD!!' then i heard it in nightcore version.. I WAS IN LOVE (still am)

knifelife19

7y↑2

I finally found my jam! It was behind the milk in the fridge. The music is good too.

Hi there!

9y↑2

Sounds amazing! :3

Professor James Moriarty

7y↑1

Love the song. The pacing feels nice and uplifting.

Lazy Leon

9y↑13

RainbowDust

I think Cure Moonlight will like this song!

Melon_daisy

4y↑7

I remember this song from like when I was 5 and I remember it still probably my fave nightcore song I just searched up lights and I was like THIS IS THE ONE YESSS I DIDNT HAVE TO SEARCH FOR IT FOR AN HOUR!

Blue

Same

ItsMeFuzzeh MSP

9y↑4

This music is so catchy and beautiful.... Its a good song to encourage someone to keep going and well yeah o-o

ItsMeFuzzeh MSP

9y↑1

ItsMeFuzzeh MSP Why do I leave comments like this...

Stan LOOΠΔ Chuu

6y↑2

This is like one of the classic nightcore and the era where it's still not that different. Now all the nightcore are all like remixes or super tuned which is pretty good but not really compare to these old ones

Blaze Fireball

8y↑1.1K

I don't know why but Nightcore make me move faster.

Mr Nuts

8y↑51

Usain bolts secret O:

The brickwall Ss

8y↑4

+Hussain noor 😱

LlBiLB Jackson

8y↑5

same

Titanymous

8y↑9

Because there spead up

Aniimefaan

8y↑45

we tend to time our movements to the beat of the music we listen to. So if you're walking on the sidewalk listening to a very fast song your steps will be faster to stay in time with the music and the opposite is true with slower songs.

29 More Replies...

Ch.카미야

4y↑4

Winter Labz

10y↑1

this is one of my fav songs thanks for making it even BETTER =D

Mayonnaiz -

6y↑2

I used to listen to this in 7th grade. Now I'm a Junior and I found it again. Still love it

AliceFrozenHeart14

9y↑7

nightcore always make songs cooler

Anna Chen

keep going i like your nightcore !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

【Iɪ̲ѕ̲є̲ ღ】

3y↑5

Siempre ver esa imagen con esta canción me trae como una sensación de mucha nostalgia y libertad XDDD es raro

Rusty Metal111

1y↑6

It brings me to times were everything was novel, times were I wanted to conquer the world. Now everything is on repeat and I can't even conquer myself... Lets change it. Thanks for reminding me.

PlaysAnarchy

2y↑2

discovered this in 11th grade.
I had a friend who was into anime and I still have a huge crush on her even though I have no idea where or what she's doing now.
Young me pictured this as us.

Angel Dust

4y↑4

I swear I feel like I’m going to cry every time I hear this song, it’s beautiful

Steve

5y↑174

I remember singing these lyrics wrong when I was 3
This is how i sang it...
You show the lights go calling turn to phone you shine them when I'm alone!😂

sierra liendo

5y↑1

Same!

Glitchy Unknown

5y↑4

Wut? XD

Delilah Valhalla

3y↑6

I am baffeled to realise the kids that were 3 when tjis song came out ate now lile old enough for social media I feel old. I remeber this song being new when I mafe my first social media account. Back in jr high

MaxOnator3

3y↑1

@Delilah Valhalla I think I was 5 or 6 years old when this song came out, I'm not sure on that though.

2011 right?

Or do you mean this specific nightcore version? In that case I was older.

Delilah Valhalla

@MaxOnator3 2011 is right or 2012 maybe

1 More Replies...

amber

7y↑3

I honestly love this video so much. Oddly it made me fall asleep xD. I love this song IT MADE ME SLEEP I LISTEN TO IT REPEATEDLY xD

Insom

2y↑2

I love nightcore so much!

mia sebree

10y↑6

such an awesome song love the picture so much

Land of Vodka

7y↑4

ah this song brings back so many good memories...😌

Keesh

10y↑5

"You show the light's don't stop me,Turn to stone...You shine it when i'm alone, And so i tell myself That i'l be strong,And dreaming when they're gone."