Heather and Ciara met at BIMM Institute and formed the band Creek in 2013 with guitarist Ben Bateman and bassist Ryan Marsden. Their song “Lust” gained local popularity and received radio airplay, leading to a number of local gigs. In 2014, band changed its name to Pale Waves and Hugo and Charlie joined soon after, in 2015. Heather has said that the band name comes from the title of a painting owned by her grandmother.
They were signed to record label Dirty Hit in 2016 and their first two singles, 2017's "There's a Honey" and "Television Romance", were produced by Matthew Healy of labelmates The 1975. Their first EP, All the Things I Never Said, was released in February 2018. In September 2018, they released their debut album My Mind Makes Noises.
Early in 2019, the band shared plans to release an EP that year, but decided later to focus on their second album. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020—as well as the decision to approach the new album with a different stylistic direction inspired by the music of the 1990s and 2000s—delayed the production and release of new music until late 2020.
The band’s second album, Who Am I?, was released on February 12, 2021, preceded by the single "Change”, which was released on November 10, 2020. It debuted at #3 on the UK Albums Chart.
Unwanted, Pale Waves' third album, was released on August 12, 2022. The album represents yet another stylistic leap for the band, this time adding pop punk influences to their evolving sound.
Came In Close
Pale Waves Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You liked crying in your room for something to do
With your hands on my body
Tell me what we've just started
All I know is I don't want you to go
There's something in my mind
It tells me every time
Don't fall in love with you tonight
Well what if I came in close to only kiss you
Would you say no?
Is it really me that you want, that you want?
Is it really me that you want, that you want?
Nobody knows about you and I
How we watch television and kiss sometimes
Every time you're in the room I see nothing
Nothing but you
Well what if I came in close to only kiss you
Would you say no?
Is it really me that you want, that you want?
Is it really me that you want, that you want?
I don't wanna be just your friend
But I know that this is gonna end
I don't wanna be just your friend
But I know that this is gonna end
But I know that this is gonna end, gonna end
Don't want it to end
But I know that this is gonna end
Well what if I came in close to only kiss you
Would you say no?
Is it really me that you want, that you want?
Is it really me that you want, that you want?
I don't wanna be just your friend
But I know that this is gonna end
I don't wanna be just your friend
But I know that this is gonna end
The lyrics to Pale Waves’ “Came In Close” describe a bittersweet romance that is doomed to end. The singer knew from the very first time they saw the person they’re singing about that they liked to cry in their room for something to do, and while there was an immediate physical attraction between them, there is also an ominous voice in the singer’s mind that reminds them not to fall in love with this person tonight. Despite this warning, the singer is tempted to kiss them and can’t help but wonder if they are really the one the other person wants.
The secrecy of their relationship is highlighted in the line “Nobody knows about you and I,” and it seems like the intimacy they share is almost sacred. They watch television and kiss sometimes, and every time the other person is in the room, the singer sees nothing but them. But even as the singer expresses their desire to be more than friends, they know that this relationship is not sustainable and is bound to end. Despite not wanting it to end, they can’t help but face the inevitable truth that it will.
Overall, “Came In Close” is a song about the intoxicating nature of infatuation and the heartache of knowing that it may not last forever. The lyrics capture the longing and urgency of wanting to be with someone, and the pain of recognizing when a relationship is inherently fleeting.
Line by Line Meaning
I knew from the very first time I saw you
From the moment of our initial encounter, I sensed a connection with you.
You liked crying in your room for something to do
It appeared to me that you were seeking entertainment in the form of crying while secluded in your room.
With your hands on my body
As we touch intimately, I feel a rush of desire.
Tell me what we've just started
Let us discuss the nature of our newly-formed relationship.
All I know is I don't want you to go
Despite any uncertainty, I am certain that I do not want you to leave.
There's something in my mind
There is a nagging feeling in my thoughts.
It tells me every time
This feeling persists with every thought.
Don't fall in love with you tonight
I am resisting the temptation to develop romantic feelings for you in the present moment.
Well what if I came in close to only kiss you
Imagine if I were to approach you with the sole intention of a kiss.
Would you say no?
Do you reject the idea?
Is it really me that you want, that you want?
Is it my specific presence that you desire?
Nobody knows about you and I
Our relationship is kept secret from others.
How we watch television and kiss sometimes
We engage in romantic activity such as kissing while enjoying TV together.
Every time you're in the room I see nothing
Your presence captures my attention, and all else fades into the background.
Nothing but you
My focus is solely on you.
I don't wanna be just your friend
I do not desire a platonic relationship with you.
But I know that this is gonna end
Despite my desires, I recognize that our relationship will inevitably conclude.
Don't want it to end
I wish for our relationship to continue indefinitely.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ciara Louise Doran, Heather Patricia Baron-Gracie
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind