Born in Oxford, England, Lewis grew up in a family of teachers with two brothers, an older brother named Tom and a twin brother named George. His passion for music began at the age of 13 when he started playing the guitar. However, it was only later, after joining his brothers' band, that he began singing. Lewis attended Bartholomew School in Eynsham and also worked as a 'dinner lady' at Cokethorpe School. At the age of 19, he moved to London to study at the London Centre of Contemporary Music.
Lewis initially started writing songs and performing under the moniker Rhys Lewis & the Relics. His talent caught the attention of Decca Records, which led to the release of his debut solo single, "Waking Up Without You," in late 2016. Over the next year, he released several successful singles, including "Be Your Man" and "Reason to Hate You," gaining millions of streams. Lewis embarked on tours with James TW and JP Cooper during this time.
In 2018, Lewis released his major-label debut, the Bad Timing EP, which further solidified his growing fan base. The EP showcased his soul and blues influences, with his distinctive singing style and guitar skills shining through. Lewis continued to release a string of successful singles in 2019, setting the stage for his debut album, Things I Chose to Remember, which was released in July 2020. The album stands out as it was recorded on analogue tape, a deliberate choice by Lewis to ensure meticulous attention to detail and clarity in the music.
Lewis draws inspiration from artists such as Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, whose lyrics resonated with him as a songwriter. He also cites influences from Led Zeppelin and Bill Withers, particularly the latter's song "Lean On Me."
His songwriting covers various aspects of his life, addressing topics such as the portrayal of men in the media, mental health, and personal relationships. Many of his songs revolve around themes of heartbreak, including "When Was The Last Time," "Be Your Man," and "Hurting." Lewis finds performing his song "No Right To Love You" particularly challenging due to its connection to a personal heartbreak, as it evokes intense emotions and memories associated with the breakup.
End Like This
Rhys Lewis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tryna find our own place
Dreamin' 'bout the houses that we can't afford
A table in the kitchen, breakfast in the garden
Even the color that we'd paint the door
Yeah, I could see the future
Happy ever after
That I'd found someone forever
I never thought it would end like this, no
I never thought it'd be where our story goes
I never thought it would end like this
But you turned the pages
And now we're just strangers
I never thought it would end like this, no
I never thought it'd be where our story goes
I never thought it would end like this
But you turned the pages
And now we're just strangers
I still sleep on the left side
Like you're lying with me
I keep on forgetting you're not coming back
And I still reach for two cups
When I'm making coffee
I can't stop myself from living in the past
When you were someone forever
I never thought it would end like this, no
I never thought it'd be where our story goes
I never thought it would end like this
But you turned the pages
And now we're just strangers
I never thought it would end like this, no
I never thought it'd be where our story'd goes
I never thought it would end like this
But you turned the pages
And now we're just strangers
I never thought it would end like this, no
I never thought it'd be where our story goes
I never thought it would end like this, no
I never thought it'd be where our story goes
I never thought it would end like this
But you turned the pages
And now we're just strangers
I never thought it would end
Never thought it would end
Never thought it would end like this, no
Never thought it would end
Never thought it would end
Never thought it would end like this, no
Rhys Lewis's song "End Like This" is a heartbreaking ballad about the end of a relationship that once seemed full of hope and promise. The song starts with the couple dreaming of moving out and finding their own place together. They dream about the kind of house they would like to live in, the color they would paint the door, and the life they would create together. The singer seems to have found his "forever" person, and he is happy ever after. He tells his brother that this time he is sure.
However, as the song progresses, we realize that this happy-ever-after was not meant to be. The relationship ends inexplicably, and the singer is left feeling lost and alone. He still sleeps on the left side of the bed, forgetting that she is not coming back. He makes coffee for two, only to be reminded that she is no longer there. He still lives in the past, expecting her to return.
The chorus repeats the sentiment of the song, that the singer never thought it would end like this. The person he thought was his forever turned the pages on their relationship, and now they are just strangers. The song captures the pain and longing of a broken heart, and the struggle to come to terms with the fact that love doesn't always last forever.
Line by Line Meaning
We were tryna move out
We were attempting to leave our current living situation
Tryna find our own place
Trying to find a new home
Dreamin' 'bout the houses that we can't afford
Imagining living in homes that are beyond our financial means
A table in the kitchen, breakfast in the garden
Creating a cozy, idyllic image of our dream home
Even the color that we'd paint the door
Even considering small details such as the color of the front door
Yeah, I could see the future
Believing the future was filled with happiness
Happy ever after
Believing that our love would endure forever
Even told my brother this time I was sure
Expressing a high level of confidence about our relationship
That I'd found someone forever
Believing I had found my soulmate
I still sleep on the left side
Continuing to sleep in the same position as when we were in a relationship
Like you're lying with me
Imagining that you are still present with me
I keep on forgetting you're not coming back
Struggling to accept that the relationship has ended
And I still reach for two cups
Habitually preparing for two people as if you were still here
When I'm making coffee
Even in everyday tasks like making coffee
I can't stop myself from living in the past
Feeling like I am stuck in the memories of our relationship
When you were someone forever
Remembering the belief that we would always be together
But you turned the pages
You initiated the end of our relationship
And now we're just strangers
Now we are no longer close and barely know each other
Never thought it would end like this, no
Surprised and disappointed by how our relationship ended
I never thought it'd be where our story goes
Not expecting our relationship to take this turn
Never thought it would end
Never expected the relationship to end at all
Never thought it would end like this, no
Feeling a sense of shock about how our relationship came to an end
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Hipgnosis Songs Group
Written by: Rhys Lewis, Eli Teplin, Brian W. Brundage
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind