As It Was
Styles Harry Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Holdin' me back
Gravity's holdin' me back
I want you to hold out the palm of your hand
Why don't we leave it at that?
Nothin' to say
When everything gets in the waySeems you cannot be replaced
And I'm the one who will stay, oh
In this world, it's just us
You know it's not the same as it was
In this world, it's just us
You know it's not the same as it was
As it was, as it was
You know it's not the same
Answer the phone
"Harry, you're no good alone
Why are you sittin' at home on the floor?
What kind of pills are you on?"
Ringin' the bell
And nobody's comin' to help
Your daddy lives by himself
He just wants to know that you're well, oh
In this world, it's just us
You know it's not the same as it was
In this world, it's just us
You know it's not the same as it was
As it was, as it was
You know it's not the same
I don't wanna talk about the way that it was
Leave America, two kids follow her
I don't wanna talk about who's doin' it first
(Hey)
As it was
You know it's not the same as it was
As it was, as it was
The lyrics of "As It Was" by Harry Styles delve into themes of longing, introspection, and a sense of solitude in the face of change. The song opens with a plea to be freed from the constraints of gravity, symbolizing being held back or feeling weighed down by something unseen. This could be interpreted as a desire to break free from limitations or emotional burdens that are hindering personal growth. The imagery of holding out the palm of a hand and leaving things as they are speaks to a sense of acceptance and resignation, acknowledging that some things cannot be changed or resolved.
The chorus emphasizes a shift in the world and in relationships, highlighting a sense of isolation and longing for the way things used to be. The repetition of "it's just us" underscores a feeling of being alone or disconnected from others, and the acknowledgment that things have changed irreversibly. The phrase "as it was" serves as a reminder of a past that can never be recaptured, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of nostalgia and the passage of time.
The middle section of the song introduces a more intimate and personal narrative, with someone questioning Harry's state of mind and well-being. The mention of pills and sitting alone on the floor suggests a sense of vulnerability and possibly struggling with mental health issues or self-destructive behavior. The line about Harry's father wanting to know that he is well adds another layer of familial concern and a desire for connection in the face of personal turmoil.
The final verse shifts to more worldly concerns, mentioning advancements in technology and a desire to move forward and leave the past behind. The mention of leaving America and the reference to children following could symbolize a sense of escape or starting fresh in a new environment. The refusal to dwell on the past and the dismissal of who is "doing it first" suggest a focus on personal growth and moving beyond comparisons or competition. The song concludes with a reflective repetition of "As it was," underscoring the inevitability of change and the need to accept and adapt to new circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Holdin' me back
Feeling restrained or held back by something
Gravity's holdin' me back
The force of gravity metaphorically represents the weight of the situation holding the individual down
I want you to hold out the palm of your hand
Seeking support or help from someone
Why don't we leave it at that?
Accepting that some situations or relationships cannot be resolved
Nothin' to say
Feeling lost for words or unable to express oneself
When everything gets in the way
Facing obstacles or challenges that hinder progress
Seems you cannot be replaced
Recognizing the unique qualities or importance of someone
And I'm the one who will stay, oh
Committing to be there for someone despite difficulties
In this world, it's just us
Acknowledging the bond or connection between two individuals
You know it's not the same as it was
Reflecting on changes in the relationship or situation
Answer the phone
Responding to a call for help or connection
"Harry, you're no good alone
Recognizing the negative impact of isolation on mental health
Why are you sittin' at home on the floor?
Questioning the self-destructive behavior of staying isolated
What kind of pills are you on?"
Expressing concern about potential substance abuse issues
Ringin' the bell
Seeking assistance or attention from others
And nobody's comin' to help
Feeling abandoned or ignored in a time of need
Your daddy lives by himself
Highlighting the loneliness or isolation of a family member
He just wants to know that you're well, oh
Emphasizing the importance of family concern for one's well-being
Go home, get ahead, light-speed internet
Returning to a familiar or safe place for comfort and stability
I don't wanna talk about the way that it was
Avoiding discussions or memories of past difficulties or hardships
Leave America, two kids follow her
Leaving behind a familiar environment or situation, with others following suit
I don't wanna talk about who's doin' it first
Avoiding competition or comparison with others
(Hey)
Expressing a vocalization of attention or connection
As it was
Referencing the past or previous state of things
You know it's not the same as it was
Acknowledging changes or differences from the past
As it was, as it was
Repeating the emphasis on the previous condition or situation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Harry Edward Styles, Thomas Edward Percy Hull, Tyler Sam Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind