Harry Styles’ song “As It Was” serves as the lead single from his third studio album, “Harry’s House,” released in 2022. The track, written by Styles, Kid Harpoon, and Tyler Johnson, received critical acclaim and debuted at the top of the UK Singles Chart.
In “As It Was,” Harry Styles shares his personal experiences in a mysterious way, but the song also touches on feelings of loss, nostalgia, and change that many people can relate to.
While the song’s lyrics leave room for interpretation, they emphasize how relationships are fragile and why it’s essential to treasure the moments we have with our loved ones.
By recognizing that life is temporary, Styles’ lyrics suggest that we can find peace and acceptance, even when faced with loss and uncertainty.
In this article, we will analyze the lyrics of “As It Was,” exploring the themes and deeper meaning behind the song.
Table of Contents
“As It Was” Lyrics Meaning
Before we delve into the story behind this song, let’s take a closer look at each verse of the lyrics.
Verse 1
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 way
Seems you cannot be replaced
And I’m the one who will stay, oh
In the first verse of “As It Was,” Harry Styles reflects on a relationship where he feels held back by forces beyond his control. The mention of gravity represents the weight or burden that prevents him from moving forward. He desires the other person to offer their hand, symbolizing support and connection.
However, the line “Why don’t we leave it at that?” suggests a resignation to the current circumstances. Despite the challenges, Styles acknowledges that the connection is irreplaceable, and he is willing to remain committed.
Chorus
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
The chorus emphasizes the unique bond between the two individuals in a changing world. Styles sings, “In this world, it’s just us,” highlighting their intimate connection.
However, he acknowledges that the relationship has evolved and is no longer the same as it once was. The repetition of “as it was” emphasizes the contrast between the past and the present, indicating a longing for the earlier stages of their connection.
Verse 2
Answer the phone
“Harry, you’re no good alone
Why are you sitting at home on the floor?
What kind of pills are you on?”
Ringin’ the bell
And nobody’s coming to help
Your daddy lives by himself
He just wants to know that you’re well, oh-oh-oh
In the second verse, Styles delves deeper into the struggles he faces as an individual. The opening lines indicate a phone call from someone expressing concern about his well-being and questioning his isolation. The mention of pills alludes to potential struggles with mental health or reliance on substances as a coping mechanism.
The reference to the bell ringing without assistance emphasizes a feeling of being alone and unsupported. Styles also touches on the concern of a parental figure, suggesting a desire for parental approval and a need for emotional reassurance.
Bridge
Go home, get ahead, light-speed internet
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
The bridge introduces a shift in perspective. Styles references going home, striving for progress, and the influence of technology through “light-speed internet.” He expresses a reluctance to dwell on the past, suggesting a desire to focus on the present and the future.
The mention of leaving America and two kids following someone suggests a pursuit of love or a new path. Styles dismisses the importance of who is doing things first, which implies a shift away from comparisons and external expectations.
Outro
(Hey)
As it was
You know it’s not the same as it was
As it was, as it was
The song concludes with a final repetition of the chorus. The emphasis on “as it was” serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of their relationship. Styles acknowledges the changes and the fact that their connection will never be the same as it was in the past.
Deeper Meaning Behind “As It Was”
In his interview with The Guardian, Harry Styles discusses the challenges of writing songs about past relationships and whether it might bother the people involved. He admits that he writes from his own experiences while being considerate of others’ feelings. “As It Was” is a song that can be interpreted in different ways but is rooted in Styles’ personal life.
Some believe that “As It Was” draws inspiration from Styles’ childhood during his parents’ divorce. Lines like “Ringin’ the bell / And nobody’s coming / to help / Your daddy lives by himself / He just wants to know that you’re well” may allude to his father’s struggles and his love for him, especially during times of self-destructive behavior mentioned in the song.
Alternatively, fans speculate that the song might relate to his current relationship with Olivia Wilde. Lines such as “Go home, get ahead, / light-speed internet / 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” could hint at his girlfriend’s recent move to London with her children.
In an Apple Music interview, Styles mentions that “As It Was” reflects the changes he experienced during the pandemic. It made him slow down and recognize that he’s not just a musician but also a friend, brother, and son.
However, he also acknowledges that the pandemic and other events have brought irreversible changes, and the world can never return to how it once was.
In the end, “As It Was” is a beautiful tribute to the human experience. It reminds us that, even when dealing with change and personal challenges, there’s still beauty and meaning to be discovered.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.