Released: 2022
Harry Styles’ ‘As It Was’ captures a sense of change and longing for simpler times. It’s clear from the opening line, ‘Come on, Harry, we wanna say goodnight to you,’ that there’s a personal touch, as if he’s speaking to himself or a close friend.
In the first verse, ‘Holdin’ me back, Gravity’s holdin’ me back,’ Harry uses gravity as a metaphor for feeling stuck or weighed down. He wants to move forward but feels something is stopping him. This sets the tone for the whole song.
The chorus, ‘In this world, it’s just us, You know it’s not the same as it was,’ drives home the idea that things have changed. It seems he’s reminiscing about a past relationship or time in his life that he misses. The repetition of ‘as it was’ emphasizes this.
In the second verse, there’s a shift to more direct imagery: ‘Answer the phone, ‘Harry, you’re no good alone.” It seems like a conversation with himself, recognizing loneliness and possibly depression. The line ‘What kind of pills are you on?’ hints at struggles with mental health.
The bridge, ‘Go home, get ahead, light-speed internet,’ suggests a fast-paced life that’s disconnected from reality. ‘Leave America, two kids follow her’ could imply a breakup or separation. The reluctance to talk about the past indicates unresolved feelings.
Overall, ‘As It Was’ is a melancholic reflection on change and the passage of time. Harry’s longing for the past is clear, but there’s also a sense of acceptance that things will never be the same. It’s a bittersweet anthem for anyone grappling with change.
