Lights Up, a lyrical analysis from Fine Line, a Harry Styles album

 Lights Up, Song Meaning and Lyrical Interpretation

Lights Up was Harry Styles' first song for the Fine Line era! When I first heard it, I thought it was fun and catchy. I didn't really see this as a song you would try to interpret because it just seems like a fun, dance tune. But since I am analyzing every song off of Fine Line, I must look into these lyrics a little more deeply.

What do you mean?
I'm sorry by the way

Do you know what these two opening lines remind me of?  Justin Bieber 😂😂😂. Yes, it reminds me of one of Justin's 2015 Purpose era when he released two songs called, "What do you mean" and "Sorry." Just an interesting coincidence I noticed. 😁

In all seriousness, let's continue:

What do you mean?
I'm sorry by the way
Never coming back down
Can't you see?
I could, but wouldn't stay

I think this song is about Harry apologizing for his stardom. He's sorry about all the troubles he may have caused his loved ones but there's no way he can go back to his old life ("Never coming back down").

All the lights couldn't put out the dark
Running through my heart
Lights up and they know who you are
Know who you are
Do you know who you are? (Oh)

This stanza is what really made me think he is talking about his stardom. When the lights come on, the audience knows who he is. He is Harry Styles playing a concert! He is shining bright and having a good time being a star, but it still doesn't stop the darkness he has in his heart. This darkness can sometimes hurt his loved ones which is why he is apologizing in the previous stanza. 

He asks, "Do you know who you are?" because in all this glamour, it is easy to lose yourself. He is just reminding himself to be introspective. The audience knows who he is - but does HE know who he is?

Shine
Step into the light
Shine
So bright sometimes
Shine
I'm not ever going back

The light can be too bright sometimes, but he is not going back to his old life. He loves his stardom but he still has to take a moment to remind himself who he really is.

Do you agree or do you interpret these lyrics differently? Let me know what you think in the comments below.

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