By Tichakunda Brooklyn Chikara and Elizabeth Anne Pereira, INTI International University

Harry Styles, an English singer-song writer debuted his hit song “As it was”, which depicts a complex cocktail of emotions, including feelings of being held back, seeking deep meaningful connections, battling agonizing frustration, examining personal commitments, and harbouring a burning desire for personal growth and accelerated change. The melancholic yet lively and upbeat song conveys a sense of being restrained by mysterious forces while trying to achieve ones’ heartfelt desire.

Harry Styles in one scene of his famous music video “As it was“.

Besides that, the line “Holdin’ me back, gravity’s holdin’ me back” suggests a feeling of being weighed down or unable to move freely to achieve ones’ fulfilment in life. This symbolizes emotional obstacles and life roadblocks that prevent one from progressing or reaching their life goals especially in securing an idealistic romantic relationship. However, it is important to note that Harry Styles hasn’t confirmed if the song is about Oliver Wilde, his ex-girlfriend or not but his ardent fans have been speculating that the song is about her. 

The upbeat chorus then emphasizes how unique, intimate, and close-knit the chemistry between Harry and the mystery girl was. “In this world, it’s just us, you know it’s not the same as it was” implies that the connection they shared was once special and priceless, but as time goes on, the feelings of love and infatuation began to evolve, fizzle, and evaporate with the hands of time.

“I’m trying to let go of the worrying thing, and that’s what I’ve loved the most about this album, rather than the first one,” Harry Styles says of making his album Fine Line.
Creator: Helene Marie Pambrun | Credit: Courtesy of the artist

The song’s lyrics illuminate the heart wrenching human struggle in yearning for deep connection with a treasured loved one. In our endless pursuit of growth and meaning, this sentimental song “As It Was” teaches us that we must be courageous when confronting mind boggling obstacles and heart numbing uncertainties in our life, strive to seek genuine connections, embrace sudden changes in this complex life with an open mind, and seek to grow as wholesome humans from time to time by avoiding the spirit of complacency and restraining negative vibes that could hinder personal growth and development.

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