Lights Up

“Lights Up” is the latest single from indie music star (and formerly a member of what is deemed to be the 21st century’s version of The Beatles, One Direction) Harry Styles, which was released on National Coming Out Day – the 11th October 2019. The track is the first the world has heard from Styles musically and in general, as the singer has not released any new music since 2019, nor has he posted on his Instagram in over a year.

The song is written by Styles as well as Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson. There is a lot of theories surrounding the meaning of the track, as Styles’ sexuality has been a topic of conversation in the media previously, despite Styles’ stating multiple times that he does not feel the need to label his sexuality. Due to the track being released on National Coming Out Day, this conversation has been brought into the public eye again. The lyrics also led to speculation about the topics of the song, some believing that the track is about not staying hidden about your true identity and self.The track is 2 minutes and 53 seconds long, and consists of repeating verses and chorus. The first verse of the song goes as such:

“What do you mean?
I’m sorry by the way
Never coming back down
Can’t you see?
I could, but wouldn’t stay
Wouldn’t put it like that
What do you mean?
I’m sorry by the way
Never coming around
It’d be so sweet if things just stayed the same
La-da-da-da-da”

The music video was also released on the 11th October, and according to Vogue.com was filmed in Mexico, and Gucci led the styling. It features scenes of Styles topless surrounded by scantily clad men and women grabbing Styles and placing their hands over him, as well as Styles floating in water and on the back of a motorcycle singing the track. Since its upload on Harry Styles’ official YouTube channel, the music video has almost 17 million views in less than a week.

Release Date: 11th October 2019

Songwriter/s: Kid Harpoon (Tom Hull), Tyler Johnson & Harry Styles

Producer/s: Jeff Bhasker & Tyler Johnson

Label/s: Erksine Records & Columbia Records

Music Video Release Date: 11th October 2019

Chart Rankings: “Lights Up” hit the US iTunes Sale Chart, as well as ranking at #2 on the UK’s Official Charts Top 20 list. The song also has over 15 million plays on Spotify.