The Meaning Behind The Song: Outside by Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris is a well-known Scottish DJ, record producer, and songwriter who has produced many hit songs, including “Outside”. The song was released in October 2014 as a collaboration between Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding. Outside is a song that has a strong emotional resonance with many people, largely due to its lyrics and melody. The song is about a relationship that has gone sour, and it explores the feelings of hurt and confusion that often follow.
Table of Contents
Verse 1:
The song opens with Goulding singing about a fallen relationship, singing, “Look at what you’ve done, stand still, fallin’ away from me”. This line suggests that the relationship has ended, and that the speaker is feeling lost without their significant other. The speaker then asks their partner how they could do this, “When it takes so long to fall asleep, you put me in my little dream”. This line suggests that the speaker has invested a lot of time and energy into the relationship, and that they are feeling betrayed by their partner.
Chorus:
The chorus of the song is particularly impactful, with Goulding singing, “I’ll show you what it feels like, now I’m on the outside, we did everything right, now I’m on the outside”. This chorus line has become particularly iconic, with many people relating to the feeling of being on the outside of a relationship, looking in with hurt and confusion.
Verse 2:
The second verse of the song continues to explore the feelings of betrayal and isolation that come with a broken relationship. Goulding sings, “We said we’d never let it get this far, it’s like we almost knew that this would happen”. This line suggests that the relationship may have been strained for some time, with both partners sensing that something was wrong but not knowing how to fix it.
Bridge:
The bridge of the song offers a glimmer of hope, with Goulding singing, “I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it”. This line suggests that the speaker is ready to move on from the relationship, and that they are looking for a sign that it’s time to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What inspired Calvin Harris to write “Outside”?
Calvin Harris has not officially confirmed the inspiration behind “Outside”, but many listeners believe that the song was inspired by his breakup with Rita Ora. Harris and Ora were in a highly publicized relationship, which ended in 2014 just months before “Outside” was released.
2. What is the meaning behind the title “Outside”?
The title of the song, “Outside”, refers to the feeling of being on the outside of a relationship, looking in with hurt and confusion. The title also suggests that the speaker is ready to move on from the relationship and find a new way forward.
3. What is the message of the song “Outside”?
The message of “Outside” is that even though a relationship may end, life goes on. The song encourages listeners to take a step back from their pain and recognize that there is hope for a better future.
4. What genre is “Outside” classified as?
“Outside” is generally classified as an electronic dance music (EDM) or pop song.
5. Was “Outside” a commercial success?
Yes, “Outside” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on several music charts around the world. The song was particularly popular in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number six on the UK Singles Chart.
6. Who wrote the lyrics to “Outside”?
Calvin Harris wrote the lyrics to “Outside”, with Ellie Goulding providing vocals.
7. How long did it take Calvin Harris to write “Outside”?
There is no official information on how long it took Calvin Harris to write “Outside”. However, given the simple yet powerful lyrics and melody, it’s possible that the song was written in just a few hours.
8. Did Ellie Goulding have any input on the lyrics of “Outside”?
While Ellie Goulding did not officially co-write the lyrics to “Outside”, she did provide input and feedback on the song. The lyrics were written by Harris, but Goulding added her own personal touches to the vocal performance.
9. What is the theme of the music video for “Outside”?
The music video for “Outside” features a storyline involving a dramatic car crash and subsequent flashbacks to happier times in a romantic relationship. The video explores themes of loss, regret, and the power of memories.
10. Are there any covers or remixes of “Outside”?
Yes, there are several covers and remixes of “Outside” available online. Some of these remixes have become quite popular in the EDM community, with DJs adding their own unique twists and sounds to the original song.
11. What other songs has Calvin Harris produced?
Calvin Harris has produced many hit songs, including “We Found Love” by Rihanna, “This Is What You Came For” by Rihanna featuring Calvin Harris, “Summer”, “Sweet Nothing” featuring Florence Welch, and “Feel So Close”.
12. Why do so many people relate to “Outside”?
“Outside” is a song that explores universal themes of heartache, betrayal, and loss. These themes are emotions that almost everyone experiences at some point in their lives, making the song relatable to a wide range of listeners. Additionally, the song’s catchy melody and poignant lyrics make it easy for listeners to connect with on an emotional level.
