Ellie Goulding’s “Lights” is more than just a catchy pop track; it explores solitude, vulnerability, and inner strength. The song describes the artist’s battle with fear and insecurity, especially during nighttime. Goulding uses the metaphor of ‘lights’ to talk about hope and assurance that guide her through her darkness, both literal and metaphorical. The song is a self-talk, a promise to be strong when engulfed in darkness. It’s about the constant struggle for self-empowerment and leaning into the comfort of memories to find peace.
Hang around to dig deeper into the emotional landscape of Ellie Goulding’s “Lights,” a song that’s both an anthem and a confessional.
“Lights” Lyrics Meaning
“Lights” opens with the lines, “I had a way then, losing it all on my own. I had a heart then, but the queen has been overthrown.” Goulding starts by acknowledging a past self that was perhaps more secure, but has since lost her footing, suggesting a vulnerable state. The “queen” being “overthrown” could imply lost self-esteem or control.
“And I’m not sleeping now, the dark is too hard to beat,” she sings, diving into the crux of her anxieties. Darkness, often symbolic of fear and uncertainty, becomes an insurmountable obstacle, robbing her of sleep and peace. It’s about those nights when your mind won’t turn off, and you’re left to wrestle with your thoughts alone.
Then comes the empowering chorus, “You show the lights that stop me turn to stone. You shine it when I’m alone.” ‘Lights’ here symbolize moments or people that give her strength and hope. They ‘turn her to stone,’ making her resilient against her fears. The phrase “You shine it when I’m alone” suggests that these rays of hope are most potent when she is by herself, a nod to self-empowerment.
“Noises, I play within my head, touch my own skin and hope that I’m still breathing.” Here, Goulding acknowledges her mental turmoil, but also the physicality of her fears. By touching her own skin and confirming she’s breathing, she’s grounding herself in reality, a coping mechanism for anxiety.
“And I think back to when my brother and my sister slept, in an unlocked place, the only time I feel safe.” This line offers a glimpse into her support system—her family and the safety she feels around them.
Goulding’s lyrics serve as a sort of mantra: “And so I tell myself that I’ll be strong, and dreaming when they’re gone.” It’s a call to lean on her internal fortitude when external supports are absent.
The Story Behind “Lights”
When Ellie Goulding released “Lights” as part of her debut album in 2010, she was stepping into newfound fame and the scrutiny that comes with it. The state of mind that enveloped her during this phase was one of vulnerability juxtaposed with the need for strength—a constant push and pull.
Goulding has often spoken about her battles with anxiety and the song, in many ways, became a coping mechanism for her. It became a space where she could translate her fears into art, and in doing so, take control of them.
The intriguing thing about “Lights” is how universally relatable it is. Although deeply personal for Goulding, it becomes personal for the listener too, resonating with anyone who has faced the complexities of solitude, the weight of the night, or the struggle with their own vulnerabilities. The song’s universal appeal is part of its magic, making each listener feel like Goulding is singing just for them, about their own set of ‘lights’ and shadows.
“Lights” is a sort of night-time diary, a slice from Goulding’s life that became an anthem for those walking the tightrope between vulnerability and strength. It delves into how we often find our greatest strength when alone, forced to face our fears and insecurities.
So, in essence, “Lights” is a beacon, much like the very lights Goulding sings about—a source of comfort, a sign of hope, and a celebration of the resilience that exists within us all.