Harry Styles – “Ever Since New York” Lyrics Meaning

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Written By Joanna Landrum

Joanna holds a BSc in English Literature and uses her expertise in literary analysis to uncover the deeper meaning of her favorite songs.

“Ever Since New York” by Harry Styles is a hauntingly poignant song, likely reflective of a deeply personal journey and a quest for truth and clarity. The song seems to echo themes of solitude, the desire for understanding, and the profound pains and revelations accompanying self-discovery. It depicts a struggle with internal chaos, seemingly resonating with feelings of emptiness and a yearning for genuine connection and revelation.


Ever wondered about the deep emotions and the hidden meanings within “Ever Since New York” by Harry Styles?

“Ever Since New York” Lyrics Meaning

“Ever Since New York” opens with a plea for revelation – “Tell me something, tell me something / You don’t know nothing, just pretend you do.” This immediate longing for knowledge and understanding sets the tone for the entire song, reflecting a deep internal struggle and a quest for truth.

“Choose your words ’cause there’s no antidote / For this curse / Oh, what’s it waiting for? / Must this hurt you just before you go?” Here, the song delves into the themes of pain and impending separation. The mention of ‘curse’ and ‘hurt’ hints at the inevitable suffering that accompanies human existence, relationships, and the transient nature of life.

The line “Brooklyn saw me, empty at the news / There’s no water inside this swimming pool” is particularly powerful. It portrays a sense of desolation and emptiness, depicted by the metaphor of a dry swimming pool, symbolizing a lack of emotional fulfillment and spiritual nourishment.

“I’ve been praying, I never did before / Understand I’m talking to the walls / I’ve been praying ever since New York” – this reveals a newfound inclination towards faith or a higher power, potentially reflecting a critical turning point in the songwriter’s life. The imagery of ‘talking to the walls’ emphasizes a feeling of isolation and a desperate need for answers and connection.

The repetition of “Oh, tell me something I don’t already know” accentuates the recurrent theme of desire for enlightenment and discovery, pointing to a journey of self-realization and a search for deeper meaning within and beyond oneself.

The Story Behind “Ever Since New York”

Harry Styles’ “Ever Since New York” is steeped in raw emotion and profound introspection. The song likely emerged from a place of deep reflection and a significant period in his life, possibly marked by personal challenges, transformations, and revelations.

The city of New York might be symbolic of a moment or a phase where Styles experienced a shift in perspective, prompting introspective exploration and a quest for higher understanding. The contemplative nature of the song and the exploration of themes such as solitude, longing, and self-discovery suggest a period of individual growth and transformation.

The emphasis on solitude and emptiness may reveal a struggle with existential questions and the pursuit of genuine connections and truths in a world often characterized by superficiality and transience. The lyrics radiate a sense of vulnerability, hinting at the internal conflicts and the emotional and spiritual journey undertaken by the artist.

In essence, “Ever Since New York” is a poetic embodiment of Harry Styles’ introspective voyage. The beautifully interwoven themes and the poignant lyrical content offer listeners a glimpse into the mind and heart of the artist, encouraging them to embark on their journeys of self-discovery and embrace the mysteries of existence.