Songfacts®:

• This is the lead single from the Philadelphia-born singer-songwriter Christina Perri's debut album, Lovestrong. She explained the song's meaning: "'Arms' is about the fight between your heart and your mind. Your heart wants to be loved but your head is always telling you reasons not to be with him or her, or how you are not worth the love. It's about the struggle and finally giving in when you're wrapped in their arms. Then you get it. Then you feel loved and love wins."
• Perri penned the song with the help of former Evanescence member David Hodges, who has also written tunes for Kelly Clarkson and Daughtry.
• The song's music video was shot over a two-day period under the direction of British director Sarah Chatfield, whose resume includes clips for Lily Allen, the Noisettes and Lykke Li. Perri co-wrote the video treatment herself, which found her undertaking a series of physical tests as she played a super-hero. They included her being dropped into water during a storm, before a cluster of black balloons carry her away into the sky. "It was the most challenging two days of my whole life," admitted Perri. "I came up with some obstacles that represent fear to me."