From the Dining Table

Album: Harry Styles (2017)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Harry Styles bookends his debut solo album with two breakup ballads, beginning in the hallway and ending here at the dining table. This stripped back ballad is the record's quietest, most introspective moment as the former One Direction star describes his heartache at seeing a former lover moving on with "a friend from work."
  • Woke up alone in this hotel room
    Played with myself, where were you?


    The New York Times commented that the opening line about masturbation is an example of there being more adult subject matter on Harry Styles, compared to One Direction's PG lyrics. The singer replied:

    "I've never felt the need to explain myself in terms of my personal life. I very much feel like writing is the way you get to say what you want to say and be like, 'That's all I have to say on it.' With that one, I think it's up to everyone's interpretation, which is obviously an incredibly diplomatic answer. The line in particular, in context of the verse, paints the picture of the feeling that I was going at. It's much more powerful when not taken simply as what it is."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes

Chris Robinson of The Black CrowesSongwriter Interviews

"Great songwriters don't necessarily have hit songs," says Chris. He's written a bunch, but his fans are more interested in the intricate jams.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Fire On The Stage

Fire On The StageSong Writing

When you have a song called "Fire," it's tempting to set one - these guys did.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Penny Ford of Snap!

Penny Ford of Snap!Songwriter Interviews

The original voice of Snap! this story is filled with angry drag queens, video impersonators and Chaka Khan.