London Is Lonely

Album: single release only (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, Holly Humberstone grew up in a happy, creative household, where she made up songs from poetry books. When the young singer-songwriter moved to London, it was a shock to her system after life in rural Lincolnshire. With no friends in the big city, she found it isolating and alienating.

    Humberstone wrote this poignant track in February 2020, just before the COVID pandemic. It documents her story of moving to London and feeling disconnected and lonely. "I had just moved out of my childhood home down to London and had spent the past few months feeling really trapped and alone in my tiny flat with strangers," Humberstone said of the song. "London felt so intense and although there were so many people around me, I felt even more isolated and like I didn't belong."
  • Humberstone's musical right-hand man, former Dog Is Dead singer Rob Milton, produced the song.
  • Humberstone plays the piano on the track. The other musicians are:

    Guitar: Rob Milton
    Percussion: Rob Milton
    Trombone: Lee Smith
    Trumpet: Trevor Mires
    Saxophone: Reuben Fowler
  • David M Helman directed the video, filming it in a disused railway tunnel in London. "I wanted this video to sum up how I felt when I first moved to London, when I was spinning out of control and awaiting an imminent collision," said Humberstone. "It looks like a lucid dream as I try to remain centered."

    Helman's other video credits include Michael Kiwanuka's "Cold Little Heart," Gucci Mane featuring The Weeknd's "Curve," and Mø featuring Diplo's "Sun In Our Eyes."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

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.

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")Song Writing

Nick made some of the biggest videos on MTV, including "The Final Countdown," "Heaven" and "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)."

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."