Back From The Edge

Album: Back From The Edge (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Following a series of controversial remarks made on social media, the public turned against James Arthur and he was dropped from Simon Cowell's record label, Syco. However, as a result of the buzz surrounding "Say You Won't Let Go," Cowell re-signed his former X Factor winner. This is the title track from his second album.
  • Arthur explained to Digital Spy how the song took on an additional meaning:

    It's funny because now I guess it can be perceived as a comeback. It wasn't meant to be like, 'I'm coming back and I expected all this.' Coming back from the edge was, as cheesy a cliché as it may sound, was the most honest concept I could have for an album. I was in a super dark place and having – I don't want to get too deep – but having suicidal thoughts. I was like, 'I can't f---ing do this anymore – I'm done. There's no purpose to my life anymore if it's not music, and no-one's going to care if I release some.'"
  • James Arthur became only the second former X Factor winner to top the UK. chart with their second album, when Back From The Edge debuted at #1. Leona Lewis was the first to achieve the feat when her Echo LP did the trick in 2009.
  • The decision to name the album after this song came very late in the recording process. Arthur told HMV.com: "I didn't have a title for ages, until the very last minute. I looked through all the song titles and the one that resonated the most. I always thought it was the best way to open the album and why not give it the title too?"

Comments: 1

  • AnonymousGreat song!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?