Heartbeat

Album: single release only (2022)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • James Arthur first dated dancer Jessica Grist in 2012. They broke up in 2021 but rekindled their romance early in the following year. Arthur wrote this song after learning Jessica was pregnant with their child. He released it on December 2, 2022, a few weeks after she gave birth.

    Arthur addresses his unborn daughter throughout the song, telling her he's looking forward to feeling her heartbeat. There's nothing he won't do for her and he'll love her all his life.
  • Arthur and Jessica named their daughter Emily. Back in 2021, the singer released a song titled "Emily," which he dedicated to the daughter he might have one day. Arthur later revealed he wrote "Emily" while Jessica was pregnant, but she had an ectopic pregnancy and lost the baby. They subsequently named their newborn baby after their lost little girl.

    "Emily" contains some similar lyrics, including, "I feel your heartbeat here inside of me."
  • James Arthur wrote the song with his "Say You Won't Let Go" collaborator Steve Solomon, and with Daniel Bingham. Solomon also co-produced the track with his "Falling Like The Stars" producer Alex Beitzke and Olivia Rodrigo's mastering engineer Randy Merrill.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Gary Louris of The Jayhawks

Gary Louris of The JayhawksSongwriter Interviews

The Jayhawks' song "Big Star" has special meaning to Gary, who explains how longevity and inspiration have trumped adulation.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Jeff Trott

Jeff TrottSongwriter Interviews

Sheryl Crow's longtime songwriting partner/guitarist Jeff Trott reveals the stories behind many of the singer's hits, and what its like to be a producer for Leighton Meester and Max Gomez.