Safe Inside

Album: Back From The Edge (2016)
Charted: 31
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Written with producer Jonathan Quarmby (Sugababes' "Round Round") and Emma Rohan (Little Mix's "Secret Love Song"), James Arthur touches on the relationship between himself and his younger sister. The same trio also penned the title track and "Prisoner" on Back From The Edge.
  • Arthur explained the story behind the song in a video:

    "That's a really personal one. I'm again working with Emma Rohan and Jonathan Quarmby. They have great life experience and both have children and I wanted to pick their brains about how it feels like to be a parent and they were really helpful with that one.

    Things started pouring out of me because of my experience of parenting has been looking after my little sister from a young age, me and my little sister struck up a bond, because her father abandoned her when she was very young and I took the role of being a father figure to her.

    The lyric is 'Is it time to let go now you're older.' I worry about her all the time. I just wanted to put that across in the song."
  • James Arthur sings at the beginning of the song:

    I remember when you were all mine
    Watched you changing in front of my eyes


    He explained to Genius: "It's personal to me, the song, but I am also trying to make it universal as well. My sister never necessarily walked away from me, but we spent time apart. I can relate to that worry that a parent would have for a kid who is leaving the nest and growing up. So that's what that line is about."

Comments: 1

  • Becca from OhioAs a parent with young children, the horror and anxiety of the looming future of mistakes awaiting them in their early adult life, this song pretty much ripped my soul out, trampled on it, took my nerves and chewed on them like a hungry badger, twisted my intestines, and made me cry like a baby. This will be the song I play perpetually when the time comes. I try to educate them on the awful ways people can use and abuse you and the horrible things they can end up doing to themselves. I just pray it’s enough to help them F up a little less than I did. Thank you, James!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

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.

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

Jon Foreman of SwitchfootSongwriter Interviews

Switchfoot's frontman and main songwriter on what inspires the songs and how he got the freedom to say exactly what he means.