Harry Styles' global hit, "As It Was", masterfully explores themes of personal transformation, the bittersweet nature of change, nostalgia, loneliness, and the acceptance of evolving relationships and self-identity. Despite its upbeat, synth-driven melody, the lyrics convey a sense of melancholy and introspection as Styles reflects on how things are "not the same as it was."

The song captures the feeling of looking back on a past self or a past relationship and recognizing the profound shifts that have occurred. Lines like "Answer the phone / 'Harry, you're no good alone / Why are you sitting at home on the floor? / What kind of pills are you on?'" hint at struggles with loneliness, mental health, and perhaps the pressures of fame. The phrase "As It Was" becomes a recurring motif for a time or state that can no longer be reclaimed, tinged with a sense of longing but also an understanding of the necessity of moving forward.

The song suggests a grappling with new realities and the emotional distance that can grow between people over time. While there's a sadness in this realization, there's also an underlying acceptance. The upbeat tempo can be seen as a form of resilience, a way of dancing through the melancholy of change. It's a deeply personal yet universally relatable reflection on how life's experiences shape and alter us and our connections.

"As It Was" was released on April 1, 2022, as the lead single from Harry Styles' highly anticipated third solo studio album, "Harry's House", which was released on May 20, 2022. The song marked a significant evolution in Styles' musical direction, leaning more into synth-pop and new wave influences.

The track was co-written by Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon (Thomas Hull), and Tyler Johnson, who also handled the production. Styles has spoken about the song being written during a period of personal change and reflection, particularly influenced by the isolation and introspection brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. He described "Harry's House" as his most personal and intimate album to date, and "As It Was" served as a perfect introduction to its themes.

The song opens with a voice memo from Styles' goddaughter, Ruby Winston (daughter of producer Ben Winston), saying, "Come on, Harry, we wanna say goodnight to you!" This personal touch immediately sets an intimate tone. "As It Was" was praised by critics for its mature songwriting, infectious melody, and Styles' vulnerable vocal performance, signaling a new artistic chapter for the former One Direction member.

"As It Was" was a monumental global success for Harry Styles, shattering records and dominating charts worldwide. It debuted at #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and went on to spend 15 non-consecutive weeks at the top spot, becoming the longest-running #1 by a UK artist and the longest-running #1 solo song in the chart's history. It also debuted at #1 on the UK Singles Chart, spending 10 weeks at the summit.

The song topped the charts in over 30 countries, including Australia, Canada, Germany, France, and many more. It broke the Guinness World Record for the most streamed track on Spotify in 24 hours (male) and became Spotify's most-streamed song globally of 2022. Its immense popularity was driven by its infectious melody, relatable lyrics, and Styles' global fanbase.

"As It Was" received widespread critical acclaim and numerous accolades. It won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Solo Performance and was nominated for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Music Video at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. It also won Song of the Year at the Brit Awards. The song's success cemented Harry Styles' status as one of the biggest pop stars in the world.

"As It Was" is a vibrant synth-pop and indie pop track with a distinct 1980s new wave influence. The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, driving bassline, shimmering synthesizer melodies, and a memorable tubular bells motif.

The track opens with the aforementioned voice memo from Styles' goddaughter, followed by a bright, catchy synth riff that runs throughout the song. The rhythm section provides a propulsive groove, with a steady drum beat and an energetic bassline that keeps the song moving forward. Despite its melancholic lyrical themes, the musical arrangement is largely upbeat and danceable, creating an interesting juxtaposition.

Harry Styles' vocal performance is nuanced, conveying both a sense of longing and a resilient energy. His delivery is relatively restrained in the verses, becoming more layered and anthemic in the choruses. The production by Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson is clean and polished, with a focus on creating an infectious, retro-modern sound. The use of layered synths, jangly guitars, and the distinctive bell-like sounds contributes to the song's unique sonic texture. The overall composition is both catchy and emotionally resonant, a hallmark of Styles' evolving artistry.

The music video for "As It Was," directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Tanu Muino, was released on April 1, 2022, alongside the single. It's a visually stunning and symbolic piece that complements the song's themes of change, connection, and isolation.

The video features Harry Styles and a female counterpart (dancer Mathilde Lin) dressed in contrasting red and blue outfits, performing expressive choreography on a large, rotating platform. Their movements depict a relationship evolving through stages of joy, struggle, separation, and attempts at reconnection. Other scenes show Styles in various artistic settings, including a vibrant art gallery and performing with a band. The video is known for its striking visuals, bold colors, and its metaphorical representation of the song's emotional core. It was filmed in London, including locations like the Barbican Centre.

Watch the official music video here:

The lyrics of "As It Was," co-written by Harry Styles, Kid Harpoon, and Tyler Johnson, are a poignant exploration of personal change, nostalgia, and the feeling of disconnection. They convey a sense of looking back at a past self or relationship and acknowledging that things are irrevocably different.

The song opens with the voice of Styles' goddaughter, setting an intimate tone before diving into lines like "Holdin' me back / Gravity's holdin' me back." The chorus is a direct acknowledgment of this shift: "In this world, it's just us / You know it's not the same as it was." Verses hint at feelings of loneliness and perhaps external pressures or internal struggles: "Answer the phone / 'Harry, you're no good alone / Why are you sitting at home on the floor? / What kind of pills are you on?'"

Despite the melancholic undercurrent, there's a sense of forward momentum in the music. The lyrics capture a universal experience of outgrowing situations or relationships and the complex emotions that accompany such transitions. The emotional resonance of "As It Was" lies in its honest portrayal of vulnerability and the bittersweet acceptance of life's constant evolution.

Explore the full lyrics here: