As It Was – Harry Styles

Released in 2022 as part of his third studio album Harry’s House, “As It Was” by Harry Styles quickly became a global sensation. The song, which presents a sonic departure from some of Styles’ previous work, explores themes of personal change, vulnerability, and emotional introspection. Paired with a visually captivating and symbolic official video, “As It Was” offers fans a multi-dimensional experience that reflects the complexities of modern life and love.

A New Direction for Harry Styles
Harry Styles, who first rose to prominence as a member of the world-renowned boy band One Direction, has consistently reinvented himself throughout his solo career. After leaving behind the polished pop sound of his boy band days, Styles ventured into rock, folk, and indie territories with his debut album Harry Styles (2017) and the critically acclaimed follow-up Fine Line (2019). “As It Was” marks yet another evolution in his musical journey, blending retro 80s-inspired synth-pop with introspective lyrics that reveal a more vulnerable and reflective side of the artist.

While Fine Line explored themes of heartbreak, longing, and self-discovery, “As It Was” seems to reflect a deeper, more personal transformation. The song’s sound contrasts its emotional weight; upbeat and energetic, it draws heavily from the bright, shimmering synths of 80s pop music, invoking comparisons to artists like A-ha and Depeche Mode. However, beneath its lively exterior, the track carries a melancholic undertone, hinting at struggles with change, disconnection, and the passage of time.

Lyrical Themes: Struggling with Change
At its core, “As It Was” grapples with the theme of change—both the kind that comes from within and that which is thrust upon us. The lyrics depict a sense of nostalgia, reflecting on how things are no longer the same as they once were. The opening lines of the song, “Holdin’ me back, gravity’s holdin’ me back”, set the tone for a narrative that feels both emotionally tethered and weighed down by forces beyond control.

Styles continues to explore the idea of personal transformation, but there is an undeniable sense of longing for the past. The line “You know it’s not the same as it was” serves as the central refrain, repeated throughout the song like a mantra. It captures the universal feeling of longing for a time when things felt simpler, less complicated, and familiar. For many listeners, this can resonate with their own experiences of dealing with the unavoidable march of time, change in relationships, or the pressures of modern life.

Moreover, the song touches on themes of loneliness and disconnection, as evidenced by the line “Answer the phone, ‘Harry, you’re no good alone’”. This direct address from what seems like a close companion or perhaps a family member offers a glimpse into the emotional vulnerability at play. Despite the upbeat tempo of the song, the lyrics reveal a struggle with isolation and a yearning for connection—something that is perhaps more relevant than ever in the context of a world grappling with uncertainty and distance.

The Music Video: A Visual Exploration of Emotional Contrasts
The official music video for “As It Was,” directed by Ukrainian filmmaker Tanu Muino, further amplifies the song’s themes of change and disconnection. Set in various visually striking, often surreal environments, the video opens with Styles standing alone in an empty corridor, slowly walking toward an unknown destination. This visual metaphor is carried throughout the video as Styles moves through different symbolic spaces, often in slow motion, reflecting the emotional weight of the song.

One of the most memorable visuals in the video is a spinning platform, where Styles and a female counterpart are seen running toward each other, only to be pulled apart by the rotating motion. The circular platform can be interpreted as a metaphor for the cycles of life and relationships—how, despite our best efforts, people can drift apart, pulled by the currents of time and circumstance. This visual elegantly complements the lyrics, encapsulating the feeling of being stuck in an emotional loop, unable to bridge the gap between one’s past and present self.

Throughout the video, Styles is seen wearing vibrant, bold colors, further enhancing the contrast between the upbeat production of the song and its more introspective, bittersweet lyrics. The choice of costumes and the minimalist, almost dreamlike sets also evoke a sense of nostalgia, transporting viewers to a time that feels both familiar and distant—just like the emotions expressed in the song.

The Production: Nostalgia Meets Modernity
The production of “As It Was” blends nostalgic elements with a modern twist, a hallmark of Styles’ recent work. Produced by Kid Harpoon and Tyler Johnson, who also worked on Fine Line, the song features an infectious, up-tempo rhythm driven by shimmering synths and a propulsive beat. The use of 80s-inspired production elements, including the signature synth arpeggios and clean guitar lines, gives the song a sense of retro charm.

However, the production also leaves space for intimacy. The instrumentation never overpowers Styles’ voice, allowing his delicate, at times fragile, vocals to remain at the forefront. The contrast between the bright, uplifting sound and the somber, reflective lyrics creates a dynamic that makes “As It Was” stand out both as a radio-friendly pop anthem and a deeply personal expression of emotion.

Global Reception and Cultural Impact
Upon its release, “As It Was” garnered widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike. The song quickly shot to the top of the charts in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Australia, cementing Styles’ status as one of the biggest pop stars of his generation. Critics praised the track for its infectious energy, nostalgic production, and emotionally raw lyrics, highlighting Styles’ ability to balance mass appeal with artistic depth.

Beyond its chart success, “As It Was” also resonated with listeners on a personal level, becoming a soundtrack for those grappling with their own transitions and challenges. In a post-pandemic world where themes of isolation, change, and the longing for connection are deeply felt, the song struck a chord with audiences, making it a cultural touchstone for the time.

Conclusion: A Song of Contrasts and Transformation
“As It Was” is a testament to Harry Styles’ continued growth as an artist. The song’s ability to blend upbeat, retro-inspired production with introspective and vulnerable lyrics speaks to his talent for creating music that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Through its catchy melodies and emotionally resonant message, “As It Was” invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences with change, nostalgia, and emotional connection.

The accompanying video further enhances the song’s themes, creating a visual experience that mirrors the contrasts found in the music itself. Together, the song and video offer a rich, layered exploration of what it means to face personal change, while still holding on to the past. As Harry Styles continues to evolve as an artist, “As It Was” stands as a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of transformation.

Lyrics
Holding me back,
Gravity’s holding me back,
I want you to hold out the palm of your hand,
Why don’t we leave it at that?,
Nothing to say,
When everything gets in the way,
Seems you cannot be replaced,
And I’m the one who will stay,
Ooh,

In this world,
It’s just us,
You know it’s not the same as it was,
In this world,
It’s just us,
You know it’s not the same as it was,
As it was,
As it was,
You know it’s not the same,

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?”,
Ringing the bell,
And nobody’s coming to help,
Your daddy lives by himself,
He just wants to know that you’re well,
Ooh,

In this world,
It’s just us,
You know it’s not the same as it was,
In this world,
It’s just us,
You know it’s not the same as it was,
As it was,
As it was,
You know it’s not the same,

Go home,
Get ahead,
Light speed internet,
I don’t want to talk about the way that it was,
Leave America,
Two kids follow her,
I don’t want to talk about who’s doing it first,
(Hey!),

As it was,
You know it’s not the same as it was,
As it was,
As it was,