Outside – Calvin Harris ft. Ellie Goulding
Released in 2014, “Outside” by Calvin Harris featuring Ellie Goulding became an instant hit, blending Harris’ signature electronic dance music (EDM) production with Goulding’s ethereal vocals. The song, which appears on Harris’ fourth studio album, Motion, is a powerful anthem that explores themes of heartbreak, resilience, and empowerment. With its infectious beat and relatable lyrics, “Outside” resonated with listeners worldwide, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries.
The Collaboration: Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding
Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding are no strangers to working together. Prior to “Outside,” the duo collaborated on the chart-topping hit “I Need Your Love” in 2013, which became a massive success and helped cement their status as one of the most formidable partnerships in pop and EDM music. Their chemistry in that song carried over seamlessly into “Outside,” with Goulding’s hauntingly beautiful vocals complementing Harris’ energetic and polished production.
The magic between Harris and Goulding lies in their ability to merge Goulding’s distinct, emotional delivery with Harris’ high-energy, club-ready beats. Together, they create music that not only sounds great on the dance floor but also carries emotional weight, something that sets their collaborations apart from typical EDM tracks.
Themes and Lyrics: Heartbreak with a Message of Strength
At its core, “Outside” is a song about the end of a relationship. The lyrics express feelings of isolation, emotional pain, and frustration as the protagonist comes to terms with the fact that the relationship is no longer working. Goulding sings from the perspective of someone who has been cast out of a relationship, now left on the “outside” looking in, unable to mend the bond that once existed. The chorus captures the essence of the song’s emotional weight:
“Now I’m on the outside
We did everything right, now I’m on the outside.”
These lines resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced the confusion and heartache of a breakup. The protagonist is left wondering what went wrong, especially when they believed they did everything to keep the relationship alive.
Yet, despite the song’s somber tone, there’s also a strong message of resilience woven throughout the lyrics. “Outside” emphasizes that although the protagonist is suffering from the loss, they have the strength to endure and move forward. The beat itself, though melancholic in parts, eventually swells into a powerful, uplifting anthem, symbolizing emotional recovery. It’s as if the song is reminding listeners that while heartbreak is painful, life goes on, and they have the power to rebuild themselves after the fall.
Calvin Harris’ Production: A Dance Floor Anthem
Calvin Harris has been one of the most successful and influential figures in electronic dance music, and “Outside” showcases his talent for creating hits that dominate both the charts and the dance floor. The song’s production is a perfect blend of pop sensibilities and electronic elements, which allows it to appeal to a broad audience.
Harris starts “Outside” with a soft, atmospheric introduction, layering synths and subtle beats that build anticipation before Goulding’s vocals take over. As the song progresses, the tempo increases, and the track becomes more energized. The drop, which is a staple of Harris’ work, arrives after the chorus, creating a moment of release that is both exhilarating and cathartic.
The use of synthesizers, coupled with the rhythmic, driving beat, gives the song its EDM identity. Yet, Harris cleverly balances the electronic elements with Goulding’s emotional delivery, ensuring that the track doesn’t lose its emotional impact in the process. “Outside” feels at home both in a nightclub and on personal playlists, making it one of those rare songs that can evoke strong emotions while still being a dance anthem.
Ellie Goulding’s Vocal Performance
Ellie Goulding’s vocals on “Outside” are a highlight of the song. Known for her airy, emotive voice, Goulding adds a layer of vulnerability to the track that allows listeners to connect with the lyrics on a deeper level. Her performance conveys the pain and confusion that comes with the end of a relationship, but it’s also filled with quiet strength, capturing the resilience needed to move on.
Goulding’s voice is both ethereal and grounded, able to float over Harris’ pulsating production while still delivering the emotional punch the song requires. Her ability to convey complex emotions in a restrained yet impactful way makes her an ideal match for Harris’ style of production.
The Music Video: Visualizing Emotional Turmoil
The official music video for “Outside,” directed by Emil Nava, reflects the emotional themes of the song. Set in a suburban neighborhood, the video focuses on two couples going through intense emotional struggles. As the couples argue, objects around them begin to break and float into the air, symbolizing the chaos and turmoil that often accompany the end of a relationship.
Ellie Goulding and Calvin Harris also appear in the video, though they remain distant observers to the drama unfolding around them. This visual choice highlights the feeling of being on the outside, detached from the emotional whirlwind but still impacted by it. The surreal visuals, combined with the grounded setting, create a compelling contrast that mirrors the song’s balance of emotional depth and energetic production.
Chart Performance and Impact
“Outside” was a commercial success, peaking within the top ten in multiple countries, including the UK, Australia, and Canada. It also performed well on the US Billboard Hot 100, further establishing Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding as a powerhouse duo in the pop and EDM world.
The song’s success can be attributed to its universal themes, catchy melody, and Harris and Goulding’s undeniable chemistry. Whether you’re nursing a broken heart or just looking for a great dance track, “Outside” offers something for everyone. Its combination of emotional depth and infectious beats makes it a standout track in both artists’ discographies.
Conclusion
“Outside” by Calvin Harris featuring Ellie Goulding is more than just a typical dance track. It’s a song that captures the pain and confusion of a breakup while offering a sense of hope and empowerment. The combination of Goulding’s heartfelt vocals and Harris’ masterful production creates a perfect balance of emotion and energy, making “Outside” a song that resonates both on the dance floor and in more intimate, personal moments. As one of the standout tracks from Harris’ Motion album, “Outside” remains a powerful anthem for those navigating the complexities of love and loss.
Lyrics
Look at what you’ve done
Stand still, fallin’ away from me
When it takes so long
Fire’s out, what do you want to be?
I’m holdin’ on
Myself was never enough for me
Gotta be so strong
There’s a power in what you do
Now, every other day I’ll be watching you
Oh oh
Oh oh
Show you what it feels like
Now I’m on the outside
Oh oh
We did everything right, now I’m on the outside
I’ll show you what it feels like
Now I’m on the outside
I’ll show you what it feels like
Though you give me no reason
For me to stay close to you
Tell me what lovers do
How are we still breathing?
It’s never for us to choose
I’ll be the strength in you
I’m holdin’ on
Myself was never enough for me
Gotta be so strong
There’s a power in what you do
Now, every other day I’ll be watching you
Oh oh
Oh oh
Show you what it feels like
Now I’m on the outside
Oh oh
We did everything right, now I’m on the outside