Released: 2022
“Late Night Talking” by Harry Styles is a poignant pop ballad that speaks to the deep longing and desire to connect with a significant other. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning and unaddressed emotions, colored by a gentle regret and the frustrating distance that exists between the singer and his beloved.
The song begins with Styles expressing a sense of discomfort and restlessness in his life. “Things haven’t been quite the same” he sings, indicating a change, probably in his relationship. The phrase “There’s a haze on the horizon, baby” gives a sense of an impending uncertainty or dilemma that he’s facing, which is also emphasized by the desperate “I miss you” that follows.
In the merry-go-round of life’s lows, like when “You stub your toe or break your camera”, Styles steps in as the comforting presence. His role is not just about fixing things, but making his loved one feel better. His longing is palpable in the lines “If you’re feelin’ down, I just wanna make you happier, baby”.
The recurring phrase, “We’ve been doin’ all this late-night talking”, tells us of their everyday struggles and how they’ve been trying to navigate through them. While they might be discussing everything “you wanted ’til the mornin'”, Styles is clearly drawn to their conversation and the intimacy it offers.
Styles’ lyrics convey a desperate connection, manifesting in his failure to keep his beloved off his mind. “I can’t get you off my mind” he repeats throughout the song, underlining his infatuation. This attachment is so profound that he doesn’t want to fight it – “I won’t even try (I won’t even try) / To get you off my mind (get you off my mind)”.
The singer has a love so encompassing that he’s willing to follow them anywhere. “I’ve never been a fan of change / But I’d follow you to any place”. Whether it’s the glitter of Hollywood or the comparatively humble Bishopsgate, he’s ready to accompany them.
In all, the lyrics of “Late Night Talking” paint a vivid picture of Harry Styles’ sincere longing for somebody he truly cares for. Their late-night talks are more than just mundane exchanges – they’re a lifeline, an emotional tie, and Styles has beautifully transformed this sentiment into a moving pop ballad.
