Meaning of "Outside" by Calvin Harris

The lyrics of "Outside" delve into the emotions and experiences of feeling excluded and disconnected from someone who was once meaningful to the narrator. The opening lines, "Look at what you've done, Stand still, fallin' away from me," paint a picture of a relationship that was once thriving but is now deteriorating. There is a sense of disbelief and longing for things to return to how they used to be.

The lyrics evoke a feeling of confusion as the narrator questions why this distance has grown between them. They wonder "What do you want to be?" and express feelings of inadequacy, feeling like "Myself was never enough for me," suggesting that they may blame themselves for the deterioration of the relationship. The plea to be strong and find power in their actions is a response to this self-doubt.

The chorus, "I'll show you what it feels like, Now I'm on the outside," emphasizes the narrator's desire to make the other person understand their pain and the effects of the distance between them. It serves as a declaration that the once-strong connection they had has been severed, and now the narrator stands apart from the person they had cherished.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of choice. The line "How are we still breathing? It's never for us to choose," suggests that the circumstances and the distance between them may have been beyond their control. Despite this, the narrator promises to be the source of strength for the other person, offering support and understanding even in the face of their own pain.

Overall, "Outside" explores themes of longing, rejection, and the complexities of a fading relationship. It highlights the emotional toll that being on the outside can have, as well as the desire to bridge the gap and regain what was lost.