Released: 2019
James Arthur’s ‘Car’s Outside’ is a heartfelt song about the struggles of maintaining a relationship while constantly on the move. The lyrics convey a deep longing for connection and the difficulty of saying goodbye, despite the allure of the open road and the promise of adventure.
The opening lines set the stage, with Arthur packing his bags, a routine he’s become all too familiar with. The ‘tagline’ he refers to is his constant farewell, a painful reminder of the distance that often separates him from his loved one. ‘Addison Lee’ is a popular private hire taxi service in the UK, symbolizing his constant travel and the vehicle that often takes him away from his loved one.
Throughout the song, Arthur repeatedly expresses his desire to stay with his loved one, rather than leaving. He’s ‘tired of loving from afar’ and doesn’t want to ‘leave anymore.’ These lines emphasize his longing for closeness and his frustration with the circumstances that keep them apart.
The ‘same four walls in a different hotel’ line speaks to the monotony and loneliness of life on the road. Despite the glamour often associated with travel, Arthur paints a picture of isolation and yearning. His reference to running up his phone bill shows his attempts to maintain connection despite the distance.
The chorus repeats his refusal to leave, unless his loved one comes with him. This refrain underscores his desire for companionship and his unwillingness to continue the cycle of leaving and longing. The repeated ‘ooh-ooh, ah’ serves as a melodic expression of his emotional turmoil.
In the final verse, Arthur contrasts the bright city lights with the brightness of his loved one’s eyes, a poetic way of saying that no amount of worldly allure can compare to the love he has for his partner. The car waiting outside and the driver calling him twice symbolize the pressure and demands of his lifestyle, but he chooses to make his loved one a priority.
Overall, ‘Car’s Outside’ is a poignant exploration of the sacrifices and struggles inherent in a life of constant movement. Arthur’s lyrics are a testament to the power of love and the lengths one will go to keep it alive, even when the world keeps pulling you away.
