James Blunt hit You're Beautiful is less romantic when you know the real meaning

Metro

6 days ago

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'You're beautiful, it's true,' sang James Blunt in his 2005 hit single, seemingly setting the benchmark for love songs with the ultimate romantic declaration.
However, 20 years on, the lyrics seem a little less adorable and a bit more… creepy?
Today, James, 51, is celebrating two decades since You're Beautiful was released as a single from his debut album, Back to Bedlam.
There's no denying the tune changed his life, with the songwriter going on to sell 20million records worldwide, win two Brits, and earn five Grammy nominations.
But he remains proud of his somewhat one-hit wonder status, even declaring in his bio on X: 'Proof that one song is all you need.'
You're Beautiful reached number one in 13 countries, as listeners were enchanted by its lyrics about forbidden love and longing.
While marking its anniversary, though, James has seemingly brought to light the song's true meaning – and let's just say we'll never listen to it in quite the same way now.
Taking to social media with a light-hearted video, he said: '20 years ago today, I released a song that bought me this house.
'Whoever thought a song about being high as a kite on drugs, stalking someone else's girlfriend would resonate quite so much?'
He signed off to his followers: 'Thank you. You guys are beautiful.'
Indeed, we aren't the only ones who failed to pick up on the sinister undertone of the lyrics, but it seems James's fans are more than fine with it.
'Never ever knew that was what it was about! Too funny now I know yet still a great song and, you're very welcome lol', replied @murray_dic32840.
@CarlBovisNature branded You're Beautiful 'the most beautiful stalking song ever made', while @rickymakescrap joked: 'Plot twist: The house is next door to that woman.'
'One of the best songs in a generation. Thank YOU!', added @fabianredpath.
Lines in the chart-topping anthem that you might hear a little differently now include: 'She smiled at me on the subway / She was with another man,' and, 'I saw your face in a crowded place / And I don't know what to do / 'Cause I'll never be with you.'
James also sings: 'And I don't think that I'll see her again / But we shared a moment that will last 'til the end,' and 'There must be an angel with a smile on her face / When she thought up that I should be with you.'
Oh, and as for the 'being high as a kite on drugs' thing, who could forget, 'She could see from my face that I was f***ing high,' which was censored to 'flying high' in the radio versions, confusing pretty much everyone.
Speaking previously about how the song came about, James told The Guardian: 'One day, I was on the underground in London and saw an ex-girlfriend with her new boyfriend. Our eyes met, but we just walked past each other, and I went home and wrote the words to You're Beautiful in two minutes.
'I went to see my songwriter friend Sacha Skarbek in Los Angeles, and, with Amanda Ghost as a co-writer, we finished the song.
'It's always been portrayed as romantic, but it's actually a bit creepy. It's about a guy (me) who's high and stalking someone else's girlfriend on the subway. But everyone has those moments where you wonder, 'What if I'd said something?''
But you'll be pleased to know that, despite his self-confessed stalking phase, James is now happily married.
In 2014, he wed Sofia Wellesley, having met two years prior through his sister. They also have two sons.
Speaking about their relationship, James, who is typically a closed book beyond his music, said in 2020: 'I keep my private life private and yet write these deeply personal songs.'
Asked at the time whether he understood the pressure Prince Harry felt regarding his marriage to Megan Markle, he added of public interest: 'It can be intense. More Trending
'Everyone in the public eye will face criticism, and it's worth realising that those people are human beings.'
In 2023, the Bonfire Heart hitmaker, who also owns West London pub The Fox and Pheasant, continued joking about his big hitter and how it helps him to clear out at closing time.
'I play You're Beautiful at closing time to clear out the locals,' he quipped. 'My pub is the real passion project; it's just amazing.'
Never change, James.
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