James Blunt shares 'real' meaning behind most famous song lyrics after 20 years

Daily Mirror

08-06-2025

In 2004, singer James Blunt burst onto the scene with the release of his debut album Back To Bedlam, which spawned a string of hits and catapulted him to worldwide fame and stardom
James Blunt has shared a humorous insight into the meaning of the lyrics of one of his most famous songs. The acclaimed singer, 51, is just as well known for his poetic lyrics as he is his quick-witted sense of humour. He burst onto the scene in 2004 with the release of his first single, High, off his smash hit debut album, Back To Bedlam.
In 2005 though, he achieved fame across the globe with the song, You're Beautiful. This track was the third single from his debut album and, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of its release, the star shared a video to thank his fans.
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In the clip, which was posted to his official Facebook page, James Blunt can be seen walking towards a camera set up in his home. Once he gets close to the camera, he tells viewers: '20 years ago today, I put out a song that bought me this house.
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'I mean, who would have thought a song about being high as a kite on drugs, stalking someone else's girlfriend, would resonate quite so much? You guys are beautiful.'
In the comments section, fans were keen to share their thoughts and experiences with the song.
One person said: 'My God you crack me up. I must say though, this song was playing on the radio when I held my son in my arms for the first time (it was my favourite song at the time, he's 20 soon) and all I could hear was 'you're beautiful'.
'He really was beautiful - my husband and I have laughed hard about the actual words and stalky-ness of the song since…'
A third person said: 'Lol when you put it that way a druggy stalker. Love your humour'.
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Another person shared: 'I got married in 2005 and the number of people who suggested it should be our wedding song. I was equal parts annoyed and smug because I knew what the lyrics were about'.
While a further fan added: 'lol! Never knew I needed this explanation but apparently I did. Downloading the song now dude; buy yourself something sweet for the house'.
The worldwide hit does indeed tell the story of a man who spots a woman on a train and, in his intoxicated state, believes he shares a connection with her despite her being involved with another man.
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He believes he's entitled to her and thinks up a plan to get her in his obsessive state.
Still, the song's meaning didn't stop it resonating with millions of people who are keen on its haunting, emotive quality.
Of his first song, Blunt took to Facebook in 2024 and quipped: 'The first single I ever released was 'High' in 2004. For the video, they buried me up to my neck in sand and threw cockroaches at me.
'They don't tell you that when you send the record label your demos.'