“You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott is a heartfelt pop song about love, regret, and the desire to make things right. Released in 2017 as part of his debut album Only Human, the song’s meaning centers on deep emotions tied to longing and reconciliation. The lyrics explore the pain of losing someone and the lengths one would go to bring them back.
This article breaks down the lyrics of “You Are The Reason” and interprets their meaning. While the song is open to personal interpretation, its core message revolves around love, devotion, and possibly guilt. Let’s dive into what the lyrics really say.
“You Are The Reason” Lyrics Meaning: Line by Line
Verse 1: A Heartbreaking Confession
There goes my heart beating
‘Cause you are the reason
The song starts with an emotional gut punch. His heart is pounding, a clear sign of overwhelming feelings. The reason? A person he deeply cares about.
I’m losing my sleep
Please come back now
Sleepless nights suggest regret and longing. He desperately wants this person to return, making it clear that something has gone wrong between them.
And there goes my mind racing
And you are the reason
His thoughts won’t slow down. Everything comes back to this person, showing how much they still mean to him.
That I’m still breathing
I’m hopeless now
They give him a reason to keep going, but without them, he feels lost.
The phrase “hopeless now” makes it clear—he doesn’t know how to move forward.
Chorus: Willing to Do Anything
I’d climb every mountain
And swim every ocean
These lines use grand imagery to show just how far he’d go to fix things. He’s ready to overcome any obstacle, no matter how impossible it seems.
Just to be with you
And fix what I’ve broken
It’s not just about wanting them back—it’s about making things right.
The phrase “what I’ve broken” hints that he knows he’s at fault.
‘Cause I need you to see
That you are the reason
This is a plea for understanding. He wants them to recognize how much they mean to him, hoping it’s not too late.
🎶 Find out if Calum Scott is coming to your area!
Verse 2: Regret and Wishing for a Second Chance
There goes my hands shaking
And you are the reason
“Hands shaking” suggests nerves, fear, or even regret. His emotions are overwhelming, and once again, they all lead back to this person.
My heart keeps bleeding
I need you now
A bleeding heart symbolizes deep pain. He isn’t just missing them—he’s hurting without them.
If I could turn back the clock
I’d make sure the light defeated the dark
He wishes he could go back and change things. The “light” defeating the “dark” could represent making better choices or avoiding mistakes that led to the separation.
I’d spend every hour of every day
Keeping you safe
This line emphasizes devotion. He’s saying that if given another chance, he’d do everything in his power to protect and care for them.
Bridge: Desperation and Longing
I don’t want to fight no more
I don’t want to hide no more
He’s done with arguments and avoidance. He just wants things to go back to how they were.
I don’t want to cry no more
Come back, I need you to hold me
There’s no pride left here—just raw vulnerability. He’s openly admitting that he needs their presence and comfort.
A little closer now, just a little closer now
Come a little closer, I need you to hold me tonight
The repetition of “a little closer” feels like a desperate whisper, emphasizing how badly he wants them near. This moment is about physical and emotional closeness, longing for what’s been lost.
“You Are The Reason” Song Meaning: A Love Filled with Regret
The song is about love, loss, and redemption. Whether it’s about a romantic partner, a family member, or even a friend, the message is universal—he knows he messed up, and he wants a second chance.
The lyrics suggest someone who has realized their mistakes too late. Regret fills every word, and there’s a clear longing to undo the past. The song doesn’t reveal whether he ever gets that chance, leaving the ending open for listeners to connect with their own experiences.
Songs Like “You Are The Reason”
If you love the emotional depth of “You Are The Reason,” here are some other songs with similar themes:
1. “Someone You Loved” by Lewis Capaldi
“Someone You Loved” captures the pain of losing someone and struggling to move on. The lyrics mirror the desperation in “You Are The Reason,” making it a great companion song.
Related: “Someone You Loved” Song Meaning
2. “All of Me” by John Legend
John Legend’s “All of Me” is another heartfelt ballad about deep devotion and vulnerability in love. Like “You Are The Reason,” it expresses unconditional love, even in difficult times.
3. “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
“Say You Won’t Let Go” tells the story of a love that endures despite hardships. It shares the same theme of wanting to hold onto someone and never let go.
4. “Fix You” by Coldplay
Coldplay’s “Fix You” focuses on helping a loved one through pain. It connects well with the message of “You Are The Reason,” where the singer wants to repair the damage.
Related: “Fix You” Song Meaning
5. “If The World Was Ending” by JP Saxe & Julia Michaels
“If The World Was Ending” explores love, regret, and the desire to be together despite past mistakes. Like “You Are The Reason,” it captures the feeling of longing for someone who might not come back.
Conclusion: A Plea for Reconciliation
“You Are The Reason” is a powerful song about love, regret, and the lengths one would go to for another chance. The lyrics tell the story of someone who realizes too late what they had and desperately wants to fix what’s broken.
Whether it’s about a breakup, a lost loved one, or simply a moment of self-reflection, the song resonates with anyone who has ever wanted to turn back time.
You can listen to “You Are The Reason” on Spotify and Amazon.
Be sure to check out more of our Pop Song Meanings articles!