Who is Matilda? Harry Styles explains the meaning behind his Matilda lyrics

19 May 2022, 23:18

Harry Styles explains what Watermelon Sugar is actually about

By Sam Prance

Harry Styles wrote Matilda about someone he knows personally.

Harry Styles has opened up about 'Matilda' on his latest album Harry's House and who inspired the heartbreaking new song.

The wait is over. Harry Styles' long-awaited third studio album Harry's House is now here and fans are crying over Track 7. In 'Matilda', Harry sings about a girl who has been so hurt that it's become normal to her. Harry sings: "Nothing 'bout the way you were treated ever seemed especially alarming 'til now / So you tie up your hair and you smile like it's no big deal".

READ MORE: Harry Styles opens up about his current relationship with his One Direction bandmates

Speaking to Zane Lowe for Apple Music, Harry has revealed why he wrote the song and if the real Matilda has listened to it.

Who is Matilda on Harry's House?

Discussing the new song, Harry said: "I had an experience with someone where in getting to know them better they revealed some stuff about them which was like, 'That's not normal.' And I think for a lot of people, what you know in your experience is everything that you know, so it's easy to mistake it as being, I guess in this specific case, regular behaviour."

The 28-year-old continued to explain that the song is about recognising that certain things are "not normal" and learning to accept when you should "get some help" be that in the form of therapy or something else. Harry said: "This thing is more important than me just making music about myself because I think it could mean more to a lot more people."

Harry also confirmed that the song is "disguised in Matilda from the Roald Dahl book". He said: "It's kind of how I imagine Matilda as a grown-up." Harry then added: "I played it to a couple of friends and all of them cried."

Harry Styles - Zane Lowe & Apple Music ‘Harry’s House’ Interview

In response, Zane asked, "Have you played it to the person it's about?" and Harry said: "I haven't." Zane then specified, "Do they know it's about them?" and Harry said: "No." As for if he'll tell them now that the song is out, Harry said: "I think they'll probably know. It's a weird one because in that same sense it's none of my business but it's been on my mind."

Harry went on to say: "You have a couple of people in your life who you've lost to suicide and it's always hard to not go like, 'I wish I had reached out to them.' It's really difficult not to do that even if you're not that close to them."

He ended by saying: "With something like this it's kind of like: 'I wanna give you something. I want to support you in some way', but it's not necessarily my place to make it about me because it's not my experience and sometimes it's just about listening. I hope that's what it did and, if nothing else, that it just says, 'I was listening to you'."

Harry will likely never reveal exactly who 'Matilda' is about but we have no doubt that this song will help many listeners who've been through similar experiences.

Harry Styles - 'Matilda' lyrics

VERSE 1
You were riding your bike to the sound of it's no big deal
And you're trying to lift off the ground on those old two wheels
Nothing 'bout the way you were treated ever seemed especially alarming 'til now
So you tie up your hair and you smile like it's no big deal

CHORUS
You can let it go
You can throw a party full of everyone you know
And not invite your family 'cause they never showed you love
You don't have to be sorry for leaving and growing up, mmh

VERSE 2
Matilda, you talk of the pain like it's all alright
But I know that you feel like a piece of you is dead inside
You showed me a power that is strong enough to bring sun to the darkest days
It's none of my business but it's been on my mind

CHORUS
You can let it go
You can throw a party full of everyone you know
And not invite your family 'cause they never showed you love
You don't have to be sorry for leaving and growing up
You can see the world
Following the seasons
Anywhere you go
You don't need a reason 'cause they never showed you love
You don't have to be sorry for doing it on your own

BRIDGE
You're just in time make your tea and your toast
A friend all you post is that you're close, oh
You don't have to go
You don't have to go home
Oh, there's a long way to go
I don't believe that time will change your mind
In other words
I know they won't you hurt anymore as long as you can let them go

CHORUS
You can let it go
You can throw a party full of everyone you know
You can start a family who will always show you love
You don't have to be sorry for doing it on your own
You can let it go
You can throw a party full of everyone you know
You can start a family who will always show you love
You don't have to be sorry, no

Read more about Harry Styles here:

• Harry Styles says the sex scenes in his new movies are not safe to watch with parents
• Noel Gallagher accuses Harry Styles of not being a "real" musician
• Harry Styles fan "devastated" after spending $20,000 on tour tickets before concert cancellation
• Harry Styles drives through London on a giant bed for new music video

WATCH: Elizabeth Olsen ranks her best Wanda/Scarlet Witch moments

Elizabeth Olsen Ranks Her Best Wanda/Scarlet Witch Moments | PopBuzz Meets