Lights

Ellie Goulding

About Lights

"Lights" is a song by English singer and songwriter Ellie Goulding from Bright Lights (2010), the reissue of her debut studio album, Lights (2010). Written by Goulding, Richard Stannard and Ash Howes, the song was inspired by Goulding's childhood fear of the dark. It was released on 16 February 2011 as the album's sixth single overall, and second from Bright Lights. Originally a bonus track on the UK and German iTunes edition of Lights, the song was re-edited for inclusion on Bright Lights in late 2010, serving as the single version. "Lights" received positive reviews from most music critics, who praised the song's production and Goulding's "ethereal" vocals. The song was also a commercial success, reaching the top 20 in several countries. In the United States, "Lights" was a sleeper hit, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 after 33 weeks on the chart, and becoming one of the few songs to have spent more than a year on the Hot 100. The song has been certified five-times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). 


Year:
2010
3:31
754 
#6

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I had a way then
Losing it all on my own
I had a heart then
But the queen has been overthrown
And I'm not sleeping now
The dark is too hard to beat
And I'm not keeping up
The strength I need to push me

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone
'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone

Noises, I play within my head
Touch my own skin
And hope they'll still be there
And I think back to when
My brother and my sister slept
In another place
The only time I feel safe

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
And dreaming when they're gone
'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone

(Lights, lights, lights, lights, lights, lights)

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone
And so I tell myself that I'll be strong
Dreaming when they're gone
'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home
Calling, calling, calling home
You show the lights that stop me turn to stone
You shine them when I'm alone

Home, home
(Lights, lights, lights)

Home, home
(Lights, lights, lights)

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Ellie Goulding

Elena Jane "Ellie" Goulding (born 30 December 1986) is an English singer-songwriter and musician. In 2010, she became the second artist to both top the BBC's annual Sound of... poll and win the Critics' Choice Award at the Brit Awards in the same year, following Adele's win of both in 2008. After signing to Polydor Records in 2009, she released her first EP in 2009, An Introduction to Ellie Goulding. more »

15 fans

Written by: Ash Howes, Elena Goulding, Richard Stannard

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Song Origins
"Lights" is a song by English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding from her debut studio album of the same name, released in 2010.
Track Purpose
It served as Goulding's debut single in the United States, following the success of her previous chart-topping UK hit "Starry Eyed".
Songwriting Details
The song was co-written by Goulding, Richard Stannard, and Ash Howes.
Chart Performance
"Lights" had impressive chart runs in various countries, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.
Record Sales
By July 2012, it had sold over 3 million copies in the U.S alone, earning a triple platinum certification from the RIAA.
Award Nominations
Goulding's hit song was nominated for the British Single of the Year at the 2011 BRIT Awards.
Inspirational Sources
The song was reportedly inspired by Goulding's childhood fear of the dark, as the song talks about seeking comfort in light.
Music Video
The music video was directed by Sophie Muller, depicting Goulding in a bedroom, singing and playing her guitar.
Song Popularity
"Lights" appeared on various TV shows and commercials, helping boost its popularity.
Remix Versions
Several remix versions of "Lights" were created, with the ‘Bassnectar Remix’ becoming particularly popular.
Album Diversity
Initially "Lights" was not included in the original edition of Goulding’s debut album, but it was later added to the "Bright Lights" edition as a bonus track.
Longevity On Charts
The track is notable for its longevity on the Billboard Hot 100, where it was a slow burner, not peaking until its 33rd week on the chart.
Genre Blend
The song blends elements of folktronica, synth-pop, indie pop and indietronica, showcasing Ellie's style well.
Live Performances
Goulding has performed "Lights" at several notable venues, including at her first U.S. television appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2011.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists from different genres have covered "Lights", testifying to its broad appeal and enduring popularity.

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    Lights

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    1.2M     32,117

    Top Hot 100 Songs 2012

    Billboard #2


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