James Arthur is an artist who shot to fame after winning the ninth season of X-Factor. Most talents that win this show often tend to have a glorious music career ahead. The same is true for James Arthur. Perhaps, the reason behind this is that this show holds a special place in the hearts of most Americans. Arthur did not waste a second after winning the show and released his cover of Shontelle’s “Impossible” as a charity single. This was the same song that made him X-Factor’s ninth winner. This move of his was widely appreciated by his fans and the American music industry in general.
Arthur dived into the independent scene at the age of 15. He began putting out music on SoundCloud and YouTube. He also performed in numerous bands. As he showcased his work in Brotton, he became well-known for his skills in his local area. Only after almost a decade of recording music, performing, and marketing himself, he was able to gain enough recognition to pass the X-Factor auditions. He had the work to back up his skills, and his performances were pretty on-spot. This was because he had been performing from such a little age. He released his first album “James Arthur” in 2013. His song “Naked”, which was included in his 2019 studio album “You”, garnered a lot of critical acclaim. Moreover, it was also quite popular among his fans. He has also been nominated for a variety of awards including the Teen Choice Awards and American Music Awards. As of 2021, with four albums to show for, he is well-established in the indie scene. Many people love this song solely due to the Naked lyrics meaning.
What does the Title mean?
If someone listens to the song, it’ll be pretty clear to them that this song is primarily about being emotionally vulnerable in a relationship. Especially in this era, people are gravitating to the hook-up culture and consequently, hollow relationships. Love is a complex experience that can either make one’s life or ruin it. The title “naked” summarizes this song perfectly. James is standing naked (emotionally as well as spiritually) in front of her lover. He’s expressing his truth without any ulterior motives. He’s laying it all clear in front of his potential lover. If one were to summarize the Naked lyrics meaning, that would be it. The music video of this song also goes very well with the message of this song.
Verse 1 – What does it mean?
“Hey, you there
Can we take it to the next level, baby, do you dare?
Don’t be scared
‘Cause if you can say the words, I don’t know why I should care”
The song begins with James addressing his lover and grabbing her attention. The fact that she is not paying attention to him could be symbolic of their dying relationship. In his melodious and soulful voice, James asks her whether she is willing to go all the way with him and be her life-partner. The song should not be taken as a marriage proposal, although it can very well be interpreted that way. It is about having a partner that is invested in the relationship emotionally, without holding back. After all, if one is not completely naked to their partner, the chances of that relationship surviving are very low. By using the phrase “take it to the next level”, James could be implying that her lover and himself should open up more in their relationship. He adds that if her lover is willing to lay it all bare and say the words to him (the words probably being “I love you”), he wouldn’t care about anything else in the world. He’d fight for her and even go against the world. But he cannot do so without knowing whether the love she has for him is true or not. Because going all out for someone who doesn’t feel the same way about you can be devastating in an emotional sense.
What does the Pre-Chorus mean?
“’Cause here I am, I’m givin’ all I can
But all you ever do is mess it up
Yeah, I’m right here, I’m tryin’ to make it clear
That getting half of you just ain’t enough”
Again, in the Pre-Chorus, we see that James is doing his best to keep the relationship alive. He’s ready to let his lover explore his very soul. Yet, his lover tends to mess up the relationship time and again. A romantic relationship is a two way street. One cannot extend its life on his own. The effort has to come from both sides. The last line is very important to the song as James confesses his own truth. He feels that his lover is somewhat reserved and is not opening up to him. Having such a relationship leads to overthinking and suspicions. It’s a perfect recipe for emotional disaster. This is one of the many interpretations of the Naked lyrics meaning.
What does the Chorus mean?
“I’m not gonna wait until you’re done
Pretending you don’t need anyone
I’m standing here naked (Naked, naked)
I’m standing here naked (Naked, naked)
I’m not gonna try ’til you decide
You’re ready to swallow all your pride
I’m standing here naked (Naked, naked)
I’m standing here naked (Naked, naked)”
In the chorus, James repeats again and again that he is standing there in front of her, emotionally naked. He’s more than ready to merge his universe with hers, and take her on a stroll with him through his very soul. In the first line, he makes it clear that he won’t let her play games with her heart. He is not going to wait forever, and he can see through her tough-exterior and pride. Everyone needs love, and that is a fact of life. He’s going to try getting through to her, until she swallows her pride. He wants her to see what they really have between them, and how beautiful it is.
Verse 2 – What does it mean?
“Hey, get out
I’ve got nothin’ left to give and you give me nothin’ now
Read my mouth
If you ever want me back, then your walls need breakin’ down”
In the second verse, it seems that some time has passed since the words that he said in the chorus. After trying his best, James gives up. His lover isn’t ready to open up and let him through the walls that she has built around itself. Judging from the emotions in this verse, it seems that their relationship has completely faded away, only leaving a faint memory in James’ mind.
What does the Bridge mean?
“Oh, I wanna give you everything
Wanna give you everything
Oh, I, I wanna give you everything
I wanna give you everything, oh”
Even though the relationship is most likely dead, the bridge conveys James’ feelings that are still there for. It’s as if he’s mourning his dead relationship. He wanted to give her his all, but alas, he wasn’t able to. In the context of heartbreak, this Naked lyrics meaning comes a full circle with the bridge.
Conclusion
This beautiful song can be summarized as an ode to a relationship that is slowly fading away. This might not necessarily be due to a lack of love, but poor communication, circumstances, and whatnot. The lyrics of the song are much more potent when sung by James with real emotions in his voice. Even the Naked lyrics meaning won’t have that much of an impact with the voice of James Arthur to back them up. The essence of Naked lyrics meaning is only maintained by the magical voice of Arthur. They’re enough to move anyone to tears.
