Sunday Sounds: February 14, 2021, “If I Could Fly”
Samantha Colleran, February 2021
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! Since it’s the season of love, I decided to share my favorite love ballad of all time. Not surprisingly, it’s a One Direction song. The sixth track off of their fifth album Made In The A.M. titled “If I Could Fly” is one of the most powerful, beautiful, moving pieces of music I’ve ever heard in my life.
Starting off as a simple piano ballad that flourishes into something more, “If I Could Fly” packs an emotional punch that not many people would expect from the band. Written by Harry (Styles, obviously), Johan Carlsson, and Ross Golan, we see some of the parts of love not everyone sings about. The lyrics talk about vulnerability in a relationship, (“Pay attention I hope that you listen/ ‘Cause I’ve let my guard down/ Right now, I’m completely defenceless”) and hoping that they stay after you pour your heart out to them (“Know that I’m just wasting time, and I/ Hope that you don’t run from me”). This song is deeper and more complex than past love songs they’ve written; it’s raw and personal, it says “This is who I am, I come with scars and I’ve experienced pain but you make everything better and I hope that the thought of me loving you so deeply doesn’t scare you”. There’s plenty of songs that may convey the same message, but with that special One Direction touch, this one stands out among all of the songs in their discography and among all other love songs.
Heart wrenching solos from each of the boys and the perfect blending of their vocals during the choruses make this song way more meaningful. The bridge is one of the most gorgeous parts of the entire song, the strings really begin to drive the song as the four passionately sing about such a strong love. There are times where I’ll listen to this song and it’ll move me to tears even though it’s been out for over five years. It’s simply stunning, and I always say if I don’t have my first dance to this song I’m not actually married. (Yes, I want this to be my first dance song. I can already see half of you rolling your eyes or getting ready to make a snarky remark under your breath. Listen to the song when you’re done reading and tell me you wouldn’t want to look into the eyes of the love of your life and sway across a dancefloor as this masterpiece fills the space between the two of you, the lyrics saying things you wish you could convey to this person that makes you feel so complete.)
You can find the song linked below. I hope that you listen. What are some of your favorite love ballads? Let me know in the comments. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!
I hadn’t listened to this song for awhile and while listening just now, it hit me what a beautiful song it is. I kept getting chills, especially when Harry goes into the falsetto at the end and in Louis’ verse. I can’t get enough of this song!!
Right?? There’s nothing better than rediscovering a love for songs you haven’t heard in a while. That part is one of my favorites in the entire song💘
I rolled my eyes and then listened as directed. I take back my eye roll. Beautiful.
Isn’t it? I love how their love songs became more romantic and vulnerable as they matured as a group, this song is truly so special!🤍