Giant (with Rag'n'Bone Man)

"Giant" is a powerful anthem about transformation, reciprocal support, and empowerment. At its core, the song tells a story of overcoming personal struggles with the help of a loved one and, in turn, becoming a source of strength for them. Rag'n'Bone Man, who co-wrote the song, has explained that he initially wrote it about the evolving relationship with his parents—recognizing their sacrifices and reaching a point where he could, in turn, support them.

The lyrics move from a place of vulnerability and despair, indicated by lines like "I understood loneliness" and "I saw the pills on the table for your unrequited love," to a declaration of immense strength. This transition is a key part of the song's message: strength is often born from adversity. The central metaphor, "I am a giant / Stand up on my shoulders, tell me what you see," beautifully illustrates the song's theme of support. It signifies a role reversal, where the narrator, once dependent, is now the pillar of strength, offering a new, empowered perspective to the person who once helped him. The song celebrates the idea that through mutual support, individuals can collectively overcome immense challenges, as suggested by the line "We'll be breaking boulders, underneath our feet." While the lyrics can apply to any supportive relationship—romantic, familial, or platonic—the universal message is one of gratitude and the profound strength found in togetherness.

The narrative opens with a reflection on a past state of vulnerability and loneliness. The singer acknowledges a time of deep struggle, not just for himself but for a loved one. He references seeing "pills on the table," a stark image of this person's suffering from unreciprocated love or deep despair. In this dark period, the singer admits he would have been lost and without strength if not for this person's support holding him up. There's a clear sense of gratitude and a recognition of interdependence.

As the song progresses, a powerful shift occurs. Having been lifted from his own troubles, the singer now declares his newfound strength, proclaiming he is now strong enough to support both himself and the person who once saved him. This transformation is captured in the central, repeated proclamation: "I am a giant." This is not a statement of arrogant power, but of immense capability and steadfastness, a promise to be a source of unshakeable support. He invites his loved one to "stand up on my shoulders, tell me what you see," offering them a new perspective and a position of safety, elevated above their troubles. The imagery of "breaking boulders underneath our feet" reinforces this idea of joint strength, of overcoming immense obstacles together through this powerful bond.

The second verse shifts from remembering past pain to celebrating the lessons learned. The singer encourages emotional openness, urging his loved one to let down their guard. He speaks of being "freed from the notion," suggesting they can now cast off societal pressures or personal inhibitions and be their true selves. He credits his loved one for teaching him the true meaning of freedom and, most importantly, the value of "togetherness." This lesson becomes the foundation of their shared strength. The pre-chorus builds on this, with the singer vowing to shake off the burdens and negativity, symbolized by shaking "the dust under my feet." It's a declaration of active resilience and a refusal to be held down by past difficulties.

The song culminates in a soaring, repetitive chorus that drives home the central theme. The repeated lines "I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am a giant" function as a powerful mantra of self-realization and commitment. It's a declaration of becoming a pillar of strength, not just for oneself, but as a reciprocal act of love and support for someone who was there during the darkest times. The journey from shared loneliness to shared, monumental strength is complete.

"Giant" was released on January 11, 2019, as a collaboration between Scottish DJ Calvin Harris and English singer Rag'n'Bone Man. The song was written by Harris (under his real name, Adam Wiles), Rag'n'Bone Man (Rory Graham), Jamie Hartman, and Troy Miller, with Harris handling the production. Interestingly, Rag'n'Bone Man revealed that he had written the song with Hartman and Miller back in 2016, originally intending it for his debut album, "Human," but ultimately decided against its inclusion. The song's theme was initially very personal to him, inspired by his relationship with his parents and the idea of growing up to be able to support them in return.

The collaboration came about in a modern fashion: Rag'n'Bone Man sent the demo, which contained his vocals and some chords, to Calvin Harris in an email. Harris was immediately impressed with the track, describing the collaboration as "one of the most fortuitous songs that's ever come about." Harris reworked the original demo, infusing it with his signature dance-house production, which complemented Rag'n'Bone Man's powerful, soulful vocals. The song was recorded in 2018 and released via Columbia Records. It became a massive commercial success and was the most played song in the UK in 2019.

The rhyme and rhythm of "Giant" work in tandem to support its journey from somber reflection to anthemic celebration. The verses feature a relatively simple rhyme scheme, often AABB or ABCB, such as "loneliness"/"was" and "table"/"love," which gives the storytelling a straightforward, sincere quality. This simplicity allows the emotional weight of Rag'n'Bone Man's delivery to shine through.

The song's rhythmic structure is central to its emotional arc. It begins with a slower, more deliberate pace in the verses, reflecting the lyrical themes of past hardship. As it builds into the chorus, the tempo picks up and Harris introduces a driving four-on-the-floor house beat, characteristic of the dance genre. This rhythmic shift creates a powerful sense of uplift and release, transforming the track into a danceable anthem. The syncopation of the brass hook adds a funky, energetic layer that makes the chorus incredibly memorable. The interplay between the soulful, often rhythmically free, vocal melody and the steady, propulsive electronic beat creates a compelling tension and release that is key to the song's powerful impact.

"Giant" masterfully blends musical and lyrical styles to create its powerful impact. Musically, the song is a fusion of Calvin Harris's electronic dance and house production with the raw, soulful, gospel-infused vocal style of Rag'n'Bone Man. This combination of genres is a key stylistic choice, creating a sound that is both contemporary and timelessly emotional.

Harris's production is notable for its dynamic build. The verses are more subdued, allowing Rag'n'Bone Man's gritty, expressive baritone to take center stage and convey the lyrical narrative. The production then swells into an anthemic chorus driven by a pulsating house beat and a prominent, horn-laden hook that is both catchy and triumphant. The use of a choir in live performances and layering in the recording further amplifies the gospel feel, adding a sense of communal celebration and strength.

Lyrically, the song employs a direct, narrative-driven approach. The use of first-person narration ("I understood loneliness") creates an intimate and personal connection with the listener. The key literary device is the extended metaphor of the "giant," which frames the entire song's message of empowerment and support. This central metaphor is reinforced by vivid imagery, such as the "pills on the table" which starkly illustrates past despair, and "breaking boulders," which powerfully visualizes overcoming obstacles. Repetition is used effectively in the chorus, turning the phrase "I am a giant" into a powerful, self-affirming mantra.

"Giant" had a significant cultural impact upon its release, becoming a massive commercial success and a staple on airwaves. The song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart, where it remained for five consecutive weeks. In a testament to its widespread popularity, PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited) declared it the most played song in the UK during 2019. It also achieved international success, topping the charts in countries like Belgium and Scotland and reaching the top ten in numerous others across Europe.

The song's acclaim extended to major music awards; it was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2020 Brit Awards and won the prestigious Ivor Novello Award for PRS for Music Most Performed Work. Its uplifting message and powerful sound led to its use in other media, notably in a 2022 television advert for Lloyds Bank. The collaboration was seen as a highlight for both artists, perfectly merging Rag'n'Bone Man's soulful authenticity with Calvin Harris's expert pop and dance production. The track remains a memorable anthem of the late 2010s, celebrated for its emotional depth and infectious energy.

The song "Giant" is built around a powerful and central metaphor of a giant, which symbolizes strength, support, and protection.

• The Giant Metaphor: The declaration "I am a giant" is the song's core symbol. It represents a profound transformation from a state of weakness or dependence to one of immense strength and reliability. This isn't about physical size but about emotional and psychological fortitude. The giant is a protector, someone capable of shouldering burdens and offering a safe vantage point above life's struggles.
• Standing on Shoulders: The lyric "Stand up on my shoulders, tell me what you see" is a direct and poignant metaphor for support and empowerment. It visualizes the act of lifting someone up, both literally and figuratively, so they can see beyond their immediate problems and gain a new, hopeful perspective. It embodies the song's theme of reciprocal care—just as someone once supported the narrator, he is now offering his strength to them.
• Breaking Boulders: The line "We'll be breaking boulders, underneath our feet" serves as a metaphor for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Boulders represent major life challenges, hardships, or emotional weights. The use of "we" is crucial, as it symbolizes that this strength is a collective effort; together, they can crush any problem that lies in their path.
• Pills on the Table: This is a stark and somber image that symbolizes deep despair, mental health struggles, and "unrequited love." It provides a powerful contrast to the song's otherwise triumphant tone, grounding the narrative in a real and serious emotional struggle, which makes the subsequent rise to become a "giant" even more impactful.

The most significant recurring motif in "Giant" is the declarative phrase "I am a giant." This line, repeated with increasing intensity, functions as the song's central hook and emotional core. Its repetition transforms it from a simple statement into a powerful mantra of self-empowerment and unwavering support. The phrase encapsulates the entire narrative arc of the song: the journey from being helped to becoming the helper. Each repetition reinforces the narrator's newfound strength and commitment.

The associated imagery of standing on the giant's shoulders—"Stand up on my shoulders, tell me what you see"—is another crucial recurring motif. It consistently appears alongside the "giant" declaration, serving as the tangible promise behind the statement. It's not just about being strong; it's about using that strength to elevate someone else.

A secondary recurring idea is that of shared experience and strength, emphasized by the repetition of phrases like "for both of us" and "togetherness." These motifs underscore that the strength of the "giant" is not a solitary power but one that is forged and shared within a supportive relationship, making the message one of collective triumph rather than individual dominance.