Close To Me

"Close to Me" explores the theme of finding a kindred spirit in a romantic partner, celebrating a relationship that thrives on mutual wildness and a shared sense of being outsiders. The lyrics depict a bond that is intense, passionate, and possibly self-destructive ("we start each other's fires"), yet it provides a powerful sense of identity and belonging. The song's core message is about an all-consuming connection where the lovers feel like they are nothing without each other. Goulding has described the song as being about a "turbulent, probably doomed relationship," but one that serves as an escape from the overwhelming realities of the world. It's about finding that one person with whom you can be your true, untamed self, an "animal" in a metaphorical sense, and shut everything else out.

The song narrates a story of a passionate, albeit turbulent, relationship between two people who see themselves as rebellious outsiders. The opening verse, sung by Ellie Goulding, establishes their dynamic immediately. They are self-aware of their flaws, referring to themselves as "liars" who ignite "each other's fires." Despite this, there's an unshakable confidence that they will be alright. They find solace in their mutual disdain for mainstream social scenes, acknowledging they get "kicked out the party 'cause we both hate everybody." Yet, in their shared isolation, they find a sense of superiority, believing they are the ones others secretly wish to emulate.

The pre-chorus is a plea for stability within their chaotic connection, with the line "don't let me down" serving as a central anchor. The lyrics embrace their untamed nature, describing themselves as "born to be wild" and thriving "out in the jungle." This imagery reinforces the idea of a love that is primal and operates outside of conventional societal norms.

The chorus is a powerful declaration of codependency and intense physical and emotional connection. Goulding sings that she doesn't want to be anyone without her partner's body close to her, emphasizing a deep-seated need for their physical presence. She identifies both herself and her partner as "animals," a metaphor for their shared primal, untamed spirit. This line suggests a perfect match in their wildness, making it clear that no one else could understand or satisfy this part of her. The repetition of "close to me" becomes a mantra, the core desire of the song.

Swae Lee's verse offers a male perspective that complements Goulding's narrative. He speaks of prioritizing this relationship over others, having had to "cut my bitch off, she bein' stubborn." His lyrics paint a picture of a lavish and carefree lifestyle, flaunting an "iced out body" and flying on private jets. He reinforces the theme of being an inseparable pair, making it known he's with her and not "undercover." His reference to "burnin' rubber" adds to the song's sense of reckless abandon and excitement. His verse culminates in the idea that their connection makes time feel irrelevant, a testament to the depth of their bond.

The song's structure, which cycles back to Goulding's intense chorus, reinforces the central theme: an all-or-nothing love. The relationship is portrayed as a refuge from a world they don't fit into. It’s a celebration of finding a partner who mirrors one's own wildness, creating a bond that is both a sanctuary and a shared rebellion. The recurring animalistic metaphor highlights a love that is instinctual, passionate, and perhaps even fated in its wild similarity.

"Close to Me" was released on October 24, 2018. The song was written by Ellie Goulding, Diplo (Thomas Wesley Pentz), Swae Lee (Khalif Brown), Ilya Salmanzadeh, Savan Kotecha, and Peter Svensson. The production was handled by Diplo and Ilya. The song's creation began in a Los Angeles studio in early 2018. Ellie Goulding and co-writer Savan Kotecha were experimenting with a guitar melody when Goulding spontaneously sang the line "don't let me down," which became a key part of the track. Goulding stated that the inspiration was partly a desire to write something "a bit silly" to escape the overwhelming political climate in America at the time. Feeling the song was missing a key element, Goulding sent the demo to Diplo, who she had wanted to collaborate with for a while. Diplo worked on it overnight and sent back his version, suggesting the addition of Swae Lee from Rae Sremmurd to provide a contrasting vocal and perspective. Goulding immediately felt Swae Lee's verse was the perfect addition to complete the song.

The song employs a relatively simple and effective rhyme scheme within its verses, such as the AABB pattern in the opening lines ("liars"/"fires" and "alright"/"like"). This straightforward structure, combined with the song's upbeat tempo and catchy, rhythmic chorus, makes it highly memorable. The chorus's repetition of the phrase "Close to me" acts as a powerful hook. The rhythmic interplay between Goulding's melodic singing and Swae Lee's more percussive rap flow creates a dynamic texture. Diplo's production underpins the track with a steady, driving electronic beat, making it suitable for both radio and dance floors. The rhythm and tempo contribute significantly to the song's overall feeling of carefree, energetic defiance.

Musically, "Close To Me" is a blend of electropop and EDM-pop, characterized by a prominent guitar riff, synth-heavy production, and a strong, danceable beat. The track is written in the key of E Major. Diplo’s production brings a signature electronic drop that adds an explosive dynamic to the song. Goulding’s vocal delivery shifts from a breathy, intimate tone in the verses to a powerful, soaring belt in the chorus, effectively conveying the song's emotional range. Swae Lee's rap verse provides a stylistic contrast, adding a hip-hop flavor and a different narrative perspective, a common technique in modern pop collaborations. The use of backing vocals by the song's co-writers, Savan Kotecha and Ilya Salmanzadeh, adds texture and depth to the chorus.

"Close to Me" marked a significant comeback for Ellie Goulding after a brief hiatus and became a commercial success. It was included on her fourth studio album, Brightest Blue (2020). The song performed well on international charts, peaking within the top 20 in the UK and charting on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. A notable remix featuring the K-pop girl group Red Velvet was released in April 2019, which won the award for "Choice Electronic / Dance Song" at the 2019 Teen Choice Awards. Goulding performed the song live on various platforms, including BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge and The X Factor final, which boosted its visibility. The track was also featured in the TV show The Bold Type.

The most prominent metaphor in "Close to Me" is the recurring comparison of the lovers to "animals" living "out in the jungle". This imagery symbolizes a raw, primal, and untamed connection that exists outside the norms of civilized society. It suggests their relationship is driven by instinct and a shared wild spirit, making them social outcasts who thrive in their own world. The phrase "we start each other's fires" is a metaphor for their ability to ignite passion, excitement, and perhaps even trouble in one another, highlighting the volatile and intense nature of their bond. Swae Lee's line "burnin' rubber" serves as a metaphor for their fast-paced, reckless, and exciting lifestyle together.

The most significant recurring phrase is the song's title, "Close to me," which is repeated throughout the chorus and outro. This repetition emphasizes the central theme of intense physical and emotional proximity being essential to the narrator's sense of self. The motif of being "animals" is also central, repeated in the chorus to define the couple's shared identity as wild, untamed spirits. The line "don't let me down" serves as a recurring plea in the pre-chorus, grounding the wildness with a moment of vulnerability and a need for reliability within the chaotic relationship.