Where You Are

"Where You Are" by John Summit and HAYLA is a powerful electronic anthem that explores the profound and universal theme of longing for connection with a loved one who is physically distant. The lyrics articulate a deep yearning to close the gap between two people, capturing the internal monologue of someone left wondering about the state of their partner. Vocalist HAYLA explained that the track "encapsulates the feeling of longing. When you're alone at night tossing and turning wondering about the other person and if they're alone... or missing you." It's about questioning whether the other person feels the same void and whether the memories of their time together are strong enough to rekindle their bond. The central message is conveyed in the repeated, passionate plea, "I get this feelin' I wanna be where you are," which serves as the emotional core of the song. The song masterfully blends the melancholic ache of separation with the euphoric, hopeful energy of dance music, creating an anthem that resonates with anyone who has ever yearned to be reunited with someone they love.

The narrative unfolds from the perspective of someone physically separated from a person they deeply care about. The song begins with introspective questions posed to this absent other, wondering if they feel the same sense of solitude and if the narrator's presence makes their world brighter. These questions, set against the quiet of the night—under the moon or in the dark—establish a scene of lonely contemplation and a yearning for shared experience. The lyrics ponder the strength of their connection, questioning if the 'afterglow' of their time together is potent enough to reignite the 'fire' between them, suggesting a past intimacy that now feels distant.

Despite the physical distance and the internal turmoil of 'mixed emotions,' there's a foundational belief that their hearts remain 'open' to each other. This sets the stage for the song's central, overwhelming feeling. A powerful, recurring sensation washes over the narrator, a simple yet profound desire: 'I wanna be where you are.' This phrase becomes a mantra, an all-consuming thought that drives the emotional core of the song. It's not just a casual wish but a deep-seated, almost physical need for proximity and reunion. The repetition of this line in the chorus transforms it into an anthem of longing, capturing the universal ache of missing someone to the point where their location is the only place one wants to be.

The second verse continues this theme of questioning and wondering about the other person's state. Are they awake, looking at the same stars, or are they simply lying in the darkness, perhaps feeling the same emptiness? These lines deepen the sense of a shared, yet separate, experience of loneliness. The song masterfully combines this lyrical vulnerability and sadness with a musical arrangement that is anything but. The production builds with an energetic, driving beat and euphoric synth melodies. This juxtaposition creates a complex emotional landscape; it's the feeling of being sad in a vibrant, moving world, or the hope of a joyful reunion that fuels the danceable rhythm. The music channels the ache of separation but transforms it into a hopeful, exhilarating energy, mirroring the feeling of wanting to race across any distance to bridge the gap with a loved one. The song encapsulates that poignant human experience of intense longing, where the hope of reconnection becomes a powerful, motivating force.

"Where You Are" was born from John Summit's desire to create a "huge vocal anthem." The collaboration with British singer-songwriter HAYLA was a natural progression after Summit's positive experience remixing Kx5's (Kaskade and Deadmau5) track "Escape," which also featured her vocals. Summit expressed his obsession with her talent, calling her one of the most talented vocalists in the world. The track came together remarkably quickly, written and produced in about three weeks. It was a collaborative writing effort involving John Summit (as John Schuster), HAYLA (as Hayley Philippa Williams), Camden Cox, Eddie Jenkins, Frederik D. Freek Geuze, and Andy Sheldrake, with Summit and Jenkins also handling production. Summit first premiered the song during his opening set for Kx5 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in December 2022. He was immediately struck by the crowd's massive reaction, realizing it was something special. The anticipation for the official release grew rapidly within the dance music community. The song was officially released on March 3, 2023, via Darkroom/Interscope, marking Summit's first release on the label.

The lyrical structure of "Where You Are" is straightforward and effective, designed to be memorable and emotionally direct. The verses follow a simple AABB rhyme scheme (moon/you, enough/us and stars/dark), which gives the lyrics a natural, song-like quality that is easy to follow. This predictability provides a stable foundation for the emotionally turbulent themes of the song. The rhythm of the lyrics is conversational and flows naturally over the musical phrasing. The tempo is set at a driving 126 BPM, typical for house and dance music, creating an energetic pulse that contrasts with the lyrical theme of lonely contemplation. This interplay is crucial; while the words express a state of longing and stillness, the driving rhythm and bassline from Summit's production propel the listener forward, creating a feeling of hopeful urgency rather than despair. The chorus rhythmically emphasizes the key phrase "I wanna be where you are," making it an impactful and unforgettable hook that aligns perfectly with the peak musical moments of the track.

Musically, "Where You Are" is a prime example of modern progressive and vocal house, showcasing John Summit's signature production style. The track employs a classic dance music arrangement technique: a slow, atmospheric build-up that allows HAYLA's emotional vocals to take center stage. This is followed by a powerful, euphoric 'drop' characterized by dazzling synth melodies, a soaring bassline, and a stomping four-on-the-floor beat designed for maximum dancefloor impact. The production blends classic house grooves with a polished, contemporary electronic sound. HAYLA's vocal delivery is a key stylistic element; it's powerful, clear, and deeply emotive, effectively conveying the song's core feeling of longing and passion. Lyrically, the song uses direct address ("Do you dream...?") and rhetorical questions to create a sense of intimacy and personal reflection. This choice makes the listener feel as if they are privy to the narrator's innermost thoughts and feelings, enhancing the emotional connection to the song.

"Where You Are" became a monumental success in the electronic dance music world, widely regarded as one of the biggest dance anthems of 2023. The track achieved significant chart success, reaching the #1 position on the US Mediabase Dance Radio chart in June 2023. It also performed well on Billboard's Dance/Electronic charts and entered the official charts in the UK. Its popularity was immense within the club and festival circuit, becoming a staple in DJ sets worldwide and solidifying John Summit's status as a top-tier artist in the scene. The song's impact led to official remixes by high-profile artists like Zedd, Gorgon City, and GRiZ, further extending its reach. For John Summit, the song marked a pivotal moment in his career, propelling him from a rising star to a global headliner, securing major stadium shows and affirming his place in the electronic music mainstream. The track is featured on his debut album, "Comfort in Chaos," and remains one of his most recognizable and beloved works.

The lyrics of "Where You Are" utilize simple yet powerful celestial and elemental imagery to symbolize connection and distance.

• The Moon and Stars: The questions "Do you dream alone under the moon?" and "Are you wide awake, countin' the stars?" use these celestial bodies as symbols of a shared sky. They represent a common ground, something both individuals can see despite being far apart. It's a classic symbol of lovers separated by distance, looking up at the same moon and wondering if the other is doing the same, creating a fragile sense of connection across the miles.
• Light and Darkness: The lyrics play with the contrast between light and dark. The line "Is it brighter, brighter when I'm with you?" metaphorically equates the presence of the loved one with light, happiness, and vibrancy. Conversely, their absence is associated with "lyin' in the dark," symbolizing loneliness, uncertainty, and a duller existence.
• Fire and Afterglow: The question "Is the afterglow strong enough / To light this fire, fire back in us?" uses the metaphor of fire to represent the passion and intensity of their relationship. The 'afterglow' is the lingering warmth and memory of their connection. The narrator worries if these memories alone are potent enough to reignite the full-blown 'fire' of their love, symbolizing the challenge of maintaining a strong bond over a long distance.

The most significant recurring phrase in the song is the title itself, "I wanna be where you are." This line functions as the central lyrical motif and the song's primary hook. Its repetition in the chorus transforms a simple declaration of desire into a powerful, anthemic chant. This repetition drills the core emotion of longing into the listener's mind, making it the undeniable takeaway from the track. Each time it's repeated, backed by the building euphoric instrumentation, its emotional weight increases. Another recurring lyrical idea is the pattern of questioning in the verses ("Do you dream...?", "Is it brighter...?", "Are you wide awake...?"). This motif of inquiry establishes the narrator's state of uncertainty and their desperate need for reassurance and connection. It highlights the one-sided nature of their contemplation, a common feeling when separated from a loved one. Musically, the main recurring motif is the dazzling, high-pitched synth melody that enters during the chorus. This melodic hook is as crucial as the vocal phrase, providing the song's euphoric and instantly recognizable instrumental signature that has made it a festival and club staple.