The meanings behind Tom Walker's most popular songs

Tom Walker's debut album 'What a Time to Be Alive' was Number 1 in the UK and certified Platinum - which is no surprise really, considering his songs are so incredibly catchy. But what was the inspiration behind some of his biggest hits, and what do they mean?

Following the release of the former London busker's second album, and his recent performance at Hits Radio Live Birmingham, as well as his plans to join The Script on their 'Satellites' tour, we thought we'd have a look at the meanings behind some of the singer's biggest songs, including 'Leave a Light On' and 'Just You and I'.

'Leave A Light On'

After initially releasing a number of songs 2016 and 2017, it was in October 2017 that Tom Walker's breakthrough single 'Leave A Light On' saw his music career really take off. 'Leave A Light On' reached Number 7 in the UK and it was a Top 10 single around the world.

In a 2018 interview with Idolator, Tom opened up about his single, telling them what it was all about. The song has two music videos and Tom explained the reason for the second one saying: "I wanted to get across to the fans what the song was actually about.

"It’s about a friend of mine who was struggling with addiction, but also everybody I know, myself included, at some point in their lives has struggled with some form of addiction, whether it be drinking too much, or eating too much.

"You know, whatever it is, I think somebody at some point has struggled with addiction. I just wanted to write this song for my family and my friends to let them know that we can talk about it."

Whilst many songs are upbeat and about going to clubs or having fun, Tom thinks too many songs are about that and if you've got: "A proper job and you’ve got a real life," then you might not go to a club often, continuing: "You have good days and you have bad days and I think a lot of pop music really highlights the one day a week that’s amazing. I like to highlight the everyday struggle of life."

'Leave A Light On' was produced by Steve Mac, who's worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran and Liam Payne, and Tom revealed they wrote the song very quickly: "In five or six hours."

WATCH: Tom Walker performs 'Leave A Light On' in Manchester

'Just You and I'

Tom Walker followed the success of his Top 10 single with 'Just You and I'. His 2019 re-release of 'Just You and I' (originally released in 2017) was even more popular that his breakthrough single, and reached Number 3 in the UK.

Tom explained in a tweet posted in January 2019 the reasons behind him releasing his song saying that 2018 was the best year of his life because he proposed to his then-girlfriend Annie, who said yes.

Tom continued his tweet in a thread which read: '... YES!!! As a little celebration, I thought I'd put a little spin on the original. I know this song means a lot to a lot of people out there, but you can't begin to understand what it means to me and Annie. Here's my favourite picture of us, finally getting to spend...'

Continuing: '...a bit of time together over Christmas. She is my queen, my one and only and makes me happier than anyone could possibly imagine. P.S feel free call me a soppy cheesy bastard, I'm cool with it 😘 feels nice to be in love and to be loved back all the same.'

'Just You and I' is a love song about the traits he likes in his significant other, with lyrics like: 'And I know, I can tell you anything / You won't judge, you're just listening / 'Cause you're the best thing that ever happened to me.'

WATCH: Tom Walker - 'Just You and I' (Official Video)

'Better Half Of Me'

Tom opened up to Rolling Stone magazine about the meaning behind this song, which was released in October 2019 and was certified Platinum by the BPI in May 2024 with 600,000 UK sales. He said: "'Better Half of Me' is about me and my fiancée Annie and our experiences over the last couple years.

"I know this sounds crazy but believe me, it’s more of a wedding song than ‘Just You and I.’ I can’t wait for you to hear that and see what you think."

Some of the lyrics include: 'I'd have all I need / If you were standing right in front of me / I'll finally see what it means to be complete / Don't need to spend our lives chasing gold / Anywhere with you, I'll call my home / Oh, I'd have all I need If you'd be the better half of me.'

WATCH: Tom Walker performs 'Better Half Of Me'

'Wait For You'

During the Coronavirus lockdown Tom Walker wrote his song 'Wait For You'. In an interview, Tom explained the inspiration behind his song was a good friend.

1\5 years ago, his friend went through something really tough, however as Tom explained: "It took them so long to recover, if you fast forward 15 years, you meet this person now, he’s one of the happiest outgoing, loveliest people you’ve ever met and living proof that even when times are diabolically hard you can overcome them. And I kind of thought that message was a good message for right now."

'Serotonin'

Tom released the song 'Serotonin' in April 2023, along with a stunning music video which was shot in Mexico City. Speaking about the song, Tom said: "Before the pandemic I spent four years chasing a serotonin hit, and that last gig that made me feel on top of the world. The last epic night out.

"It's not sustainable though - you can't wake up happy every day and you can't have the sun without the rain. You have to find joy in the little things and learn to appreciate them day to day."

WATCH: Tom Walker - 'Serotonin' (Official Video)

'Lifeline'

In March 2024, Tom released his song 'Lifeline', the song was inspired by one of Tom's friends who sadly took his own life. Talking about his song, Tom said: "Me and my friends lost one of our own suddenly and unexpectedly. It’s difficult to process grief. I felt we were all asking ourselves ‘what could I have done? What could I have said? What could have been done differently?’

"Sometimes people make choices that are beyond your control and it’s hard to help someone who isn’t reaching out. My hope is that maybe by writing a song like this that addresses the stigma behind mental health, it might persuade people to think twice and ask for a helping hand when they’re really struggling."

He continued: "CALM is an amazing charity who help people when things get too much. I'm keen to spread the word about their amazing work in any way that I can."

'Lifeline' has been released in partnership with CALM, a suicide prevention charity.

Tom's second album

In November 2019, Tom confirmed he had begun working on his second studio album, then four years later in November 2023, he announced it would be called 'I Am', due for release on 31st May 2024, however was then delayed until 20th September 2024. Tom has already released several songs from his album, including 'Burn' and 'Freaking Out'.

He also told us at Hits Live, in November 2023, that he still has a couple of songs to finish. Tom said: "I've been doing a lot of writing (this year), I'm finally like two tracks away from finishing my album, which is so exciting."

The singer went on to explain why he's so excited, saying: "I've been working on it for the longest, longest, time and it sounds so good and so exciting. So I just can't wait to get new music out, but I have been burying my head in the studio a lot of this year."

You can hear songs by Tom Walker on Forth 1.

Take a look through albums out in 2024:

Now read:

Tom Walker announces new album with heartfelt statement to fans

Tom Walker announces his 'biggest yet' tour for 2024 'I Am'

Tom Walker: Get to know the 'Better Half Of Me' singer 🎶

How to listen to Forth 1:

For great music and incredible competitions tune into Forth 1 on 97.3, DAB, online, on the Rayo app, or say ‘Play FORTH 1’ to your Smart Speaker. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years. From Boogie In The Morning, to Garry and Steven getting you home after work, we play you the biggest hits from the world's hottest artists.

• tom walker