Joel Corry's 'Lonely': Find out more about the hit song

'Lonely' reached Number 4 in the UK

Joel Corry
Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 11th Oct 2023

Joel Corry released 'Lonely' on 24th January 2020. After teasing his new music for months, the British DJ shared 'Lonely' with singer Harlee on vocals.

'Lonely' was the follow up to Joel's massive 2019 summer tune 'Sorry' which was featured on Love Island, turning it into an instant hit, and making it the most Shazamed song in 24 hours!

What has Joel Corry said about 'Lonely'?

Joel revealed in October 2023 that 'Lonely' was a very important song to him, because it was the follow-up to his breakthrough song. He revealed that he already had 'Lonely' ready to go, while 'Sorry' was in the charts.

In a TikTok, Joel explained: "(I) sat down with the A&R and product manager at Atlantic and I was like, guys you know I got the next one already, and they were like 'what?', and I was like... got my speaker out, played 'Lonely' and I was like, this is the next one."

How successful was Joel Corry's 'Lonely'?

'Lonely' was very successful, not only did it reach Number 4 in the UK charts, the single has also been certified 2x Platinum in the UK, moving 1.2 million units! 'Lonely' has also had more than 31 million views on YouTube since it was released in January 2020.

Joel shared the music video which follows several people going through a digital detox who are lonely. Joel stars as a doctor in a video, wearing a pastel blue suit, taking part in a group counselling session.

Speaking to us about the music video, and his role as Dr Joel, the DJ told us, "I'm there to reconnect everybody and bring them back together again and get away from the phones for a little bit."

He went on to say that it's, "A fun video, but it's got quite a strong underlying message as well." However, Joel also admitted that he got really into the role, getting people to call him Dr Joel on set!

Who sings the vocals on Joel Corry's 'Lonely'?

Harlee is the singer on Joel Corry's song 'Lonely', according to her Instagram profile she is a 23-year-old singer-songwriter. Harlee has appeared on stage a number of times with Joel performing their hit song.

Joel's debut hit 'Sorry' became THE anthem in 2019, being played across Europe. The DJ joined us at Hits Live Liverpool, where he told us what his summer had been like, since releasing his hit, "It's honestly been the most incredible Summer, I've been DJing in resorts like Zante, Malia, Managua, Ibiza, and it's been such a buzz because the tune has been massive out there." he said.

WATCH: Joel Corry performed his huge hit 'Sorry' at Hits Live 2019

Joel continued, "There's been loads of highlights over the Summer really, Ibiza is amazing, it's my favourite place in the world, so to watch it go off over the has just been incredible."

What are the lyrics to Joel Corry's song 'Lonely'?

‘L-l-l-l-lonely, l-l-l-l-lonely / L-l-l-l-lonely now / You were the one who said it's over / Now you wanna come back / So take your hand off my shoulder / This time it's not like that, 'cause I know where your heart's at

'I know you like to be alone, but hate being lonely / When you see me doing well, that's when you call me / Now I'm doing fine, don't need you in my life / I guess you're missing me now

'Just because you're lonely, doesn't mean we go back to the start / Just because you're lonely, don't mean that you can play with my heart / Who do you think you are?

'Just because you're lonely, doesn't mean we go back to the start / Just because you're lonely, don't mean that you can play with my heart / Who do you think you are?

'You say you've changed and you're different / But I don't wanna hear that / Your friends are saying that you miss me / But I don't really know that, 'cause I know where your heart's at

'I know you like to be alone, but hate being lonely / When you see me doing well, that's when you call me / Now I'm doing fine, don't need you in my life / I guess you're missing me now

'Just because you're lonely, doesn't mean we go back to the start / Just because you're lonely, don't mean that you can play with my heart / Who do you think you are?

'L-l-l-l-lonely, l-l-l-l-lonely, l-l-l-l-lonely now / L-l-l-l-lonely, l-l-l-l-lonely, l-l-l-l-lonely now

'You don't have to lie, lie, lie, lie, lie / You can speak your mind, mind, mind, mind, mind / You don't have to lie, lie, lie, lie, lie / You could've been mine, mine, mine, mine, mine

'Just because you're lonely, doesn't mean we go back to the start / Just because you're lonely, don't mean that you can play with my heart / Who do you think you are?

'L-l-l-l-lonely, l-l-l-l-lonely, l-l-l-l-lonely now / L-l-l-l-lonely, l-l-l-l-lonely, l-l-l-l-lonely now

'Just because you're lonely’

Now take a look through Joel Corry's career highlights:

2013: Joel Corry starred in Geordie Shore

Joel starred in Geordie Shore until 2013 with his then-girlfriend Sophie Kasaei.

Joel Corry releases his fitness app

Joel set up his own personal training business with an app called Joel Corry PT.

2019: Joel Corry releases 'Sorry'

'Sorry' was one of the biggest hits around when it was released it 2019. The summer anthem was featured on Love Island and became the 'most Shazamed track in one day, with 41,000 Shazams'.

2019: Joel Corry appears at Hits Live

In an interview with us at Hits Live, Joel told us about his incredible Summer touring the world in places like Ibiza, Malia, Magaluf and Zante.


He said, "It's honestly been the most incredible Summer, I've been DJing in resorts like Zante, Malia, Managua, Ibiza, and it's been such a buzz because the tune has been massive out there. There's been loads of highlights over the Summer really, Ibiza is amazing, it's my favourite place in the world, so to watch it go off over the has just been incredible."

2020: Joel Corry releases 'Lonely'

'Lonely' was released on 24th January 2020 and it has been very successful for Joel.


'Lonely' reached Number 4 in the UK charts, the single has also been certified Gold in the UK moving 400,000 units!


It has also had more than 10 million views on YouTube since it was released in January 2020.

2020: Joel Corry's song featured at a car rave in Germany

During the lockdown we've all had to practice social-distancing, however in Germany they held a car rave for those who were missing a night out. Here Joel's song 'Lonely' got the crowd going.
Check out the video on Twitter

2020: Joel Corry and MNEK release 'Head & Heart'

Joel Corry and MNEK release 'Head & Heart' on 3rd July 2020 and shortly afterwards it goes to Number 1 in the UK.

2020: Joel Corry and MNEK's 'Head & Heart' certified Platinum

'Head & Heart' is certified Platinum in the UK making it Joel's third Platinum-selling single.

2021: Joel Corry releases 'BED' alongside RAYE and David Guetta

In February 2021, Joel Corry released the single 'BED' with RAYE and David Guetta!

2022: David Guetta, Joel Corry and Bryson Tiller released 'What Would You Do?"

On 18th March 2022, Joel Corry released his new song, a collab with David Guetta and singer Bryson Tiller called 'What Would You Do?'.

2022: Joel Corry appeared on Love Island

Becky wasn't the only famous face to appear in the 2022 series. DJ Joel Corry surprised Islanders with a set during the VIBE party.

2022: Joel Corry and Becky Hill released 'History'

Joel Corry and Becky Hill released 'History' in August 2022. Their collab had been teased for months, so fans were very happy to finally hear the finished song on 5th August.

2022: Joel Corry and Tom Grennan release 'Lionheart (Fearless)'

Joel Corry and Tom Grennan released 'Lionheart (Fearless)' in October 2022. The song's music video sees the pair being put through their paces at a military assault course.

2023: Joel Corry releases 'Dance Around It' with Caity Baser

In May 2023, Joel and Caity released their banger 'Dance Around It'. Speaking about the release of his song, Joel said: "'Dance Around It' has been killing it in my club sets. Working with Caity on this record has been so much fun, she's really talented and I love her energy. The track feels super fresh and it really shows off Caity's personality. I'm buzzing to 'Dance Around It' all summer!"

2023: '0800 Heaven' with Nathan Dawe and Ella Henderson

Joel Corry, Nathan Dawe and Ella Henderson released their banger '0800 Heaven' back in June 2023, followed by an acoustic version a month later. The trio's song was written by Nathan and Ella, with Ella telling us: "This has happened very, very fast. The next thing you know he's (Nathan) sent it to Joel, Joel rings me and he's like, 'I want to come on it, we've got to do it together', and then, here we are, it's happening! So, we're absolutely buzzing.


"It is a really fun record," she continued.

Joel Corry / Rita Ora - 'Drinkin''

Joel Corry and Rita Ora released 'Drinkin'' in September 2023. The banger was premiered while it was at a gig in Ibiza.

2023: Joel Corry releases his debut album 'Another Friday Night'

Joel Corry has released his debut album called 'Another Friday Night'. It was released on 6th October 2023. The album features his bangers from the last few years as well as new material.

2023: Joel Corry received a BRIT Billion Award

Joel Corry received a BRIT Billion Award for a billion UK streams. The DJ told his fans in a video: "I wanted to say a massive thank you to the BRITs for this BRIT Billion Award, one billion streams in the UK... that is absolutely incredible.


"Thank you to everyone that's streaming my music, I'm just so glad that you guys are loving the tunes, and honestly this is just more motivation for me to work harder and keep those bangers coming for you in 2024. Let's go!"

November 2024: Joel Corry performs at Hits Radio Live Birmingham

In November 2024, Joel performed all his biggest hits at Hits Radio Live at Birmingham's bp pulse LIVE arena. He joined a line-up great musical talent including Tom Grennan, Olly Alexander, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Sigala, Tom Walker, Pixie Lott and Sugababes for the first night of the two-night event.

You'll be able to hear songs by Joel Corry on Forth 1.

Now read:

How Joel Corry turned 'Sorry' from a garage classic into a Love Island anthem

Joel Corry reveals why he nearly DIDN'T release 'Head & Heart' with MNEK

Joel Corry drops his debut album 'Another Friday Night' with a heartfelt message to fans

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