Harry Styles – Fine Line (Lyrics Review and Song Meaning)

“Fine Line” acts as the epic finale to Harry Styles’ latest album ‘Fine Line’ released on December 13, 2019. The song that starts off with a mood of melancholy ultimately ends in a high note accompanied by an orchestra. In a way, the song acts as the definitive line between the ups and downs seen in the tracklist of this album. Let us take a look at the meaning behind these lyrics.

“Fine Line” is the title track of Harry Styles’ second studio album, and Harry said it is one of the most special songs to him in this album. Songs such as “Falling,” “Watermelon Sugar” or “Cherry” may be talking about him missing his ex-girlfriend, but this song is about finding that line between love and hate.

In an interview with Zane Lowe, Harry Styles explained the mood behind this track; “One thing I hadn’t experienced before was how I felt during the making of this record. The times when I felt good and happy were the happiest I’ve ever felt in my life, and the times when I felt sad were the lower I’ve ever felt in my life.”

Listen to the song below.

Buy ‘Fine Line’ Album on Apple Music and Amazon

Lyrics Review and Song Meaning of “Fine Line”

Verse 1

Harry Styles describes a relationship that has a price tag on it. Immediately we resort to thinking that the singer might be talking about a prostitute. But further lyrics explain that she has his devotion as well. This could only mean that Harry is stuck in a relationship he does not want to be in.

Harry feels as if her love is up for sale. Maybe she is only pleased with expenses incurred for her, maybe she is just too materialistic. Either the case, Harry still stands by her. But sometimes he can hate her with a passion. One could assume that this is the normal highs and lows of a relationship. But the last line of the verse lets us know that Harry has another girl on his mind.

Chorus

The chorus of the song is a repetition of Harry saying that they will be a ‘fine line’ in their relationship. This does not necessarily mean anything good for the relationship. A fine line draws borders between two things, it means that there is a clear cut difference between two sides. Such a ruling is not essentially helpful for a longterm relationship. Ideally, there should be blurred lines between the couple’s likes and dislikes, love and lust, happiness and sadness etc.

Verse 2

In the second verse of the song, Harry Styles further elaborates the stained edges of their relationship. She drives him crazy, and not in a good way either. She pushes him beyond his patience tolerance, and she has secrets that never gets unravelled.

Harry Styles paints her mixed emotions about this girl with the use of metaphors “sunshine” and “temptress.” Whilst, ‘temptress’ is not necessarily a bad synonym, it is not usually associated to describe pure goodness of heart.

‘Spreading you open’ has a sexual undertone to it to mean to have sex. According to Harry, she is only herself when she is in sexual congress with him. Or, maybe, the singer finds her bent to his whims only during this physical activity.

Outro

From “we’ll be a fine line,” Harry moves on to “we’ll be alright.” Rather than opting to move away from this relationship, he decides to make up his mind. We already know this is not a permanent fix.

Let us hear what you think about the “Fine Line” song by Harry Styles in the comments below. Do you draw perfect lines in your relationship?