The third single of Louis Tomlinson’s upcoming album just dropped, and the song certainly sticks to the theme of the album. “Imposter” is about feeling unworthy and undeserving of whatever one has in their life. In the song, Louis sings about a love that has him feeling this way.
Former One Directioner, Louis Tomlinson, is almost ready to drop his third studio album titled ‘How Did I Get Here.’ In an interview with Billboard, Louis said this album is one that he felt caught up to his level of music; “I sum up it as ‘The record I always deserved to make.‘ My bread and butter is my honesty. I genuinely wear my heart on my sleeve, and I hope it comes through in the music.”
“Imposter” refers to Imposter Syndrome, which Louis Tomlinson admitted to still experiencing from time to time. He talked about feeling this in an interview, admitting that despite having had a successful solo career since One Direction’s departure, he still feels like he does not live up to the standards expected of him as an artist. Louis Tomlinson confessed to having “self-doubt” even at this point in his career.
The song lyrics carry this theme veiled underneath a love story. The singer feels doubt and fear about their partner’s faithfulness for no apparent reason.
Listen to “Imposter” by Louis Tomlinson
What does the “Imposter” Song by Louis Tomlinson mean?
Louis Tomlinson starts the song by admitting that he is head-over-heels for someone. His affection for this person borders on fear of losing them. Not a very healthy place to be.
Yeah, I’ve been here before, but it never felt like this
The singer admits that he has fallen in love before. This is not his first rodeo in matters of the heart. But this time it feels different. This time, it feels tangible. This person has Louis in a tight grip that they probably did not intend to. All of this is likely playing out in Louis’s head.
I’m so in awe of you that it hurts
The singer admits that he is starstruck by this person, which is why he feels undeserving of this person and their love. It also does not help that they are kind and supportive of him. Maybe he has not been on the receiving end of the relationship before.
In the hook of the song, we hear the singer panicking over his own imagination. He imagines a stranger lying in his bed, and his partner is happier with them. His heart starts to beat faster, and his body stiffens.
I can’t get the feeling out my head
That I am the imposter
Is his partner happier with this stranger in his bed? What if he is standing in the way of the happiness of his partner? Is he doing enough? Is he the imposter in this relationship? There is no reason for Louis to feel this way except for his own fears and doubts.
In the second verse of the song, Louis Tomlinson further admits his own mistakes. He constantly second-guesses his place in this relationship. Why are they so good to him? Are they hiding something from him? It seems as if the singer cannot just accept a good thing for what it is. He will likely run his imagination wild until it spills over the relationship and ruins it. Then, he could look back and justify his doubts.
Let us hear what you think about this song in the comments below. Read the complete lyrics to the song on Genius.