The release of a new Harry Styles album is a bit like Christmas morning in my house, at least for my two daughters. They have both been Styles fans since his days with One Direction, have seen him in concert twice, and obsess over him as both an artist and a human man.
Being adjacent to all of that has made me pretty familiar with his musical output, enough to know that he’s the real deal. He has an appreciation for a wide range of artists, mostly from the 70s, that makes his work a fun exercise in “name that influence” while being fresh and enjoyable in its own right.
I haven’t spent too much time with Styles’ latest album, Harry’s House, but I like what I’ve heard so far. My daughters rank this album slightly below his self-titled 2017 debut and 2019’s Fine Line, but that’s more a testament to the quality of those two records.
Today’s track, ‘Matilda,’ stood out to me after my first spin of Harry’s House. It’s about a young woman who doesn’t realize the abuse she suffers at home isn’t normal.
You were riding your bike to the sound of “It’s No Big Deal”
And you’re trying to lift off the ground on those old two wheels
Nothing ’bout the way that you were treated ever seemed especially alarming till now
So you tie up your hair and you smile like it’s no big deal
[Chorus]
You can let it go
You can throw a party full of everyone you know
And not invite your family ’cause they never showed you love
You don’t have to be sorry for leavin’ and growin’ up, mmm
[Verse 2]
Matilda, you talk of the pain like it’s all alright
But I know that you feel like a piece of you’s dead insidе
You showed me a power that is strong еnough to bring sun to the darkest days
It’s none of my business, but it’s just been on my mind
[Chorus]
You can let it go
You can throw a party full of everyone you know
And not invite your family ’cause they never showed you love
You don’t have to be sorry for leavin’ and growin’ up
You can see the world, following the seasons
Anywhere you go, you don’t need a reason
‘Cause they never showed you love
You don’t have to be sorry for doin’ it on your own
[Bridge]
You’re just in time, make your tea and your toast
You framed all your posters and dyed your clothes, ooh
You don’t have to go
You don’t have to go home
Oh, there’s a long way to go
I don’t believe that time will change your mind
In other words, I know they won’t hurt you anymore
As long as you can let them go
[Chorus]
You can let it go
You can throw a party full of everyone you know
You can start a family who will always show you love
You don’t have to be sorry for doin’ it on your own
You can let it go
You can throw a party full of everyone you know
You can start a family who will always show you love
You don’t have to be sorry, no
Meet Me In Montauk 
I too continue to be impressed with Styles’ diversity and talent. This is a beautiful song, perhaps influenced by Elliott Smith? I’ll have to check out the rest of the album.
Sweet song. I can see why your daughters are such fans 😊
Your daughters have great taste 🤓