“Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone is more than just a song—it’s an emotional journey that explores themes of love, gratitude, and the fear of losing life’s greatest blessings. Released as the lead single from his debut album Fireworks & Rollerblades, the song quickly resonated with listeners worldwide, thanks to its raw lyrics and heartfelt delivery. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the meaning behind the song, analyzing its lyrics, themes, and impact on audiences.
The Inspiration Behind “Beautiful Things”
Benson Boone has openly shared that “Beautiful Things” was written during a time of significant change in his life. Having recently moved to Los Angeles and experiencing a new relationship, he found himself overwhelmed by happiness—yet simultaneously plagued by the fear of losing everything. This duality of emotions forms the core of the song, as Boone beautifully conveys both the joy of love and the anxiety of impermanence.
The song reflects a universal human experience: the idea that when life is at its best, there’s an underlying fear that it could all be taken away. This internal struggle is something many listeners can relate to, making the song deeply personal yet widely resonant.
Analyzing the Lyrics
Verse 1: Reflecting on Personal Growth
The opening lines of “Beautiful Things” set the stage for the song’s introspective tone. Boone references a period of struggle, contrasting it with his newfound happiness. The lyrics convey a sense of gratitude for how far he has come, while also hinting at the apprehension that lingers beneath the surface.
This part of the song captures a common emotional state—when we finally find peace and happiness, we often reflect on the hardships that led us there. Boone’s delivery of these lines is gentle yet poignant, emphasizing his vulnerability.
Pre-Chorus: The Fear of Loss
As the song progresses, Boone’s joy is met with an overwhelming fear of losing the things he holds dear. The pre-chorus is a plea to the universe, begging for his happiness to remain untouched. This fear is something many people experience when they realize how much they have to lose.
The emotions intensify in this section, as Boone’s voice rises in urgency. The combination of the lyrics and the escalating melody makes the listener feel the weight of his worries. It’s a deeply human sentiment—when something is truly beautiful, we fear it slipping away.
Chorus: A Desperate Plea
The chorus of “Beautiful Things” serves as the emotional core of the song. It is repetitive, almost like a mantra, reinforcing the idea that Boone is desperate to hold onto his happiness. The raw emotion in his voice makes this section one of the most powerful moments of the song.
The simplicity of the lyrics in the chorus is what makes them so impactful. Boone isn’t using elaborate metaphors or complex imagery—he’s stating his fear plainly and honestly. This raw vulnerability is what makes the song so relatable.
Verse 2: Contemplating Stability and Anxiety
In the second verse, Boone expands on his anxiety, acknowledging that even though things are going well, he can’t shake the feeling that something could go wrong. This reflects the paradox of happiness—sometimes, when life is going too well, we find ourselves bracing for an inevitable downfall.
This section highlights an internal conflict that many people face: the inability to fully embrace happiness due to the fear of losing it. Boone captures this struggle beautifully, both lyrically and melodically, making it one of the most thought-provoking parts of the song.
Musical Composition and Reception
“Beautiful Things” is not just lyrically powerful; its musical composition adds another layer of depth. The song starts softly, gradually building up as Boone’s emotions intensify. The shift from gentle verses to a soaring chorus mirrors the emotional journey of the lyrics, making the song feel like a true emotional release.
The instrumentation is relatively simple, allowing Boone’s voice and lyrics to take center stage. This stripped-down approach enhances the song’s authenticity, making it feel deeply personal.
Since its release, “Beautiful Things” has received widespread acclaim from both fans and critics. Many have praised Boone’s ability to convey raw emotion through his vocals, while others have noted the song’s relatability. It has resonated with listeners across different walks of life, solidifying Boone’s place as an artist who can connect deeply with his audience.
Conclusion: Embracing Vulnerability
At its core, “Beautiful Things” is a song about vulnerability. It acknowledges that happiness is fragile and that the fear of loss is an inevitable part of loving something deeply. Boone’s ability to articulate this emotion so powerfully is what makes the song stand out.
The message of the song serves as a reminder to appreciate the beauty in our lives, even if we fear losing it. Instead of letting fear take over, we can learn to cherish the present moment. “Beautiful Things” captures this lesson in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
For anyone who has ever feared losing something they love, this song is a reminder that fear is just a sign of how much we care. And in that vulnerability, there is beauty.