"Bigger Than Me" is a song by English singer-songwriter Louis Tomlinson released on 1 September 2022. It was released as the lead single from his second studio album Faith in the Future.[2]
Background
Tomlinson shared that creating the record was an exciting moment, as it felt like a project that "honoured" his live performances. He reflected on what his live shows meant to fans, and how everything he did was "bigger than [him]", inspiring the song's name.[3]
The song was written by Tomlinson, Rob Harvey, and Red Triangle, while production was handled by Mike Crossey.[4] The song is about Tomlinson questioning what really he wants to become and how we change while growing up, as life brings new challenges.[5][6]
Live performances
Tomlinson performed the song live at The Late Late Show with James Corden.[7] He also performed the song live on Good Morning America.[8] On 30 September 2022, Tomlinson released a live version of the single that was performed in Milan, Italy.[9][10] The track was featured on Live in 2024.[11]
Music video
The music video for "Bigger Than Me" was released on 2 September 2022. Billboard magazine describes the video which showcases "Tomlinson walking through stunning, lush outdoor landscapes lit by the setting sun and collecting stray pieces of wood along his way. When he eventually reaches a bonfire — the sun fully down — he tosses the wood into the flames and watches them burn."[12]
Reception
"Bigger Than Me" debuted at number 56 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart and peaked at number 39. The song also peaked at number 38 on the Billboard Pop Airplay chart and the Hot Trending Songs chart at number 14.[13]
Billboard praised the song for its self-awareness, highlighting lyrics that reveal his realisation that the key to solo success lies in embracing his authentic self and letting go of the pressures that accompany fame.[14]
Track listing
No. | Title | Length |
---|---|---|
1. | "Bigger Than Me" (Live from Milan) | 3:43 |
2. | "Bigger Than Me" | 3:41 |
Personnel
Musicians
|
Production
|
Charts
Chart (2022) | Peak position |
---|---|
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[15] | 43 |
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[16] | 47 |
Czech Republic (Rádio – Top 100)[17] | 29 |
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[18] | 27 |
UK Singles Downloads (OCC)[19] | 39 |
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[20] | 34 |
Release history
Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | 1 September 2022 | BMG | [21] | |
United States | 13 September 2022 | [22] |
References
- ^ Althea Legaspi (2 September 2022). "Louis Tomlinson Evokes His Live Shows on Anthemic New Single 'Bigger Than Me'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
- ^ Rania Aniftos (31 August 2022). "Louis Tomlinson's New Single 'Bigger Than Me' Is Coming Very, Very Soon". Billboard. Archived from the original on 27 February 2023. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
- ^ Hannah Dailey (1 September 2022). "Louis Tomlinson Embraces Change on New Single 'Bigger Than Me': Stream It Now". Billboard. Archived from the original on 23 November 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
- ^ Emily Zemler (14 September 2022). "Watch Louis Tomlinson Perform Anthemic New Single 'Bigger Than Me' on 'Corden'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
- ^ Adam McDonald (2 September 2022). "Louis Tomlinson – Bigger Than Me Lyrics Meaning Revealed". Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
- ^ "Louis Tomlinson, Bigger Than Me: the lyrics & meaning". 2 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
- ^ Ali Shutler (15 September 2022). "Watch Louis Tomlinson perform coming-of-age anthem 'Bigger Than Me' on 'Corden'". NME. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
- ^ "Louis Tomlinson performs 'Bigger Than Me' on 'GMA'". Good Morning America. 15 September 2022. Archived from the original on 16 September 2022. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
- ^ Finlay Holden (1 October 2022). "Louis Tomlinson has shared a live version of his current single, "Bigger Than Me", from a recent Milan performance". Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ "Bigger Than Me (Live From Milan) - Single by Louis Tomlinson". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 9 October 2022.
- ^ Dunworth, Liberty (26 April 2024). "Louis Tomlinson shares surprise 'Live' album, recorded across 15 cities over three years". NME. Archived from the original on 9 May 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ Hannah Dailey (2 September 2022). "Louis Tomlinson Drops Earthy 'Bigger Than Me' Music Video, Shares How He Found Artistic Freedom After One Direction". Billboard. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
- ^ Xander Zellner (13 September 2022). "Louis Tomlinson & BLACKPINK's New Singles Debut on Hot Trending Songs Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
- ^ Aniftos, Rania (3 September 2024). "Why Louis Tomlinson Is One Direction's Unsung Solo Star". Billboard. Archived from the original on 23 November 2024. Retrieved 26 January 2025.
- ^ "Louis Tomlinson – Bigger Than Me" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
- ^ "Louis Tomlinson Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 51+52. týden 2022 in the date selector. Retrieved November 7, 2022.
- ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 12 September 2022. Archived from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
- ^ "Official Singles Downloads Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
- ^ "Louis Tomlinson Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 18 October 2022.
- ^ "Faith in the Future - Album by Louis Tomlinson". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
- ^ "Mainstream Pop Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on 1 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
You must be logged in to post a comment.