Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: indie-pop
Song Meaning of “Elusive” by Lianne La Havas
Elusive by Lianne La Havas is a song about the struggle of trying to hold onto a loved one that’s slipping away. The speaker of the song recognizes that the relationship has been slipping away, but still longs to maintain some sort of connection. The lyrics reflect the tug of war between wanting to save the relationship and recognizing that they’re not on the same page anymore.
The first verse captures the feelings of resistance and not wanting to let go: “Tired of chasing, chasing you around / Thought that I’d be down the line, but no, no / So you fade away from my love / As I try my best to keep holdin’ on”. The repetition of the line “chasing, chasing you around” conveys the struggle of trying to maintain the relationship with someone who refuses to commit or stay in one place.
The chorus reinforces the theme of an unrequited love: “Do you really wanna know me? / ‘Cause you keep me so elusive / It feels like tryin’ to hold onto sand / You can love me, or forget me / I’m holding my own destiny / I’m tryin’ to keep on keepin’ on”. The line “I’m holding my own destiny” suggests that the speaker recognizes that the relationship isn’t going anywhere, and that they’re ready to move on.
The second verse paints a vivid picture of their changing relationship: “The way we used to move and groove so sure / Think I saw a glimpse, but no, no more / So you shadow away from my light / And each day I keep on hopin’ it’ll be alright”. The line “shadow away from my light” conveys a feeling of loneliness as the relationship fades away.
The bridge encapsulates the despair of a lost love: “Oh, I see you fading, fading away / Is there anything I can say to make you stay? / Oh, I see you walking, walking away / What can I do when I can’t hold onto sand?” The speaker of the song realizes the futility of trying to maintain a relationship when one person isn’t willing to work for it, and that the only thing they can do is just let go and move on.