Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Classy Girls” by The Lumineers
“Classy Girls” by The Lumineers is a song that paints a portrait of a girl of class and poise, and admiration for her from the singer. The verses describe her with imagery that conveys a sense of respect and admiration: “she moves in her own way”. This could also signify their desire to know her – her secrets, her interests, her mind – which they can’t do since “she won’t show them to anyone.”
The chorus celebrates the girl’s beauty and elegance, while also addressing the fact that though she is beautiful, she is still “shy like a child” and has a “heart of glass”. This conveys the idea that she may be fragile and shy, but it is precisely this fragility that adds to her beauty and draws people to her.
The song also touches upon the idea of an unrequited love: the singer is in awe of this girl, but she won’t let him in. Despite the fact they may never be together, the singer is content in simply admiring and celebrating her. He sings “Well I won’t ever be the one to break her heart,” pledging to just stay a loyal admirer.
At its core, “Classy Girls” is a story of admiration for someone beautiful and pure. It speaks to the duality most of us experience: desiring love and connection yet feeling apprehensive and reserved to pursue it. The song celebrates this struggle with a gentle reminder that it’s okay to feel this way and allows the listener to appreciate the beauty of those experiences.