Calvin Harris - Electronic, Pop
Giant by Calvin Harris Lyrics
2 Plays
Duration: 3:49
View ArtistStory Behind the Song
Released on 11 January 2019 through Columbia Records, "Giant" brought together Scottish producer Calvin Harris and English singer Rag'n'Bone Man for a gospel-inspired dance and house track. The songwriting was handled by Rag'n'Bone Man alongside Jamie Hartman and Troy Miller, with Harris taking sole production duties. Lyrically, the song ventures into emotionally raw territory, with Rag'n'Bone Man's vocals carrying lines that confront loneliness, mental health, and unrequited love — a soulful gravity that earned it the descriptor "soulful number" from the Lincoln Journal-Star. Commercially, the track became a dominant force in the UK, peaking at number two on the Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks and topping the charts in both Belgium and Scotland. Its reach extended into Austria and Germany, where it cracked the top ten. PPL confirmed it as the most played song across the entire UK in 2019 — a cultural footprint that cemented its status as one of Harris's most impactful releases.
Lyrics
[Verse 1: Rag'n'Bone Man] I understood loneliness before I knew what it was Saw the pills on the table for your unrequited love Well, I would be nothing without you holding me up Now I'm strong enough for both of us Both of us, both of us, both of us [Chorus: Rag'n'Bone Man] I am a giant (Ooh) Stand up on my shoulders, tell me what you see 'Cause I am a giant (Ooh) We'll be breaking boulders underneath our feet I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am a giant (Oh) I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am a giant (Oh) [Verse 2: Rag'n'Bone Man] Don't hide your emotions, you can throw down your guard And feed from the notion we can be who we are You taught me something, yeah, freedom is ours It was you who taught me living is Togetherness, togetherness, togetherness [Chorus: Rag'n'Bone Man] I am a giant (Ooh) Stand up on my shoulders, tell me what you see 'Cause I am a giant (Ooh) We'll be breaking boulders, underneath our feet I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am a giant (Oh) I am, I am, I am, I am, I am, I am a giant (Oh) [Bridge: Rag'n'Bone Man] (Oh, oh, oh, hey-oh) (Oh, oh, oh, hey-oh) I'm gonna shake, throw it away in the dirt under me, yeah, yeah (Oh, oh, oh, hey-oh) I'm gonna shake, throw it away in the dirt under me, yeah, yeah (Oh, oh, oh, hey-oh) Gonna shake, throw it away in the dirt, yeah, yeah (Oh, oh, oh, hey-oh) Gonna shake, throw it away in the dirt, yeah, yeah (Oh, oh, oh, hey-oh) Gonna shake, throw it away in the dirt, yeah, yeah (Oh, oh, oh, hey-oh) Gonna shake, throw it away in the dirt [Outro: Rag'n'Bone Man] (Ooh) I am, I am, I am (Ooh) I am, I am, I am, I am, I am a giant (Ooh) I am, I am, I am, I am, I am a giant (Ooh)
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Meaning of "Giant" by Calvin Harris
Rag'n'Bone Man's "Giant" charts a powerful transformation, moving from past vulnerability to an unshakeable, supportive strength. The lyrics paint a picture of overcoming personal struggles, not alone, but in a profound connection with another. It's a declaration of newfound resilience, ready to uplift and protect. The opening verse immediately establishes a past marked by deep emotional understanding, noting "loneliness before I knew what it was" and the stark image of "pills on the table for your unrequited love." This sets up a crucial contrast: the speaker admits to having been dependent, stating, "I would be nothing without you holding me up." This vulnerability makes the subsequent declaration of strength feel earned and deeply personal. The central metaphor, "I am a giant," anchors the chorus, embodying immense power and stability. The speaker invites the other person to "Stand up on my shoulders, tell me what you see," offering not just support but a new perspective. The repeated phrase "strong enough for both of us" and the collective action of "breaking boulders underneath our feet" emphasize that this strength is now shared, a mutual force against life's obstacles. The lyrics culminate in a redefinition of freedom and connection. The speaker encourages the other to "throw down your guard" and embrace that "freedom is ours," ultimately concluding that "living is togetherness." The bridge's insistent repetition of "Gonna shake, throw it away in the dirt" acts as a cathartic release, actively shedding past burdens and solidifying this powerful, shared identity. It's a testament to how mutual support can forge an unbreakable bond.
This AI-assisted editorial analysis was reviewed, improved, and approved by the LyricsWeb editorial team.
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Credits
- Writers
- Calvin Harris
- Rag’n’Bone Man
- Jamie Hartman
- Troy Miller