When Ellie Goulding releases new music, it gets in constant rotation on top 40 radio. Such was the case when her debut album, Lights, made its way to record stores and streaming services in 2010. In 2015, her third studio album-Delirium-was a major success for the artist. “On My Mind” was the first single released on the album and it was a hit. The second single was “Something in the Way You Move.” It is a drum machine-centered track with piano elements. This creates a pop, dance fusion with a contemporary sound that is perfect for radio.
Lyrics
After examining the lyrics, they seem to underscore ideas that are juxtaposed with the upbeat, pop sound. They describe how a person experiencing heartbreak may think or act.
It’s the strangest feeling
Feeling this way for you
There’s something in the way you move
Something in the way you move
With you, I’m never healing
It’s heartache through and through
There’s something in the way you move
I don’t know what it is you do
Verse one reveals how the singer feels about a recent former relationship. It shows that heartbreak is a process and healing may not happen when you would like it to. In addition, the lyrics suggest the singer is in a situation that she may have never been in before. The whole concept of wanting distance from an ex-partner is strange and uncomfortable for her. However, as listeners continue to go through the song, they will find other revealing details.
Not one bone in your body good enough for me
But this heart is open, bloodstain on my sleeve
When our eyes meet, I can only see the end
But tonight I’m here, yours again
Continuing with verse one, these lyrics are physical-almost cerebral. They create images. Bones, heart, eyes, every line in this section of the song is about how these situations can cause a physical reaction. These lines are a set up for the ending of verse one.
But tonight I’m gonna lose it all
Playing with fire, I was the first to fall
Heart is sinking like a cannonball
Baby, kill it, what you waiting for?
After describing the physical nature of the song, the lyrics go in a different direction. Instead of focusing on how the other person causes negative reactions, the final parts of verse one is about what to do going forward. A major part of the plan is to “lose it all.” Every memory. Every feeling. Every negative thought. Gone in an instance.
Vocals
Ellie very much stays in the pocket when singing this song. While her range is on display on other tracks on the album, “Something in the Way You Move” has more of steady vocal rather than the ones present on other songs like “Love Me Like You Do.”
Instrumentation
While the drum machine is on display in this record, it is important to note that it also features sounds of guitar and piano. In the official music video, Ellie is playing a live drum and live guitar. It guides the viewer to the parts of the song where these instruments are played digitally.
Performance
Ellie performs “Something in the Way You Move” live in concert. When you go to see her on stage, it is one of those tracks you can expect to see every time. She always delivers a strong performance and gets her fans on their feet to enjoy the music.