Meaning of “Your Arms” by Birdy

“Your Arms” is an interesting breakup song, because in the second verse especially the vocalist alludes to the addressee having been a less-than-ideal partner when the two of them were together. However, the thesis sentiment revolves around Birdy very much being in her feelings due to his absence. 

There are some things to be desired in terms of lyrical understandability, as it is not clear if they were together “just for a moment” or “for… years”. But what it appears the singer is saying, as far as the chorus is concerned, is that she and addressee may not have had a strong mental connection, but she had grown dependent on his affection nonetheless.

“I will never know you
Don’t get to understand
No answers to questions
It’s too late for that
But I was in your arms
I was in your arms
I was in your arms
Your arms once
Just for a moment”

Birdy produced this song on her own, and she co-wrote it with Mark Crew and Dan Priddy.

With Atlantic Records releasing this track on 9 June 2023, “Your Arms” acted as the third single to “Portraits”, the Birdy studio album which came out a couple of months later.