Back From The Edge

Album: Back From The Edge (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Following a series of controversial remarks made on social media, the public turned against James Arthur and he was dropped from Simon Cowell's record label, Syco. However, as a result of the buzz surrounding "Say You Won't Let Go," Cowell re-signed his former X Factor winner. This is the title track from his second album.
  • Arthur explained to Digital Spy how the song took on an additional meaning:

    It's funny because now I guess it can be perceived as a comeback. It wasn't meant to be like, 'I'm coming back and I expected all this.' Coming back from the edge was, as cheesy a cliché as it may sound, was the most honest concept I could have for an album. I was in a super dark place and having – I don't want to get too deep – but having suicidal thoughts. I was like, 'I can't f---ing do this anymore – I'm done. There's no purpose to my life anymore if it's not music, and no-one's going to care if I release some.'"
  • James Arthur became only the second former X Factor winner to top the UK. chart with their second album, when Back From The Edge debuted at #1. Leona Lewis was the first to achieve the feat when her Echo LP did the trick in 2009.
  • The decision to name the album after this song came very late in the recording process. Arthur told HMV.com: "I didn't have a title for ages, until the very last minute. I looked through all the song titles and the one that resonated the most. I always thought it was the best way to open the album and why not give it the title too?"

Comments: 1

  • AnonymousGreat song!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.

Bill Withers

Bill WithersSongwriter Interviews

Soul music legend Bill Withers on how life experience and the company you keep leads to classic songs like "Lean On Me."

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.