"Beautiful Things" by Benson Boone is a song about the fear of losing something precious, specifically the love of a good woman and the newfound stability and happiness in his life. The lyrics reveal a deep vulnerability and a strong desire to hold onto the good things he's finally experiencing.
Here's a breakdown of the song's themes:
Verse 1:
- Past struggles: Benson reflects on a difficult past, hinting at past hardships and loneliness ("But lately, I've been doin' better / Than the last four cold Decembers I recall").
- Newfound happiness: He now enjoys family connections, a loving partner, and a renewed sense of purpose ("I found a girl my parents love / She'll come and stay the night, and I think I might have it all").
- Fear of loss: Despite his current happiness, he acknowledges the fragility of his newfound life, fearing that his blessings might be taken away ("But I know the things He gives me, He can take away").
- Commitment and insecurity: His love for the girl is evident, but he's deeply afraid of losing her ("And I hold you every night / And that's a feeling I wanna get used to / But there's no man as terrified as the man who stands to lose you").
Pre-Chorus & Chorus:
- Desperation and plea: The repeated pleas of "Please stay" and "Don't take these beautiful things that I've got" reveal a profound sense of need and fear of losing his newfound love and happiness.
- "Beautiful things" as metaphors: The "beautiful things" he refers to are not just material possessions but the intangible blessings of love, family, and mental stability.
Verse 2:
- Personal growth: Benson reflects on his journey towards self-discovery and finding his faith ("I found my mind, I'm feelin' sane / It's been a while, but I'm finding my faith").
- Unjustified fear: Despite his newfound peace, he grapples with the recurring fear of losing it all, questioning why he anticipates the loss of something good ("If everything's good and it's great, why do I sit and wait 'til it's gone?").
- A sense of abundance and fragility: He recognizes the blessings in his life (peace and love) yet still feels the threat of losing them.
Outro:
- Emphatic plea: The final repetition of "Please stay" and "I need these beautiful things that I've got" underlines the desperate longing for his newfound happiness to endure.
Overall, "Beautiful Things" captures the raw emotions of someone who's finally experiencing happiness after facing hardship. The song explores the profound fear of loss and the deep desire to cling to the beautiful things in life. Benson Boone's honest and vulnerable lyrics create a relatable narrative for anyone who's ever been terrified of losing something precious.