Harry Styles Tops Billboard Hot 100 Chart With “As It Was”

Harry Styles at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2019.
Harry Styles at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in 2019. Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock (10181647k)

Harry Styles’ fans spent an entire year waiting for his latest single “As It Was”—and it was definitely worth the wait! This song became an instant hit and easily soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart following its release.

“As It Was” debuted at No. 1 with 43.8 million streams, 27.2 million radio airplay audience impressions, and 10,300 downloads in the U.S. during its first week on the chart. It marks the very first song to debut at No. 1 in 2022, and it’s also Styles’ second chart-topping song, following “Watermelon Sugar” in 2020.

While discussing the meaning behind its lyrics, Styles revealed that “As It Was” was inspired by his personal experiences, especially his life during the lockdown.

“The song is about metamorphosis, embracing change and former self, perspective shift and all that kind of stuff. It just felt like the thing I wanted to say, the thing I wanted to be doing and the kind of music I wanted to make coming back,” said Styles in an interview, according to Nylon.

“As It Was” serves as the lead single from his upcoming third solo studio album Harry’s House, which is set to be released on May 20.