1. Introduction
“Bruises” marked a pivotal moment in Lewis Capaldi’s career, setting the stage for the Scottish singer-songwriter’s meteoric rise. Originally released on March 31, 2017, as part of his debut EP Bloom, the song was later featured in his 2019 debut album, Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent. With its haunting piano melody and heart-wrenching vocals, “Bruises” quickly became a viral hit, accumulating over 25 million streams on Spotify within months of its release—an unprecedented feat for an unsigned artist at the time.
The track was written by Lewis Capaldi himself, co-produced with James Earp, and showcased his raw vocal power, emotional storytelling, and natural ability to connect with listeners. The song didn’t feature high-profile collaborators, but its authenticity and stripped-down production made it stand out in a music landscape full of overproduced pop tracks.
2. Who is Lewis Capaldi
Lewis Capaldi was virtually unknown before “Bruises” dropped. Hailing from Bathgate, Scotland, Capaldi began playing guitar at age 9 and writing songs by 11. His breakthrough came when “Bruises” was uploaded to Spotify, where it rapidly gained traction and led to him signing with Virgin EMI Records (UK) and Capitol Records (US).
The song was inspired by a painful breakup Capaldi experienced, and it perfectly captures that sense of emptiness after losing someone who once defined your world. In interviews, Capaldi has mentioned that “Bruises” was the first song he ever wrote that felt real, and its overwhelming reception encouraged him to pursue music professionally. The song laid the groundwork for his career, eventually leading to hits like “Someone You Loved” and a BRIT Award win.
3. On the Videoclip
The official music video for “Bruises” was released on August 8, 2019, and directed by Phil Beastall, known for his emotionally charged visual storytelling. The video complements the song’s themes of loss and emotional scars with poignant cinematography featuring a young couple drifting apart amidst stark natural backdrops.
The cast is relatively minimal, reflecting the song’s raw and intimate tone. There is no elaborate choreography or flashy visuals—instead, the video leans heavily on symbolism and emotional realism, echoing the lyrics. Phil Beastall’s use of close-ups and fading light visually mirrors the heartbreak Capaldi sings about, giving fans a cinematic way to connect even more deeply with the song.
4. Talk Nerdy to Me: Music Theory Trivia
“Bruises” is a masterclass in minimalism and emotional tension in music. Written in the key of A Minor, the song features a slow 6/8 time signature, which lends a lilting, waltz-like rhythm. This time signature, combined with sustained piano chords and sparse string arrangements, creates a sense of longing and vulnerability.
The song follows a simple chord progression (Am – F – C – G), which is common in pop music but feels elevated here due to Capaldi’s dynamic vocal phrasing and use of silence. One of the most compelling features is how the arrangement intentionally avoids a traditional pop “drop” or climax. Instead, it builds emotionally, culminating in a powerful vocal crescendo that mirrors the internal breakdown described in the lyrics.
Capaldi also utilizes melisma in the chorus—stretching syllables over multiple notes—to enhance the emotional delivery, a technique often used in soul and R&B. This blend of modern pop and classic vocal techniques is part of what gives “Bruises” its timeless feel.
5. More from Lewis Capaldi
If you’re moved by “Bruises,” there’s plenty more to explore from Lewis Capaldi. His 2019 breakout hit, “Someone You Loved”, topped the UK Singles Chart for seven weeks and later reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Another standout track is “Before You Go”, which dives into themes of loss and mental health and was inspired by the suicide of a family member.
Capaldi’s YouTube channel is also a goldmine for fans, featuring acoustic performances, behind-the-scenes content, and hilarious vlogs that showcase his signature self-deprecating humor. Despite the deeply emotional nature of his music, Capaldi is known for his comedic personality, often creating a striking contrast between his public persona and his lyrical content.
He also launched the “How I’m Feeling Now” documentary on Netflix, providing fans a raw, behind-the-scenes look at his struggles with fame, anxiety, and Tourette’s syndrome—further proof that Lewis Capaldi is not just an artist but a deeply human storyteller.
