Among the many emotional tracks released by a beloved Middlesbrough singer, one stands apart for the deeply personal story that inspired it.
For many fans, Emily is one of the most moving songs in artist James Arthur's discography.
Released in 2021 as part of his album It'll All Make Sense In The End, the emotional ballad imagines Arthur speaking to his daughter Emily, reflecting on his past mistakes, his hopes for the future and how becoming a father could change his life.
At the time of its release, James told fans that the song was dedicated to the future daughter he hoped to have one day.
James Arthur during his X-factor days
(Image: ITV)
The song was written while his then-partner, Jessica Grist, was pregnant, with the couple already having chosen the name Emily for their unborn child.
Tragically, the pregnancy ended after Jessica suffered an ectopic pregnancy just a few months into the pregnancy.
James later revealed the loss had inspired much of the emotion behind the song.
Speaking about the experience, the Middlesbrough star explained that while writing the album he was processing the excitement, fears and uncertainty that come with the prospect of becoming a parent.
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The name Emily stuck with the couple after their loss, with James later saying he would still use the name if he ever had a daughter.
In 2022, James then welcomed a baby daughter and named her Emily.
The lyrics now carry a dual meaning, serving both as a tribute to the child the couple lost and a dedication to the daughter they later welcomed.
For fans from Teesside who have followed James' journey from winning The X Factor to becoming a global chart star - Emily stands out as one of his most personal songs, rooted in a story of heartbreak, hope and, ultimately, happiness.
More than just a love song or a ballad about fatherhood, Emily has become one of the most meaningful tracks the singer has written, telling a story of love that resonates with parents far and wide.