Picture it: it’s the spring of 2005 and you’re driving to your local shopping mall to browse the stores and hit the food court. You turn on the radio and hear the soulful notes of “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt, the number one hit you and the rest of the world just can’t hear enough.

We’re now rapidly approaching 20 years since that idyllic spring and James Blunt’s mega-hit remains a popular choice for weddings, anniversaries, and other romantic occasions. Those days might be coming to an end, however, as Blunt recently revealed the true – decidedly unromantic – meaning of his song.

“It’s about me stalking somebody else’s girlfriend on the underground while I’m high,” the singer explained in a February appearance on The John Bishop Show.

“But people play it at their weddings, which is nice,” he added jokingly.

Way back in 2006, when James Blunt’s hit was still every other song on the radio, he gave a slightly different explanation on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

“It’s kind of miserable. It was about seeing my ex-girlfriend on the Underground in London with her new man, who I didn’t know existed,” Blunt said. “She and I caught eyes and lived a lifetime in that moment, but didn’t do anything about it and haven’t seen each other since.”

Reading the lyrics of the song, either explanation fits, so it’s really a “choose your own adventure” here. Either way, though – maybe not the best first dance song at your wedding.

James Blunt Admits He Wants to ‘Punch’ His Old Self ‘in the Face’

At 49 years old, the James Blunt of today is a far cry from the tender-hearted 30-year-old who wrote “You’re Beautiful.” And, looking back, he’s not afraid to admit he probably deserved some of the backlash he received from his fellow musicians back in the day.

“To be honest, when I look back I want to punch me in the face,” Blunt told The Times in a brutally honest interview. “I came out of boarding school and the army and I was very naïve and I got a bit of a kicking,” he said. “Did I deserve it? Yes, probably. Has it kept my feet on the ground? Definitely.”

Nearly 20 years removed from his first taste of “You’re Beautiful” fame in the early 2000s, James Blunt can accept his place in the music world. “I’m a posh twat who makes comedy soft-rock music,” he said. “I couldn’t see that at first but now I do. So I thank all those who set me straight.”

“I don’t need to let my ego get involved. I love my music, but my good review is selling out two nights at the Royal Albert Hall, as I have done for the forthcoming tour. That’s my good review,” Blunt continued. “And the truth is I’m having an absolutely incredible time. I see some men my age lose their lust for life, but I’m only just getting started.”