Get the full lyrics to Ellie Goulding’s new song “Destiny.” Understand the meaning behind the words for your next singalong or karaoke session.
Ellie Goulding’s “Destiny” presents a lyrical narrative of transformative love and self-realization. The lyrics, available for fans to sing along to, move beyond simple romance into a territory of profound personal reckoning. Goulding has built a career on mapping emotional landscapes, from the vulnerability in “Love Me Like You Do” to the assertive strength in “Burn,” and this new track continues that tradition.
The opening verse, with lines like “Kissing the knife, falling,” immediately establishes a theme of embracing something potentially dangerous yet cathartic. This complexity is a hallmark of her songwriting. The pre-chorus and chorus solidify the core message, framing a relationship as a winning lottery ticket and an undeniable prize.
ellie goulding destiny
The repetition of “Destiny” acts as both a mantra and the song’s anchor, leaving no doubt about the song’s central conviction. The second verse introduces a shift in perspective, with Goulding singing about a past cynicism and a decision to no longer “stay out of the chase.” This indicates a conscious choice to engage fully with this powerful connection. The bridge offers some of the most striking imagery, referencing a “body like God” and emerging “unmarked” from a “sharp” encounter. These lyrics suggest a relationship that is both divine and challenging, yet ultimately leaves the narrator stronger and without scars. The overall lyrical composition provides rich material for interpretation, perfect for listeners who connect with the substance behind the melody.
Produced by Kurtis Wells, Jack Rochon, Calum Landau
November 12, 2025
1 song, 4 minutes
A Polydor Records Release; ℗ 2025 Universal Music Operations Limited
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
I’m caving
Feeling the bite, ’cause you’re not leaving
Put it to right, ride of my life, I’m healing
Kissing the knife, falling
(Destiny, destiny)
[Pre-Chorus]
I’ve seen the light: I’ve seen it all
I hit the lotto when I found you, you (Mm)
I’ve seen a lot with you on top
I hit the lotto when I found you, you
[Chorus]
I got this feeling
The prize belongs to me, yeah
Don’t I hit the ceiling?
These lights can only mean
Destiny, destiny
[Verse 2]
It’s never all that deep
Unleash the rain!
It was cynical of me (Cynical)
To stay out of the chase
Now, I’ll stay in the right place
I’m just saying it might be
(Destiny, destiny)
[Pre-Chorus]
I’ve seen the light: I’ve seen it all
I hit the lotto when I found you, you (Mm)
I’ve seen a lot with you on top
I hit the lotto when I found you, you
[Chorus]
I got this feeling
The prize belongs to me, yeah
Don’t I hit the ceiling? (Don’t I? Don’t I?)
These lights can only mean (Destiny)
Destiny, destiny
[Bridge]
Who cares what I’ve lost? (Woah-oh-oh)
I know the cure and the cause
I got cut from your sharp (Oh)
But I’m still unmarked
And who cares what you’ve done? (Oh)
With a body like God (Mm)
I got cut from your sharp
But I’m still unmarked, yeah
[Outro]
Ah-ah
Ah, ooh
Ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh
Ooh
