Perri wrote the song based on her personal experience in the summer of 2010 when she fell in love with someone she worked with closely. Because she had to hide her feelings, the lyrics focus on the "tension" of being near someone your heart longs for without being able to show it.
Experience the chemistry between Perri and Mraz through their official video and notable live performances: christina perri feat. jason mraz - distance
: Perri noted that the audience and band felt a unique chemistry during that first performance, which led them to record the duet version for the deluxe single release. Perri wrote the song based on her personal
: Lines like "Say I love you when you're not listening" and "Please don't stand so close to me / I'm having trouble breathing" highlight the struggle of maintaining boundaries while feeling deep affection. The Collaboration with Jason Mraz : Lines like "Say I love you when
Christina Perri ft. Jason Mraz - Distance [Behind the Scenes] YouTube · Christina Perri Christina Perri & Jason Mraz Live at Anthology San Diego YouTube · Anthology San Diego Jason Mraz, Christina Perri perform duet 'Distance' The Today Show · TODAY
Directed by and released on June 30, 2012, the official music video visualizes the song's theme of separation.
christina perri feat. jason mraz - distance [official music video] YouTube · Christina Perri