Song meaning of Eyes Closed by Ed Sheeran

The lyrics of "Eyes Closed" by Ed Sheeran convey a deeply emotional and relatable message about dealing with loss and the struggle to move on. The song explores the profoundly personal experience of grieving and the feelings of loneliness and longing that come with it.

The first verse establishes a sense of isolation as the narrator acknowledges their desire to escape their reality by indulging in alcohol. They reflect on the passing of time and the distance they feel from their friends who have moved on. The pre-chorus reveals the intense pain and difficulty of accepting the loss, as every reminder of the person intensifies the emotions, leaving the narrator overwhelmed and alone.

The chorus and post-chorus capture the essence of the song's message. The narrator describes dancing with their eyes closed, a metaphorical representation of the attempt to shut out the pain by avoiding the reality of the person's absence. However, despite their efforts, every corner they turn and everything they see reminds them of the person they have lost.

In the second verse, the narrator acknowledges their delusion and their longing for the person to return. They admit that pretending everything is fine is not a solution and express the weight of the blue emotions they are experiencing. The pre-chorus reinforces the idea that no one is ever truly prepared for such loss, and life continues despite the profound changes it brings.

The bridge introduces a contrast, highlighting the loneliness the narrator feels as they remain in the bar, still dancing with their eyes closed while others have gone home. This emphasizes their struggle to let go and move on.

Ultimately, the song's message focuses on the ongoing struggle to cope with loss and the difficulty of facing the reality of life without the person. Despite the passing of time, the pain remains, and the narrator finds solace in their own private dance, acknowledging that their healing process may take longer than expected.