Ed Sheeran, a name synonymous with heartfelt ballads and chart-topping hits, has once again captured the hearts of many with his song Eyes Closed. This track, part of his Subtract album, delves deep into the realms of loss, grief, and the haunting memories of a loved one. But what is the story behind these poignant lyrics, and how does it fit into Sheeran’s legacy?
The Legacy of Ed Sheeran’s Subtract Album
The Subtract album marks a significant milestone in Ed Sheeran’s musical journey. It’s the final installment in his series of mathematically named albums, a stripped-down collection predominantly featuring acoustic tracks. This album showcases Sheeran at his most raw and vulnerable, a testament to his evolution as an artist. Collaborating with Aaron Dessner from The National, introduced to him by none other than Taylor Swift, Sheeran crafted some of his most profound music to date.
The Heart-Wrenching Inspiration Behind Eyes Closed
Eyes Closed stands out as a particularly emotional track on the Subtract album. Originally penned as a breakup song, its meaning transformed following Sheeran’s personal losses. The song serves as a tribute to one of his closest friends and music entrepreneur, Jamal Edwards, who tragically passed away in 2022 from cardiac arrhythmia.
Sheeran poignantly captures the essence of loss, describing the ever-present feeling of expecting to encounter the departed at familiar places. The recurring line, “Everywhere I look, I still see you,” encapsulates the haunting presence of memories and the pain of absence.
Lyric Breakdown Analysis of Eyes Closed
Verse 1: The singer reflects on the challenges of the past year, hinting at isolation and the emotional toll it has taken. The mention of “a few drinks” suggests seeking temporary relief from pain. The line “Dealin’ with the cards life dealt” indicates facing unexpected challenges, and the mention of friends being “somewhere else” hints at feelings of loneliness and abandonment.
Pre-Chorus: The singer had different expectations for the year, possibly hinting at a significant loss that occurred in February. The emotional weight of the loss is emphasised with phrases like “hit me so hard” and “how can it be this heavy?” The mention of songs and the lump in the throat indicate that music triggers memories of the person they lost, intensifying their grief.
Chorus: “Dancin’ with my eyes closed” symbolises the singer’s attempt to escape reality and the pain of loss. Despite trying to move on, they are constantly reminded of the person they miss. The slow passage of time emphasises the weight of their grief.
Post-Chorus: The repetition of “Eye-eye-eye-eyes” emphasises the act of closing one’s eyes to escape painful memories. It’s a mantra of self-comfort and a way to cope with overwhelming emotions.
Verse 2: The singer grapples with denial, hoping for the return of their loved one. The mention of colours being “more than blue” suggests trying to see the brighter side of life, but the overwhelming feeling of loss overshadows any positivity. The line “I lost more than my friend” indicates a deep, personal connection with the person they’re mourning.
Pre-Chorus: The singer’s expectations for the month are shattered by the reality of their loss. The weight of grief is again emphasised, and the realisation that life continues despite personal tragedies is both a source of pain and acceptance.
Bridge: The imagery of a closing bar and an empty floor symbolises the end of a chapter or a phase in life. Everyone else has moved on, but the singer remains stuck in their grief, emphasising their isolation.
Chorus & Post-Chorus: The chorus and post-chorus reiterate the themes of trying to escape painful memories through dance and the act of closing one’s eyes. The repetition serves to emphasise the depth of the singer’s pain and their struggle to cope.
Artist’s Insights on Eyes Closed
Ed Sheeran has been candid about the inspiration and evolution of Eyes Closed. On TikTok, he shared, “This song is about losing someone, feeling like every time you go out I expect to just bump into them, and everything just reminds me of them and the things you did together. You sorta have to take yourself out of reality sometimes to numb the pain of loss, but certain things just bring you right back into it. Blue was Jamal’s colour, but now is all I feel. And I guess music helps heal, so I’m dancing with my eyes closed to try get through it.“
Furthermore, in his documentary The Sum Of It All, Sheeran elaborated on the song’s origins. He mentioned, “I had this song that I’d written on tour in 2018 called ‘Eyes Closed’ that sort of started off as a breakup song. I didn’t really think where it would fit in. I remember being in bed one night and singing the lyric ‘I’m dancing with my eyes closed ‘cause everywhere I look, I still see you,’ and it just fit in with where I was with the Jamal situation, where everywhere I went, especially in West—He’s from West London, so everywhere I went were memories of things that we’d done together or, you know, you hear songs on the radio or out in the club and he would have something to do with it. And I just revisited that one.”
Commercial Performance and Accolades
Eyes Closed not only resonated with fans on an emotional level but also achieved commercial success. On May 5, 2023, the song was certified silver by the BPI, marking its significant impact in the music industry.
Behind the Scenes and Performances
For fans eager to delve deeper into the making of Eyes Closed, there are several resources available. These include an official lyric video, a live performance, and an acoustic rendition of the song. While there isn’t a specific behind-the-scenes video mentioned, the aforementioned resources offer a glimpse into the song’s creation and its live renditions.
Production and Release Details
Eyes Closed was produced by Ed Sheeran in collaboration with other notable artists. The song is a testament to Sheeran’s songwriting prowess, as he was instrumental in both its writing and production. The track was released as part of the Subtract album, further solidifying its place in Sheeran’s illustrious discography.
Conclusion
Eyes Closed by Ed Sheeran is more than just a song; it’s a reflection of raw emotion, personal experiences, and the universal themes of loss and love. As part of the Subtrac album, it adds another layer to Sheeran’s already impressive legacy, reminding us of the healing power of music and the connections it fosters.
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