“Eyes Closed” is Ed Sheeran’s first single from his upcoming album “-” (pronounced Subtract), scheduled for release on May 5. It is an emotionally intense song about love, loss and trying to deal with inner pain. In it, Sheeran sings about how hard it is to let go of the past, especially when the memories of a lost love are still alive. It’s as if his character is dancing with his eyes closed, trying to escape reality, but the past still haunts.
The music video enhances the emotional impact: in it Sheeran is accompanied by a huge blue monster, a visual symbol of his grief and emotional breakdown. This metaphor is inspired by the movie Garvey (1950) and children’s books, in which imaginary friends reflect a child’s inner feelings. Here, however, the “monster” is not a friend, but a burden that cannot be ignored. He is everywhere Sheeran is, which makes the image even more touching.
Interestingly, the song was originally written as a reflection on the topic of divorce, but was later reworked after the deep personal tragedy the artist experienced. This makes “Eyes Closed” especially personal and honest – the voice of someone who has gone through a lot of pain can be heard in it.
The involvement of producer Aaron Dessner of The National, who worked with Taylor Swift on “Folklore” and “Evermore,” has gotten a lot of attention. Despite this collaboration, however, the transformative effect of Dessner’s work behind the mixing desk has yet to be particularly noticeable. Sonically, “Eyes Closed” is closer to Sheeran’s previous pop ballads than to the more chamber and atmospheric aesthetic of Dessner’s projects. Perhaps the other tracks on the album “-” will reveal this creative union more fully.
Is it worth listening to?
If you are close to themes of loss, longing and personal struggle, “Eyes Closed” is sure to resonate. It’s not a revolution in Sheeran’s work, but the sincerity with which he shares his pain is noteworthy. The song hooks – albeit on familiar notes.
