Meaning of Eyes Closed by Halsey

In Halsey's hauntingly beautiful song "Eyes Closed," the overarching theme is the struggle to move on from a past love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is caught in a cycle of longing for their previous partner, even as they try to find solace in someone new. Each lyric serves as a profound exploration of different aspects of this theme, uncovering unexpected and imaginative depths of emotion.The opening lines of the song, "I, I know where to lay, I know what to say, it's all the same," convey a sense of familiarity and repetition. Here, the theme of complacency emerges, highlighting how the protagonist may have fallen into a routine or a comfort zone within their previous relationship. However, despite knowing the routine, the lyrics suggest that it ultimately became monotonous and unfulfilling.As the song progresses, the chorus offers a particularly striking refrain: "Now if I keep my eyes closed he looks just like you, but he'll never stay, they never do." This line delves into the theme of yearning for familiarity and the inability to find it in new partners. The protagonist desperately tries to replace their former lover, but deep down, they know that no one can compare. The sentiment that "they never stay, they never do" hints not only at fleeting relationships but also at the fear of being abandoned or left behind.Another standout line is "Would've gave it all for you, cared for you, so tell me where I went wrong." This lyric beautifully encompasses the theme of self-reflection and introspection. The protagonist questions their own actions and wonders if their effort and love were somehow insufficient. This theme explores the self-blame that often accompanies the end of a relationship, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own experiences.Moving forward, the line "They don't realize that I'm thinking about you, it's nothing new, it's nothing new" evokes the theme of concealed emotions and the pretense of moving on. Despite trying to bury their thoughts, the protagonist's emotions still linger, suggesting a difficulty in truly letting go of their past love. This explores the theme of hidden pain, reminding us that even when we put on a brave face, our true feelings may still be present beneath the surface.Lastly, the lyric "But you've been replaced, I'm face to face with someone new" embodies the theme of self-discovery and the bittersweet realization that moving on means embracing someone different. The narrator acknowledges that they have found someone new, someone who should make them happy, yet they can't help but feel the lingering absence of their past partner. It delves into the complexities of starting anew and emphasizes the struggle of finding a new connection that can never fully replicate what was lost.To bring all these themes together, "Eyes Closed" explores the emotional journey of moving on from a past love. It delves into the challenges of accepting new relationships, wrestling with feelings of longing and guilt, and ultimately discovering one's own path to healing. The song reminds us that moving forward doesn't always mean forgetting or completely replacing the past, but rather finding a way to navigate a future that might be different and unfamiliar.With its evocative lyrics and Halsey's mesmerizing vocals, "Eyes Closed" takes listeners on a deeply introspective journey. It invites us to reflect not only on our own experiences with heartbreak but also to recognize the profound complexities of love, loss, and the eternal struggle to find closure.