In early 2016 Blanco White released 'The Wind Rose' via Yucatan Records, a self-produced debut EP. A second EP 'Colder Heavens' was later recorded in the Autumn, this time with producer Ian Grimble (Bear's Den, Matt Corby, Daughter). The third EP ‘Nocturne’ was then released in 2018.
His debut album ’On the Other Side’ is released June 5th 2020.
Eyes Wide Open
Blanco White Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All you conceal, let out
If my spirit′s broken, it never made a sound
I'm here, but you can follow, long gone out of reach
To forget what I′d forgotten
But the truth is love won't let me be
Let me be
Let me be
I walk and the air felt heavy
Dust spread across the room
I know how I got here, but I came here far too soon
You saw me break a promise that was not meant to be
Don't forgive me ′til it′s honest
Won't your mind change? A sign is all I need
All I need
It′s all I need
All I need
In "Eyes Wide Open," Blanco White explores the theme of vulnerability and the struggle to maintain emotional distance in a relationship. The singer acknowledges that their partner sees them with "eyes wide open," meaning that they are fully aware of their flaws and secrets. The singer allows their partner to see their true self, revealing their hidden emotions and vulnerabilities.
The line "If my spirit's broken, it never made a sound" suggests that even if the singer is emotionally hurt or damaged, they have learned to mask their pain and keep it hidden. They have become adept at concealing their true feelings, possibly as a defense mechanism.
The singer acknowledges their presence but also acknowledges that they are "long gone out of reach," meaning that they have distanced themselves emotionally. They may be trying to forget or escape a past hurt, but they realize that love won't let them completely detach. The line "But the truth is love won't let me be" emphasizes the difficulty of moving on despite the desire to do so.
In the second verse, the singer describes a heavy atmosphere and a sense of regret. The imagery of dust spread across the room suggests a neglected or stagnant environment. The singer feels misplaced or rushed into a situation that they weren't ready for, symbolized by coming "here far too soon." They broke a promise, possibly to themselves or their partner, and are seeking forgiveness. However, they know that forgiveness can only come when they are honest and genuine in their intentions.
The final lines express the singer's longing for a sign of change from their partner. They hope that a gesture or indication will assure them that things can improve and that forgiveness is possible. "A sign is all I need" shows the singer's vulnerability and need for reassurance.
Overall, "Eyes Wide Open" delves into the complexities of relationships, vulnerability, and the struggle to reconcile past mistakes to foster growth and forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you with eyes wide open
I see you clearly and completely, without any illusions or ignorance
All you conceal, let out
Expose and reveal everything that you hide or keep hidden
If my spirit's broken, it never made a sound
Even if my soul is shattered, I never showed any signs of it externally
I'm here, but you can follow, long gone out of reach
I'm physically present, but emotionally distant and unreachable
To forget what I'd forgotten
In order to intentionally neglect or overlook the things that I had previously forgotten
But the truth is love won't let me be
However, love doesn't allow me to be at peace or alone with my thoughts
Let me be
Allow me to have my own space and solitude
I walk and the air felt heavy
As I move forward, the atmosphere becomes oppressive and burdensome
Dust spread across the room
Particles of neglect and decay pervade the space
I know how I got here, but I came here far too soon
I understand the circumstances that led me to this point, but I arrived prematurely or before I was ready
You saw me break a promise that was not meant to be
You witnessed me betraying a commitment that was never destined to be fulfilled
Don't forgive me 'til it's honest
Please withhold forgiveness until I genuinely acknowledge and rectify my actions
Won't your mind change? A sign is all I need
Is it not possible for you to reconsider? I only require a signal or indication of hope
All I need
This is the only thing I require
It's all I need
This is the sole necessity in my life
All I need
This is the only thing I require
Writer(s): Joshua James Edwards, Jon Altham
Contributed by Lillian I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.