Curtains
Ed Sheeran Lyrics

Can you pull the curtains? Let me see the sunshine
Asking someone to help them out of the darkness and isolation they've been living in

I think I'm done with my hiding place and you found my anyway
Acknowledging that they've been hiding themselves away from the world, but someone important still managed to find them

It's been forever, but I'm feeling alright
Despite the long-term struggles they've been facing, they're starting to feel hopeful about the future

Tears dry and we'll leave no trace, and tomorrow's another day
The pain of the past will eventually fade and they can leave it behind, ready to face a new day and a new beginning

Hide and seek, I am somewhere closed away
Comparing their emotional state to a child's game of hide and seek, where they've been hiding from the world

You won't believe how long it's been since I started the game
The person has been hiding for such a long time that they almost forgot it was a game they started playing as a coping mechanism

I can't be seen and you won't find me today
They're feeling particularly hopeless today and don't want to be found or seen by anyone

I've not been this low, but I'll be okay
Admitting that they're in a particularly dark place, but still trying to remain optimistic about the future

'Are you alright?' Maybe don't ask
Pushing away people's attempts to reach out to them and avoiding discussing their feelings

'Cause you know I never like to talk about that
Acknowledging that they've been known to avoid discussing their feelings in the past

Keep it inside, yeah, you say I always hold back
Others have noticed their tendency to keep their emotions bottled up

And I always wear long sleeves
A possible reference to self-harm scars or other visible signs of emotional distress

Is it in your childhood? Something happen in your past?
Wondering if their current struggles stem from past traumas or events

Well, the sadness, yeah, I promise that it won't last
Despite the pain they're experiencing, they bear hope for a better future where they can be happy

And if I could, I would try to take it all back
Regret for the past and wishing they could change it if they could

There's still more underneath and it's when you say to me
There's a deeper layer of emotions that they haven't been able to express yet and only the support of others could get better

Hide and seek, count to ten and close your eyes
Continuing the comparison to the game of hide and seek and asking the listener to count to ten and give them a chance to hide again

Try to breathe, see a message and don't reply
Encouraging mindfulness and taking the time to process their emotions rather than reacting impulsively

Nice to meet, but in reality, say goodbye
Acknowledging that meeting new people and forming new connections can be difficult when they're struggling with depression or anxiety

Life can be so beautiful if we try
Despite the darkness they're currently feeling, they know that life has the potential to be beautiful and worth living

'Are you okay?' Yeah, I guess so
Admitting that they're not exactly okay, but they don't want to burden others with their struggles

But on some days, I feel like I'm trapped in a hole
Acknowledging that there are still some bad days where they feel completely helpless and alone

But I keep quite, so the ones around me don't know
Hiding their true feelings from those around them and putting on a facade of being okay

That the mountain feels so steep
The road to recovery feels overwhelming and insurmountable

And I'll say that I'm here to help to carry the load
Despite their internal struggles, they still want to support those around them and be a source of strength

And the outside rays, they are good for the soul
Sunshine and fresh air can be therapeutic and healing

So let's step out of the dark 'cause in here, it's so cold
Inviting the listener to help them out of their darkness and isolation, where it feels cold and uninviting

The day's not out of reach and that's when you say to me
The future still holds hope and promise, and the listener's support could make a huge difference

Let me see the sunshine, shine, shine
A repetition of the first line, reiterating the desire to see positivity and hope in their life