Dark Times
Ed Sheeran ft. The Weekend Lyrics

Mhm (mhm)
The opening sounds of the song, indicating a mood of contemplation and reflection.

Waking up, half past five
The singer is waking up early in the morning, after going to bed late the night before.

Blood on pillow and one bruised eye
The singer has physical injuries from a past altercation, likely with another person.

Drunk too much, you know what I'm like
The artist recognizes that they have a tendency to drink too much and behave recklessly.

But you should've seen the other guy
The artist suggests that they were not the only person involved in the altercation, and that the other person also sustained injuries.

This ain't the right time for you to fall in love with me
The singer acknowledges that their current circumstances are not conducive to a healthy romantic relationship.

Well baby I'm just being honest
The singer wants to be truthful with their partner.

And I know my lies could not make you believe
The artist accepts that their past lies have caused their partner to doubt them.

We're running in circles that's why
The artist and their partner seem to have a pattern of repeating the same mistakes and arguments.

In my dark times I'll be going back to the street
The artist acknowledges that during difficult times, they may turn to old, unhealthy habits and behaviors.

Promising everything I do not mean
The singer recognizes that they may make empty promises during these dark times.

In my dark times, baby this is all I could be
The artist feels that during difficult periods, they are not able to be the best version of themselves.

And only my mother can love me for me
The singer suggests that they feel unlovable or unworthy of love from others, except for their mother.

Light one up, let me bum a smoke, uh
The singer asks for a cigarette, likely to help them relax and cope with stress.

Still coming down, dripping throat, uh
The singer suggests that they are experiencing physical symptoms of withdrawal or fatigue.

I got another man's blood on my clothes
The artist wore the same clothes they had on during the physical altercation, and still has evidence of it on their clothing.

But it ain't his fault, it's the life I chose
The artist accepts responsibility for their own choices and actions, even if they have negative consequences.

In my dark times I've still got some problems I know
The singer is aware that they have ongoing issues and challenges, regardless of the context or situation.

Driving too fast but just moving too slow
The singer is in a hurry to make changes in their life, but perhaps feels stuck or unable to do so.

And I've got something I've been trying to let go
The artist has been struggling to move past a certain issue or problem in their life.

Pulling me back every time
The issue or problem the artist is facing keeps them from moving forward or progressing in their life.

Taking it back to the street
The artist is returning to an urban or gritty environment, which may be a symbol of hardship or struggle.

Making those promises that I could not keep
The singer acknowledges that they may make promises that they are not able to fulfill, especially during tough times.

In my dark times, baby this is all I could be
The artist feels that during difficult periods, they are not able to be the best version of themselves.

Only my mother could love me for me
The singer suggests that they feel unlovable or unworthy of love from others, except for their mother.

In my dark times taking it down to the street
The singer is intentionally returning to a difficult environment where they must confront their personal problems and issues.

Making those promises that I would never keep
The singer acknowledges that they may struggle to keep promises, even if they have good intentions.

In my dark times this is all I could be
The artist feels that they are limited in their ability to overcome their problems and challenges during difficult periods.

Only my mother could love me for me
The artist suggests that they feel unlovable or unworthy of love from others, except for their mother.

In my dark times (dark times)
The song title and theme is repeated, suggesting the importance and significance of the message being conveyed.

In my dark times, no (dark times)
The singer emphasizes that the difficulties they face during challenging periods are not to be romanticized.