The Ending
Ellie Goulding Lyrics
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If you lock me out
If you lock me out
If you lock me out
If you lock me out
Me out
I've never seen a footprint
In the land of rivers
You're my only bridge
And I feel the fear in me
And I don't wanna fall asleep
When I turn into someone else
I know that it can't be beat
If you lock me out
If you lock me out
If you lock me out
If you lock me out
If you lock me out
If you lock me out
If you lock me out
If you lock me out
If you lock
If you lock
If you lock
If you lock
If you lock me
Will you know I am?
(If you lock me)
Will you know you are?
(If you lock me)
Will you know I am?
(If you lock me)
Will you know you are?
I think I've been praying
The lights won't go out
My body's getting colder
As I follow this road down
If you lock me out
(There won't be anything to hold)
If you lock me out
(There won't be anything to hold on)
If you lock me out
(There won't be anyone in the end)
If you lock me out
(There won't be anyone in the end)
If you lock me out
(There won't be anything to hold)
If you lock me out
(There won't be anything to hold on)
If you lock me out
(There won't be anyone in the end)
If you lock me out
(There won't be anyone in the ending)
The lyrics to "The Ending" describe a sense of fear and uncertainty about what will happen if the person singing is "locked out" of someone's life. It seems as though this person is deeply connected to the other and relies on them as their "only bridge." Without them, they feel lost and afraid, like they're wandering in a wilderness where no one has ever gone before. They're worried that if they're rejected or shut out, they'll transform into someone they don't recognize, losing themselves in the process.
What's intriguing about these lyrics is that while they convey a sense of desperation and urgency, there's also a glimmer of hope. The repetition of "If you lock me out" suggests that the singer is longing for reassurance that they won't be left alone. They're asking for confirmation that they matter to the other person, that they'll be remembered even if they're not physically present anymore. At the same time, they seem to be questioning their own identity and worth, wondering if they'll be known and remembered even if they're not "locked in."
One interpretation of the song's title and lyrics is that it's exploring the end of a relationship or the end of a phase of life. The singer is afraid of losing something that's been a central part of their world, but they're also curious about what might be waiting for them beyond the ending. They're grappling with the idea that even in the midst of loss and uncertainty, there might be new beginnings and unexpected opportunities to discover who they really are.
Line by Line Meaning
If you lock me out
Repeating the phrase emphasizes the importance of not being excluded or shut out by someone
Me out
Emphasizes the personal, emotional nature of the exclusion
I'm living on the wild side
Living a risky, unpredictable life
I've never seen a footprint
Metaphor for living a life outside of the usual constraints of society
In the land of rivers, you're my only bridge
Metaphor for relying on a specific person to connect with the world
And I feel the fear in me
Acknowledging the anxiety that comes from relying on someone else
And I don't wanna fall asleep
Refusing to ignore the reality of the situation and become complacent or passive
When I turn into someone else
Change is inevitable when relying on someone else for support
I know that it can't be beat
The feeling of finding someone who understands and supports you is irreplaceable
Will you know I am?
Asking if the person will still recognize and care about me if they exclude me
I think I've been praying
Seeking comfort or guidance
The lights won't go out
Hoping for things to remain stable and consistent
My body's getting colder
Feeling physically and emotionally vulnerable
As I follow this road down
Continuing down the path that relies on someone else's support, even though it's scary
(There won't be anything to hold)
If excluded, there won't be any emotional support or stability
(There won't be anything to hold on)
Without someone to rely on, there won't be any hope or reason to keep going
(There won't be anyone in the end)
The fear of being ultimately alone if relying on someone else doesn't work out
(There won't be anyone in the ending)
The same fear of being ultimately alone, expressed differently
Contributed by Juliana A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@chrisferroh
This is one of the best songs. The production is incredible. So sad is very underrated....
@austinmcalister2407
Wonโt be long before I promote this
@nguyenviethung9162
it only took 10 years for her to upload this. I was awestruck when I found out this song was in Halcyon 10 years ago, and still awestruck now because it's still sound so fresh and good.
@steve-ev5em
I think this probably her best song, like the production, the way it flows constantly, the guitar at the end its just her best!!
@goldentimes7731
Her best electronic song of all time. The way it creates a tension in the listener's mind is just amazing. Also at the end, the electric guitar gives me goosebumps.
@theathee
This song is so underrated!
@HalcyonRyan
So Amazing, it leads into Delirium as well, its like shifting through the uncertainty of the trees and coming into a bright sunny and clear day.
@pabloperez8913
Especially onto to the intro on delirium it completely encapsulates the intensity of aftertaste as well.
@chrisferroh
PS. I'm obsessed with the guitar sound of the end โค๏ธโค๏ธโค๏ธ
@emotion_deluxe
They just don't make electronic music like this anymore.