Castle On The Hill
FAMILY ROOM - Ed Sheeran Lyrics


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When I was six years old I broke my leg
I was running from my brother and his friends
Tasted the sweet perfume of the mountain grass I rolled down
I was younger then, take me back to when I

Found my heart and broke it here
Made friends and lost them through the years
And I've not seen the roaring fields in so long, I know I've grown
But I can't wait to go home

I'm on my way
Driving at ninety down those country lanes
Singing to "Tiny Dancer"
And I miss the way you make me feel, and it's real
When we watched the sunset over the castle on the hill

Fifteen years old and smoking hand-rolled cigarettes
Running from the law through the backfields and getting drunk with my friends
Had my first kiss on a Friday night, I don't reckon that I did it right
But I was younger then, take me back to when

We found weekend jobs, when we got paid
We'd buy cheap spirits and drink them straight
Me and my friends have not thrown up in so long, oh how we've grown
But I can't wait to go home

I'm on my way
Driving at ninety down those country lanes
Singing to "Tiny Dancer"
And I miss the way you make me feel, and it's real
When we watched the sunset over the castle on the hill
We watched the sunset over the castle on the hill

One friend left to sell clothes and
One works down by the coast
One had two kids but lives alone
One's brother overdosed
One's already on his second wife
One's just barely getting by
But these people raised me
And I can't wait to go home

And I'm on my way, I still remember
These old country lanes
When we did not know the answers
And I miss the way you make me feel, it's real
When we watched the sunset over the castle on the hill
We watched the sunset over the castle on the hill
We watched the sunset over the castle on the hill

Overall Meaning

In the song "Castle on the Hill" by Ed Sheeran, the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the singer's nostalgic journey back to his hometown, reflecting on the memories and experiences that shaped him into who he is today. The opening verse describes a childhood incident where the singer broke his leg while playing with his brother and friends, reminiscing about the carefree days when he roamed the mountain grass and felt the innocence of youth. The imagery of the sweet mountain grass and the taste of freedom captures the essence of a simpler time, highlighting the longing to go back to that carefree era.


As the song progresses, the singer reflects on the passage of time and the changes that come with growing up. He recalls heartbreak, friendship, and youthful rebelliousness, acknowledging the impact of those formative years on his life. The mention of "roaring fields" and the desire to return home reinforce the theme of nostalgia and the longing for the familiar comforts of his past.


The chorus of the song signifies the singer's journey back home, driving down country lanes while singing along to "Tiny Dancer," evoking a sense of freedom and joy. The sunset over the castle on the hill becomes a symbolic representation of the singer's longing for a place of peace and belonging, where he can reconnect with his roots and find solace in the memories of his youth.


In the final verse, the singer reflects on the lives of his childhood friends and the impact of time and circumstance on their paths. Each line tells a story of struggles, losses, and resilience, emphasizing the bond and sense of community that shaped the singer's upbringing. Despite the challenges and changes they have faced, the singer remains connected to his roots and eagerly anticipates returning home to the familiar faces and places that have influenced his journey.


Overall, "Castle on the Hill" captures the bittersweet emotions of nostalgia, growth, and the enduring ties to one's hometown. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt storytelling, Ed Sheeran's lyrics resonate with listeners as they reflect on their own experiences of youth, friendship, and the journey back home.


Line by Line Meaning

When I was six years old I broke my leg
At a young age, I experienced physical pain and vulnerability


I was running from my brother and his friends
I was seeking adventure and escape from challenges presented by older peers


And tasted the sweet perfume of the mountain grass I rolled down
I embraced the beauty of nature in my youthful exploration


I was younger then, take me back to when I
Reflecting on a simpler time when life was more carefree


Found my heart and broke it here
Discovered love and faced the pain of heartbreak in this place


Made friends and lost them through the years
Formed connections that were eventually severed as time passed


And I've not seen the roaring fields in so long, I know I've grown
Realizing personal growth through absence from familiar surroundings


But I can't wait to go home
Anticipating the comfort and nostalgia of returning to my roots


I'm on my way
Currently journeying towards a destination of reminiscence


Driving at ninety down those country lanes
Speeding through rural roads, eager to reach my hometown


Singing to "Tiny Dancer"
Engaging in joyful self-expression through music


And I miss the way you make me feel, and it's real
Longing for the emotional connection that once existed


We watched the sunset over the castle on the hill
Shared a meaningful moment with someone special in a picturesque setting


Fifteen years old and smoking hand-rolled cigarettes
Rebelling and experimenting with risky behaviors in adolescence


Running from the law through the backfields and getting drunk with my friends
Engaging in reckless activities and seeking camaraderie in rebellion


Had my first kiss on a Friday night, I don't reckon that I did it right
Navigating the awkwardness and uncertainty of teenage romantic experiences


We found weekend jobs, when we got paid
Joined the workforce to earn money for leisure activities


We'd buy cheap spirits and drink them straight
Indulged in inexpensive alcohol and revelry with friends


Me and my friends have not thrown up in so long, oh how we've grown
Reflecting on past recklessness and recognizing personal maturity


One friend left to sell clothes
A friend pursued a career in retail


One works down by the coast
Another friend has a job near the ocean


One had two kids but lives alone
A friend is a parent but experiences solitude in personal life


One's brother overdosed
Tragic loss occurred in a friend's family


One's already on his second wife
A friend has gone through multiple marriages


One's just barely getting by
A friend is struggling to make ends meet


But these people raised me and I can't wait to go home
Expressing gratitude for the influence and support of hometown friends


I still remember
Retaining vivid memories of past experiences


When we did not know the answers
Reflecting on a time of uncertainty and exploration in youth




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Benjamin Joseph Levin, Edward Christopher Sheeran

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@kibumsbestie4598

I miss my friends.
I miss playing outside every day after school.
I miss going to their lake house.
I miss going to the beach with them.
I miss turning random stuff into something fun.
I miss our movie nights.
I miss our cookouts.
I miss being together
I miss having to come inside when the streetlights came on.
I miss catching fireflies together.
I miss everything about back then, and everyone.
I miss you guys.

Unfortunately for me, it was cut short because my dad had an affair with one of their parents 🥲



All comments from YouTube:

@merakid6069

The way this song is able to capture the feeling of nostalgia so accuratley is not fair because why am I crying??

@MRSOMEAWE1

0:00-0:53 perfectly captures my life. I feel that nostalgia too bro

@MikeFox

Lyrical genius...

@philipalxander

Mike Fox try Kendrick mate

@craftedsociety

Mike Fox when your favourite youtuber comments on your favourite musicians video because FUCK👌🏼

@duncanplays9734

Mike Fox Totally Agree Man!

@jessica3710

Mike Fox agreed

@ash-zt5fs

Mike Fox MIKEEE IS HERE

67 More Replies...

@rokaiya6501

This song makes me think of memories that I never had

@helen3019

Makes me think I'm a Irish girl who was taken out of country for unknown reasons but then as i grows up I return back home

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