The story centers on a protagonist who is physically with a new partner but mentally and emotionally trapped in a past relationship. It explores the "ghost" of an ex-lover who remains so vivid that the narrator must use self-deception just to function in their current reality. Key Themes of the Story
: The lyrics describe a desperate attempt to recreate the feeling of a lost love with someone else. By keeping her "eyes closed," the narrator can pretend the person she is touching is actually the person she still loves. halsey_eyes_closed_audio
: Halsey reflects on the immense sacrifices made for the former lover, noting she "would have gave it all" and "traded it all" for them, highlighting a deep, perhaps even self-destructive, loyalty. The story centers on a protagonist who is
: There is a jarring contrast between the narrator's actions (being "face to face with someone new") and her internal state (feeling like she is still with "you"). This creates a sense of guilt and emptiness, as neither the narrator nor the new partner is truly being seen. Creative Context By keeping her "eyes closed," the narrator can
In the broader concept of the hopeless fountain kingdom album, which is a reimagining of Romeo and Juliet , "Eyes Closed" fits into the "fountain" side of the story—the more vulnerable, longing, and tragic elements of a doomed romance. Musically, the track features a dark, synth-heavy production (co-written by The Weeknd) that mirrors the moody, suffocating feeling of being unable to let go.
The song by Halsey , released as a promotional single from her 2017 album hopeless fountain kingdom , tells a haunting story of lingering heartbreak and the struggle to move on. The Core Narrative