End Of Youth

Ed Sheeran's 'End Of Youth' is a poignant reflection on the transition from the carefree days of youth to the more challenging and often painful realities of adulthood. The lyrics convey a sense of loss and the struggle to cope with the changes and hardships that life brings. Sheeran touches on themes of substance abuse, mental health, and the complexities of relationships, suggesting that the end of youth is marked by a loss of innocence and the onset of darker, more difficult times.

The song begins with a candid admission of depression and an attempt to numb the pain with alcohol, highlighting the artist's vulnerability. Sheeran also discusses the impact of a significant other on his decision to clean up his act, illustrating the profound effect relationships can have on personal growth and decision-making. The recurring theme of struggling to grow and take one's own advice suggests an internal conflict and the difficulty of self-improvement. The chorus questions whether the pain that comes with growing up is an inevitable part of losing one's youth, and whether it's possible to ever truly move on from the hurt.

The latter verses of the song delve into the artist's past struggles with mental health and the pressures of living up to expectations. Sheeran describes the loneliness that accompanies success and the fair-weather nature of some relationships. The metaphor of darkness infiltrating the openness of youth encapsulates the transition from innocence to experience, implying that the challenges of life can harden and close off individuals who once approached the world with optimism and openness. 'End Of Youth' is a melancholic ode to the inevitable changes that come with growing up and the emotional toll they can take.