When I Close My Eyes

Tom Odell's "When I Close My Eyes" is a poignant exploration of loss, memory, and the haunting presence of a loved one who is no longer there. The song captures the essence of solitude and the struggle to cope with the absence of someone significant. The opening lines set the stage for this emotional journey, as the protagonist describes an empty house and the curious inquiries of a neighbor, highlighting the void left behind by the departed loved one.

The recurring theme of closing one's eyes serves as a powerful metaphor for the act of reminiscing. In these moments of introspection, the protagonist conjures vivid images of the past, where the presence of the loved one feels almost tangible. However, the painful realization that these are mere figments of the imagination—a "ghost" or "fragment of the mind"—underscores the deep sense of longing and the difficulty of moving on. This duality of memory, both comforting and painful, is a central theme in the song.

Odell's lyrics also touch on the passage of time and the struggle to find meaning in the present. The protagonist's nights are filled with attempts to escape loneliness, while the days are marked by a sense of emptiness. The imagery of the setting sun and the rising of a new day symbolizes the cyclical nature of grief and the hope for renewal. Yet, the only solace seems to come from the fleeting moments when the protagonist closes their eyes, offering a temporary reprieve from reality and a connection to the past.