The lyrics of "God Protect Your Soul" talk about the singer expressing concern for someone's well-being, potentially due to their reckless behavior influenced by the Devil. The singer acknowledges their own mistakes and desires to protect themselves by building a wall, but also wants to connect with others despite feeling possessive.

Meaning of "God Protect Your Soul" by Ed Harcourt

The lyrics of "God Protect Your Soul" delve into themes of personal growth, self-preservation, and the struggle between wanting to isolate oneself and craving human connection. The singer's plea for God to protect the listener's soul could be interpreted as a genuine concern for their safety and well-being, possibly due to destructive behaviors. The lines "I can't express myself 'cause I'm not fully grown" and "I need to build a wall around me" both hint at feelings of inadequacy and vulnerability, suggesting a desire to protect oneself from external influences or emotional harm. The repeated desire to smile with everybody juxtaposed with the need to build walls reflects the internal conflict between wanting to open up to others and needing to guard oneself from potential hurt or betrayal. The overall message of the song appears to highlight the complexity of human emotions, the struggle to balance self-preservation with connection, and the constant battle with inner demons or dark thoughts.