Meaning of "When I Close My Eyes" by Lizz Wright

The lyrics of "When I Close My Eyes" by Lizz Wright depict the internal battle of the speaker as they try to move on from a past relationship. Closing their eyes is symbolic of shutting out reality and retreating into their own thoughts and emotions. The intense longing and desire for the person they can't let go of is palpable in lines such as "I can almost taste you." This imagery suggests that the memories of this person are vivid and overwhelming, making it difficult for the speaker to face them in the real world. The line "You're still too strong" indicates the lingering emotional power that the person holds over the speaker, rendering them unable to truly let go.

The attempt to replace this person is evident in the line "I tried to replace you, but it all went wrong." The speaker recognizes that their efforts to move on and find someone new have been unsuccessful. This failure could be due to the deep emotional connection they had with the person they are trying to forget. The inability to erase and replace this person reinforces the idea that their hold on the speaker is strong and unbreakable.

The use of nature imagery in the lyrics adds a layer of symbolism. The line "Cause seeds don't crawl up the mountain, and they don't fall far from the tree" suggests that just as seeds cannot defy the laws of nature, the speaker cannot escape the imprint of their past relationship. The repetition of "I keep holding on" emphasizes the speaker's struggle to let go, as they continue to cling to their memories and emotions regarding this person.

Overall, "When I Close My Eyes" conveys the turmoil and internal conflict of someone who is unable to move on from a past love. The lyrics explore themes of longing, failed attempts at replacement, and the powerful hold memories can have on an individual. It is a heartfelt ode to the struggle of letting go and finding closure in the wake of a lost relationship.