Meaning of "Eden" by Sara Bareilles

The lyrics of "Eden" delve into themes of disillusionment, betrayal, and the loss of innocence. The song opens with the speaker painting a picture of a past life in Eden, a symbol of a blissful paradise. However, the tone quickly shifts as the speaker talks about rolling a pair of dice, which represent taking a chance, and ending up biting the forbidden fruit and experiencing suffering. The name "Eden" itself becomes a symbol of the deceivingly perfect façade, as the angels in this paradise start acting the same, losing their individuality. The verse implies that there is no going back to the innocence that once existed.

The second verse introduces the serpent-shaped heart, a biblical reference to the serpent that tempts Eve in the Garden of Eden. The speaker reveals that their innocence was stolen, awakening them to the harsh realities of life. The imagery of being wide awake and still paying for the poison represents the lasting effects of betrayal and deceit.

The chorus repeats the desire for change, with the speaker expressing that they would start with changing the name "Eden" itself. The pain felt cannot be erased simply by denying its existence, and the speaker resents being asked why they left, suggesting that it is self-evident that life in Eden has changed for the worse.

The bridge further emphasizes the disillusionment and the realization that what was once seen as the "best" is now suffocating. The air in Eden becomes suffocating, symbolizing the toxicity of the paradise that was once idealized. The repetition of the line "Life in Eden changed" underscores the irreversible shift and the speaker's desire to distance themselves from this tainted version of paradise.

Ultimately, "Eden" explores the loss of innocence, the consequences of deception, and the longing for change. It serves as a reflection on the imperfection of what seemed perfect and the need to move on from a toxic environment.