Shirtsleeves
Shirtsleeves

Ed Sheeran - Shirtsleeves Lyrics

This poignant ballad explores the theme of emotional vulnerability and heartbreak. The protagonist is depicted as a supportive figure, offering comfort to his love interest despite her unrequited feelings for another. The recurring metaphor of the 'ocean'… Read more

Singer/Songwriter
Jun 20, 2014
3K
Shirtsleeves Music Video

Shirtsleeves Lyrics

I can taste salt water
And if I blink again
You'll be sinking in
So we'll learn to swim in the oceans you made
I'll hold ya and you'll think of him
And pretty soon you'll be floating away

And I'll hold on to the words you spoke of
Anchored down in the throat, love
And I'm captain of this sinking boat now
With just one armband to carry me home

When salted tears won't dry
I'll wipe my shirtsleeves
Under your eyes
These hearts will be flooded tonight
I'll wipe my shirtsleeves
Under your eyes
Your eyes, your eyes, your eyes, your eyes, your eyes

I still taste salt water
On my lips from your kiss, bitterness
And I'll drown within the oceans you made
And I hate to love you, these cuffs are covered in your make up
I'll never trust you again
You can just be a friend

And I'll hold on to the words you spoke of
Anchored down in the throat, love
And I'm captain of this sinking boat now
With just one armband to carry me home

When salted tears won't dry
I'll wipe my shirtsleeves
Under your eyes
These hearts will be flooded tonight
I'll wipe my shirtsleeves
Under your eyes

Your eyes, your lips, your mouth
Your thighs, your back, you drive me wild
Tonight, the fact is I
I'm on my way home
I'm on my way home
I lied, I tried to cry but I'm, I'm drowning in the oceans you made

When salted tears won't dry
I'll wipe my shirtsleeves
Under your eyes
These hearts will be flooded tonight
I'll wipe my shirtsleeves
Under your eyes
Your eyes, your eyes, your eyes, your eyes, your eyes

Writer(s): Ed Sheeran
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Shirtsleeves?

This poignant ballad explores the theme of emotional vulnerability and heartbreak. The protagonist is depicted as a supportive figure, offering comfort to his love interest despite her unrequited feelings for another. The recurring metaphor of the 'ocean' represents the overwhelming emotions experienced during heartache, with the protagonist himself being drawn into this emotional turmoil. The 'shirtsleeves' symbolize his willingness to absorb her pain, evidenced by him wiping away her tears. Yet, he struggles with his own feelings towards her, leading to a complex interplay of love and resentment. In essence, this song paints a vivid picture of the intricacies of unreciprocated love and the toll it takes on those involved. #UnrequitedLove #EmotionalTurmoil #Heartbreak #Resilience

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