Even My Dad Does Sometimes by Ed Sheeran Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Vulnerability Behind the Melody
Lyrics
Even my dad does sometimes
So don’t wipe your eyes
Tears remind you you’re alive
It’s alright to die
‘Cause death’s the only thing you haven’t tried
But just for tonight, hold on
So live life like you’re giving up
‘Cause you act like you are
Go ahead and just live it up
Go on and tear me apart
It’s alright to shake
Even my hand does sometimes
So inside, we’ll rage
Against the dying of the light
It’s alright to say that death’s the only thing you haven’t tried
But just for today, hold on
So live life like you’re giving all
‘Cause you act like you are
Go ahead and just live it up
Go on and tear me apart, and hold on
Live life like you’re giving all
‘Cause you act like you are
Go ahead and just live it up
Go on and tear me apart, and hold on
Ed Sheeran has long been hailed as a troubadour of the modern age, crafting songs that blend heartfelt earnestness with acoustic charm. ‘Even My Dad Does Sometimes’ is an exemplary testament to his ability to touch on delicate emotions with a simple, yet profound lyricism. At first glance, this piece may seem like another melodic entry in Sheeran’s discography, yet its lyrical depths offer a poignant exploration of human vulnerability and the universality of inner struggles.
The song serves as an anthem for acceptance, recognizing the tears and fights that come with life’s ebbs and flows. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to experience a wide range of emotions, including the ones society often tells us to suppress. Ed Sheeran uses his soothing voice to convey a message that is as consoling as it is liberating, engaging with his listeners in the most intimate of ways.
Shedding Tears in the Face of Stoicism: It’s Alright to Cry
In the first verse, Sheeran dismantles the traditional notion of stoicism, especially in men, that regards emotional expression as a weakness. When he sings, ‘It’s alright to cry, even my dad does sometimes,’ he’s bridging the gap between generations and breaking down barriers of masculinity. The simplicity of this admission is a powerful acknowledgment that even the strongest figures in our lives have moments of vulnerability.
Beyond the familial reference, the lyrics serve as a universal nod to the human condition—one where showing emotions is not only natural but necessary for reaffirming our humanity. ‘Tears remind you you’re alive,’ Sheeran croons, a line that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever felt ashamed for simply feeling.
Contemplating the Inevitable: A Dance with Mortality
Touching upon themes of mortality, the song confronts the often-taboo subject of death. The lyrics, ‘It’s alright to die, ’cause death’s the only thing you haven’t tried,’ are a stark reminder of life’s fleeting nature, urging listeners to embrace their existence in its entirety. The juxtaposition of death with the encouragement to ‘just for tonight, hold on,’ captures the duality of acknowledging our mortality while choosing to persevere.
Sheeran is not being morbid but instead inviting his audience to look death in the eye as a way to appreciate life. This acknowledgment of death as the final unexperienced frontier drives home the importance of living fully and holding onto every precious moment.
The Hidden Meanings: Confronting the Dying Light
Faced with the ‘dying of the light,’ a phrase famously penned by poet Dylan Thomas, Sheeran crafts his own rally against surrender. The act of ‘raging’ against this dying light isn’t just a fight against darkness or an end, it’s a metaphorical battle against giving in to despair and hopelessness within oneself.
The emotional turmoil and internal battles that we face are represented by the trembling in our hands, an imagery Sheeran uses to highlight our common fears and anxieties. His lyrics coax listeners to hold fast against these trials, to resist the darkness, and to find the strength to carry on.
Carpe Diem with a Twist: An Anthem for the Jaded
In ‘Even My Dad Does Sometimes,’ the chorus reverberates with the mantra of seizing the day, albeit with a caveat. The repetition of living ‘life like you’re giving up’ and then directly contrasting it with the push to ‘go ahead and just live it up’ creates a tension between surrender and celebration.
This complexity speaks volumes to those who feel worn out by life’s demands. Sheeran compels the listener to embrace life’s ironies and contradictions—to live passionately even if it feels like you’re on the verge of giving in. It’s a battle cry for those who are familiar with the brink of defeat yet choose resilience.
Memorable Lines that Echo in the Silence: ‘Hold On’
Amid the poetic contemplation and the call to live out loud, it’s the simplicity of the phrase ‘hold on’ that lingers longest. This refrain becomes a mantra, a two-word lifeline that encapsulates the essence of human endurance. It’s an acknowledgment that at times, the act of holding on is in itself an act of immeasurable strength and courage.
It is this sentiment that renders Sheeran’s message so profoundly relatable and memorable; the concept of holding on speaks universally to experiences of struggle, resilience, and the continual effort to navigate the seas of life, no matter how turbulent they may become.
