Sunburn

Ed Sheeran's 'Sunburn' delves into the emotional turmoil of a love that never fully blossomed. The song's protagonist grapples with the haunting memories of a past relationship, constantly comparing new encounters to the one that got away. The lyrics, 'You’re not her / Though I try to see you differently,' highlight the struggle of moving on while still being tethered to the past. This sense of longing is palpable as he searches for someone who can fill the void left by his former lover, yet finds himself unable to let go completely.

The recurring theme of distance and missed opportunities is evident in lines like, 'We never even tried / We never even talked / We never even thought in the long run.' These words underscore the regret and what-ifs that plague the protagonist, suggesting that the relationship ended prematurely without a fair chance to flourish. The pain of separation is further emphasized by the repeated admission, 'Whenever it was painful / Whenever I was away / I’d miss you / And I miss you,' revealing a deep, lingering ache that persists despite the passage of time.

The metaphor of a sunburn is particularly poignant, encapsulating the lasting impact of this unresolved love. Just as a sunburn leaves a visible mark and a lingering sting, the emotional scars from this relationship continue to affect the protagonist. The lines, 'If you cut deep / Then I might learn / That you scar and leave me / Like a sunburn,' convey the idea that some wounds, both physical and emotional, leave a lasting impression. This metaphor serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring pain of lost love and the difficulty of healing from it.