Plastic Bag

Ed Sheeran's 'Plastic Bag' delves deep into the emotional turmoil of loneliness, grief, and the search for temporary solace. The song opens with the artist expressing his struggles with overthinking and sleeplessness, hinting at a sense of purposelessness and internal bleeding that no doctor can heal. This metaphorical bleeding represents emotional pain and mental health struggles, which are further exacerbated by his strained relationship with his father and the isolation from friends. The demons he mentions are the heavy burdens weighing on his heart, leading him to a state of near surrender.

The chorus reveals Sheeran's coping mechanism: the escapism found in the nightlife. Saturday nights become a lifeline, a reason to rely on strobe lights and the fleeting promises found in a shot glass. The 'plastic bag' symbolizes the superficial and temporary nature of the love and comfort he seeks in these moments. It's a poignant commentary on how people often turn to substances and nightlife to fill the voids in their lives, even if just for a night.

The second verse touches on the lingering grief from the loss of a friend and the numbness that follows. Sheeran questions his existence and the meaning of life, expressing a sense of disbelief and detachment. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the cyclical nature of his weekend escapades, highlighting the temporary relief they provide. The song concludes with a sense of resignation, as Sheeran acknowledges his wrecked state and the fleeting nature of his highs. The strobe lights and shot glasses are a temporary escape from his reality, but they ultimately leave him yearning for something more substantial.