Salt Water

Ed Sheeran's 'Salt Water' is a poignant song that delves into themes of struggle, release, and the transformative power of nature. The lyrics paint a picture of a journey, both physical and emotional, where the protagonist is battling against the elements and their own inner turmoil. The mention of not being able to feel toes and the rain soaking through suggests a sense of numbness and being overwhelmed by life's challenges. The imagery of wading in tall grass and moving forward 'to where God only knows' reflects a sense of perseverance despite uncertainty.

The chorus introduces the metaphor of salt water as a cleansing, freeing force. Sheeran sings of embracing the deep and leaving everything behind, indicating a desire to let go of past burdens and find liberation in the vastness of the ocean. The repetition of 'It was just a dream' could imply that the struggles faced may not hold as much power as they seem, or that there is a hope for awakening from the nightmare of current circumstances. The song oscillates between feelings of despair and the cathartic release found in nature's embrace.

The final verses of the song bring a sense of resolution, albeit an ambiguous one. Standing on the edge, gazing into what could be 'hell or something else,' the protagonist takes a leap of faith. This act of surrender, coupled with the call to be kissed by salt water, suggests a final act of letting go, possibly hinting at a form of rebirth or transformation. The song leaves listeners with a sense of ambiguity, reflecting the complex emotions involved in facing life's challenges and finding solace in the natural world.