Figure 8

Ellie Goulding's 'Figure 8' delves into the tumultuous nature of a passionate yet destructive relationship. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that is both intoxicating and suffocating. The opening lines, 'Breathe your smoke into my lungs / In the back of the car with you I stare into the sun,' set the stage for a relationship that is intense and all-consuming. The imagery of smoke and staring into the sun suggests a sense of danger and recklessness, hinting at the inevitable pain that comes with such a love.

The recurring motif of the figure 8 symbolizes the endless cycle of chasing after love, only to have it slip away. Goulding sings, 'I chase your love around a figure 8 / I need you more than I can take,' highlighting the desperation and dependency that characterize this relationship. The figure 8, an infinity symbol turned on its side, represents the never-ending loop of hope and disappointment. The promise of 'forever and a day' is repeatedly broken, leaving the lover in a state of perpetual longing and heartache.

Throughout the song, the refrain 'lovers hold on to everything / And lovers hold on to anything' underscores the idea that in the throes of love, people cling to even the smallest signs of affection, no matter how fleeting. This line captures the essence of the song's emotional core: the struggle to hold onto love, even when it is slipping away. The juxtaposition of tender moments, like a kiss on the cheekbone, with the pain of being 'buried in the snow' further emphasizes the duality of love and loss. 'Figure 8' is a poignant exploration of the highs and lows of a relationship that is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking.