I Know You Care

Ellie Goulding's 'I Know You Care' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the lingering emotions that follow a relationship's end. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a love that once felt like home but has now become unrecognizable. The opening lines, 'Clinging to me like a last breath you would breathe,' suggest a desperate attempt to hold onto something that is slipping away. This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the narrator grapples with the reality of a love that is fading.

The chorus, 'I know you care, I know it is always been there,' reveals a deep-seated belief that the love and care were genuine, even if they are now overshadowed by impending trouble. The line, 'You were just saving yourself when you hide it,' suggests that both parties are aware of the issues but are perhaps avoiding confrontation to protect themselves. This avoidance, however, only leads to more pain, as indicated by the narrator's realization that they must 'save themselves from the ruin.'

Throughout the song, there is a sense of nostalgia and longing for what once was. The lyrics, 'I used to run down the stairs to the door and I thought you were there,' evoke memories of happier times, contrasting sharply with the present reality. The metaphor of a 'winter so cold' symbolizes the emotional distance and isolation the narrator feels. Despite the coldness, there is still a glimmer of hope, as the narrator wishes for things to be as they 'ought to have been.' This hope, however, is tinged with the painful acknowledgment that the relationship may never return to its former state.

'I Know You Care' is a deeply emotional song that captures the complexities of love and loss. It speaks to the universal experience of holding onto hope even when faced with the harsh reality of a relationship's end. Ellie Goulding's haunting vocals and evocative lyrics make this song a powerful reflection on the enduring impact of love, even when it has faded away.