Eyes Wide Shut (feat. Avril Lavigne & Travis Barker)

Illenium's 'Eyes Wide Shut,' featuring Avril Lavigne and Travis Barker, delves into the emotional turmoil of a relationship that has lost its spark. The song's lyrics paint a vivid picture of disconnection and disillusionment, capturing the essence of feeling trapped in a love that no longer brings joy. The repeated lines, 'I say I love you, but I don't' and 'I say I'm fine, but I'm miserable,' highlight the internal conflict and the facade maintained to keep the relationship afloat. This duality of emotions is a common theme in Illenium's music, known for its emotive and introspective nature.

The metaphor of 'scaling the walls of the wishing well' suggests a desperate attempt to cling to hope, even when the reality is bleak. The imagery of 'night crawling' and being 'wide awake in my dreams' conveys a sense of restlessness and confusion, as the protagonist grapples with the disparity between their dreams and their waking life. The line 'We're completely different people than the people we wanted' underscores the inevitable changes that time brings, often leading to a sense of alienation and loss within a relationship.

The chorus, with its poignant admission of no longer getting 'high' off the partner, signifies the end of the honeymoon phase and the onset of emotional numbness. The song also touches on the theme of outgrowing one's surroundings, as seen in the lines 'Have we outgrown this city?' and 'Wish I was somewhere different from where you are.' This reflects a broader sense of dissatisfaction and the longing for change, both in the relationship and in life. The collaboration with Avril Lavigne and Travis Barker adds layers of punk rock and pop-punk influences, enhancing the song's raw and edgy emotional landscape.