Sweetheart, What Have You Done To Us

Keaton Henson's song 'Sweetheart, What Have You Done To Us' is a poignant exploration of heartbreak and the disintegration of a relationship. The lyrics are raw and filled with a sense of betrayal and confusion. Henson begins by addressing his 'sweetheart,' questioning what has happened to their relationship. The imagery of turning his back and his partner turning to dust suggests a sudden and complete collapse, leaving him grappling with the aftermath.

The plea for reconciliation in the lines 'please just come here, don't fight with me' reveals a deep desire to mend what has been broken, even as he acknowledges the damage done. The admission that he feels broken and the request for his partner to admit their role in the situation highlights the mutual pain and responsibility in the relationship's downfall. The repeated 'ohhhh' serves as a haunting echo of his emotional turmoil.

Henson's declaration that 'if all you wanted was songs for you, here goes' is a bittersweet acknowledgment of his partner's desires, even as he processes his own suffering. The refusal to be called 'lover' and the insistence on 'tough, cynical stuff' underscores a shift from romantic idealism to a more hardened, realistic view of love. The reference to being told 'not to be so English' adds a layer of cultural context, perhaps hinting at a struggle with emotional expression. Ultimately, the song is a heart-wrenching reflection on the end of a love that once held promise but has now crumbled into dust.