When I Close My Eyes

The house that feels so empty 'Cause now I live alone The kid next door keeps asking me when you're gonna tell him Tell him you've gone home But when I close my eyes You're standing there in front of me When I close my eyes It's almost like it used to be Then I realise you're just a ghost Maybe at most A fragment of my mind When I close my eyes The days can be so lonely So I stay out all night My friends say, "Take it slowly" I tell them that I'll try But when I close my eyes You're standing there in front of me When I close my eyes It's almost like it used to be Then I realise you're just a ghost Maybe at most A fragment of my mind When I close my eyes Every thought I think It cuts me like a knife I just want to bring Bring you back to life Tonight a sun will set Tomorrow it will rise All that I've got left is When I close my eyes You're standing there in front of me When I close my eyes It's almost like it used to be Then I realise you're just a ghost Maybe at most A fragment of my mind When I close my eyes When I close my eyes When I close my eyes

Composer: Jonny Coffer, Laurie Blundell, Tom Odell

In-depth Analysis of 'When I Close My Eyes' by LyricLens AI

Tom Odell's 'When I Close My Eyes' is a poignant ballad that delves deep into the raw pain of losing a loved one and the struggle to cope with their absence. Released from his album 'A Wonderful Life' in 2025, the song paints a vivid picture of profound loneliness and the bittersweet comfort found in memories.

Themes Central to the Song:

Grief and Loss: The lyrics immediately establish a setting of emptiness, with "The house that feels so empty" and the heartbreaking inquiry from "The kid next door" about the departed. This highlights the palpable void left by the person's absence.
Memory as Escape and Torment: The chorus, "But when I close my eyes, You're standing there in front of me," reveals the central coping mechanism—retreating into memories. However, this escape is fleeting and painful, as the protagonist "realise[s] you're just a ghost, Maybe at most, A fragment of my mind." Memories become both a sanctuary and a cruel reminder of reality.
Loneliness and Struggle to Move On: The verses describe the profound loneliness ("The days can be so lonely, So I stay out all night") and the attempt to heed friends' advice to "Take it slowly," though with evident difficulty. The desire to "Bring you back to life" underscores the deep longing and the struggle for acceptance.

Odell masterfully uses simple yet powerful imagery to convey a universal experience of grief, where the mind offers temporary solace only to underscore the finality of loss. It’s a testament to the enduring power of love, even in absence.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'When I Close My Eyes' by Tom Odell

What is 'When I Close My Eyes' about?

'When I Close My Eyes' by Tom Odell is a deeply emotional song exploring themes of grief, profound loss, and the bittersweet comfort of memories after a loved one has passed away. It describes the struggle with loneliness and the vivid, yet ultimately painful, experience of seeing the lost person in one's mind.

Who is the "ghost" mentioned in the lyrics?

The "ghost" metaphorically refers to the memory or image of the departed loved one that appears when the protagonist closes their eyes. It signifies that the person is no longer physically present but remains a powerful, almost tangible, presence in the singer's mind and heart.

What emotions does the song evoke?

The song primarily evokes feelings of sadness, longing, melancholy, and a deep sense of loss. It also carries a touch of wistful beauty in the way memories are cherished, even while acknowledging the pain they bring.

Fun Facts:

'When I Close My Eyes' is featured on Tom Odell's 2025 album, 'A Wonderful Life'.
Tom Odell is renowned for his emotionally raw and introspective songwriting, and this track is a powerful example of his ability to convey complex feelings with simplicity.
The recurring line "When I Close My Eyes" serves as a central motif, emphasizing the internal world where the memory of the loved one persists.