Released: 2024
Ed Sheeran’s “Under the Tree” is a heartfelt ballad that captures the loneliness and longing one feels during the holiday season after a breakup. The song’s theme revolves around the emotional void left by a lost love, with the protagonist yearning for the return of a past relationship, symbolized by the emptiness under the Christmas tree.
The song kicks off with the protagonist reflecting on being alone in December, a time typically associated with togetherness and joy. The “last light of the day” metaphorically represents the fading hope of rekindling the lost relationship. The protagonist is engulfed in sorrow, acknowledging the “tears and the pain” and the persistent coldness of their current situation, suggesting a sense of emotional numbness.
In the chorus, the protagonist reminisces about the warmth and comfort their former partner brought into their life, referring to them as the “hearth light” and “fire that died.” This imagery highlights the deep connection they once shared. The absence of the partner is felt profoundly, as there’s “nothing under the tree” that could replace them. The protagonist’s desire for things to return to how they were before is palpable, as they question if they’ve truly lost their love.
The second verse delves into the protagonist’s overthinking, wondering about whose arms their ex might be in now. This verse captures the insecurity and jealousy that often accompany breakups. The line “out of sight, it’s outta mind” suggests that the ex has moved on, leaving the protagonist feeling forgotten and insignificant.
The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the persistent longing and heartache. The protagonist is stuck in a loop of memories, unable to fill the “hole” left by their lost love. The song ends with a poignant note, as the protagonist’s heart remains metaphorically “under the tree,” symbolizing their unwavering hope for reconciliation despite the pain.
