The song "Bleach" by Ellie Goulding tells the story of a toxic and unhealthy relationship. The protagonist reminisces about a time when their partner brought them happiness and excitement, but now they feel trapped and miserable. They express their confusion and frustration about how they ended up in such a low state. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist has tried to fix their partner's broken heart, but instead, they feel used and taken advantage of. They question what it would take to forget about their partner and erase them from their thoughts. They use the metaphor of drinking Hennessey (a type of alcohol) to numb the pain and move on. The protagonist also mentions how their partner treats their relationship like a game, always taking risks and causing pain. Despite the turmoil, they still claim to be fine in front of their partner. However, they admit that their love was once strong, drinking every "potion" their partner gave them, leading to a sense of devotion. But now, their partner sees them as different and suggesting a purely physical relationship. The chorus emphasizes the need to eliminate their partner from their life, comparing it to bleaching or removing a tattoo. However, it also highlights how their partner has become an integral part of their life, stuck to them like a tattoo, with no remedy to escape. The phrase "Bleach you like a bone in a brook" is repeated in the chorus. It can be interpreted as a metaphor for cleansing or getting rid of the toxic elements of the relationship, just like a bone being bleached and purified in a flowing brook. Overall, "Bleach" delves into the complexities and pain of a destructive relationship, expressing the desire to break free from it and find healing.
