The song "Goodness Gracious" by Ellie Goulding is about a complex and tumultuous relationship. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist had lost connection with their partner and decided to put them away, but still held onto the hope of reuniting with them someday. They made a promise to save the person for a time when they might need extra comfort or support. The lyrics also mention letting go of a rope and accepting that if something is not coming back, it has to be released. This symbolizes the protagonist realizing that holding onto their past relationship might be futile and they need to move on. However, despite their intentions to move on, the protagonist finds themselves constantly calling out the person's name, even though they don't want to feel ashamed or hold them tightly. They yearn for closeness, but also fear the vulnerability that comes with it. This internal struggle is expressed through the repeated lines of wanting to hold the person close but not wanting to feel ashamed or hold them tightly. The chorus "Goodness gracious, I can't seem to stop calling you up, just to keep crawling to your arms" reveals the protagonist's inability to let go completely. They constantly reach out to their former partner, hoping for comfort or reconciliation. The second verse mentions finding a weakness and using it to their advantage, promising to keep the person until a nightless day. This line suggests that the protagonist desires to keep the person with them indefinitely, even during times of uncertainty or darkness. As the song progresses, the protagonist acknowledges their own selfishness and a lack of understanding about themselves. They question their actions, indicating a lack of self-awareness and confusion. Despite this introspection, they continue to call out and crawl back to the arms of the person they can't let go of. Overall, "Goodness Gracious" portrays the complicated emotions and inner conflicts experienced in a relationship that has ended or is on the verge of ending. It captures the struggle between yearning for connection and the fear of vulnerability, as well as the difficulty of moving on from a past love.
