"Nobody's Crying" by Ellie Goulding is a heartfelt and melancholic song about reminiscing on a past relationship and wishing the best for someone who has moved on. The lyrics depict a sense of longing and acceptance, as well as the realization that sometimes love fades and people grow apart. The song starts with the protagonist observing their former partner, who is leaving in a taxi to pursue their own ambitions and conquer their own personal demons or challenges. The protagonist can't help but look at them one last time before saying goodbye. The envelope the partner carries contains a chain the protagonist used to wear around their throat, symbolizing the past love they shared. The note in the envelope expresses the protagonist's love for the partner but acknowledges that they don't understand why they still feel this way. Throughout the song, the protagonist wishes their former partner well on their journey, hoping they find happiness and fulfillment. The "wishing well" represents a place where dreams can come true. Despite the pain of the breakup, the protagonist acknowledges that their partner is doing their best and has their own struggles. There is a hint of a secret hope shared between them, a hope that maybe one day they can find solace and move on from their heartache. The lyrics also touch upon the protagonist's own struggles and insecurities. They feel lost and stuck, walking a never-ending trail of tears for years. The loud voices of their fears continuously haunt them, telling them that love is gone and that they have never mattered to their former partner. They express a sense of not belonging and the feeling that everything they do is wrong. Ultimately, the song conveys the idea that in the face of heartbreak and loss, life goes on. There is a glimmer of hope that somewhere along the difficult path, there will be a way to heal and move forward. "Nobody's Crying" paints a picture of acceptance, resilience, and the bittersweet nature of love, reminding listeners that sometimes letting go is the bravest thing one can do.
