The song "The End" by Ellie Goulding explores themes of longing, uncertainty, and the pursuit of love. The lyrics suggest that the narrator and the person they are interested in have only engaged in intimate moments when no one else is around or when lying down. There is a sense of elusiveness and a desire for honesty in their relationship. The narrator wonders why they are willing to wait for this person longer than they should and why they think about them so often. The line "Our bodies fit together like a make-shift puzzle" emphasizes the physical connection they share. However, it seems that the narrator feels puzzled or confused by this person, as they describe them as turning away and treating them as a burden. The narrator expresses their need to make up for lost time and for the person they desire. This could suggest that they feel they have missed out on opportunities or connections in the past, and now they are making up for it by investing time and emotions into this person. They acknowledge the intimacy they shared, but also the uncertainty and unanswered questions that linger. The second half of the song describes the narrator being at the person's house, trying to impress them but feeling unsure how to do so. They present themselves as willing to be a statue, implying they are willing to fit into any mold the person desires. However, they still seek the truth and understanding in their relationship. The line "Our hands rest together like pieces of paper, but they're always blank when I hold your hand" indicates a lack of emotional connection or depth in their physical intimacy. The person's surprise at the narrator staying the night suggests they may have been hesitant or resistant to fully committing to the relationship. The chorus repeats the idea of making up for lost time and waking up with this person, but leaves the question of "what's new?" unanswered. Ultimately, the song implies that the relationship between the narrator and the person they desire is characterized by uncertainty and a longing to understand each other. The lyrics also highlight the narrator's willingness to invest time and emotions into this person, even if it means making up for missed opportunities.
