"The Writer" by Ellie Goulding is a song about a relationship that feels stagnant and unfulfilling. The narrator of the song is longing for a deeper connection with their partner, but it seems like the relationship is stuck in a repetitive cycle. The lyrics depict a scene where both individuals are lying next to each other, but there is a noticeable lack of communication and understanding between them. The narrator feels unnoticed and overlooked by their partner, as if they are just an object or a body rather than a person. They express a desire for their partner to see them differently and make an effort to understand who they truly are. Throughout the song, the idea of being an artist and a writer is used metaphorically. The narrator suggests that if their partner would "be the artist" and "make me out of clay," or "be the writer" and "decide the words I say," they could have a chance to truly connect and be understood. It's a plea for the partner to make an effort to see the narrator for who they are and to actively participate in the relationship. However, despite the longing for a change, the narrator acknowledges the difficulty of asking for help and expressing their true emotions. They would rather pretend that everything will work out in the end, hence the line "I'd rather pretend I'll still be there at the end." It reflects the fear of vulnerability and rejection that often holds people back from seeking help or expressing their true emotions. Overall, "The Writer" explores themes of longing for deeper connection, feeling unobserved or misunderstood, and the difficulty of asking for help and true emotional expression in a relationship.
