Ellie Goulding's song "When Your Feet Don't Touch The Ground" touches upon themes of complexity, struggle, and the desire to escape reality. The lyrics describe a sense of confusion and wasted time, as well as the feeling of being overwhelmed by the difficulties of life. The song explores the idea of living in an imaginary world, where one can temporarily shield themselves from the pain and challenges of reality. This is portrayed through lines such as "I make believe I'm in control" and "Make-believe, but count me out." The protagonist tries to convince themselves that they have a sense of control and that they are not entirely at fault for their current circumstances. The lyrics also touch upon the longing for freedom and a release from the burdens of life. A sense of detachment from the earth and the grounding forces is expressed, with lines like "When your feet don't touch the ground" and "When your feet don't touch the earth." This can be seen as a metaphorical representation of feeling disconnected and unable to cope with the hardships faced. As the song progresses, there is a shift in perspective. The protagonist recognizes the need to face reality, embrace the pain, and take control of their life. They assert that only by grounding themselves and accepting the truth can they overcome the challenges they face. This transformation is reflected in the lines "Cause my feet are on the ground" and "With my feet on solid earth, I can face the fates that hurt." The song implies that the journey to find strength and resilience involves acknowledging one's vulnerability and the need to confront reality head-on. It expresses the idea that by letting go of the illusions and embracing the truth, one can find their way and come out stronger in the end. Overall, "When Your Feet Don't Touch The Ground" conveys a message of self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of facing life's challenges with a grounded mindset.
