Eyes Open Lyrics

Lyric discussion by AlyssaMaslow 

Cover art for Eyes Open lyrics by Taylor Swift

I think I know the meaning of "Eyes Open" Everybody's waiting Everybody's watching Even when you're sleeping Keep your ey-eyes open

The tricky thing is yesterday we were just children playing soldiers just pretending dreaming dreams with happy endings

She's saying that it wasn't that long ago that we were merely children, unaware of what the world actually held and that we were just trapped inside our own imaginations, where everything is right and nothing can go wrong.

In backyards winning battles with our wooden swords but now we've stepped into a cruel world Where everybody stands and keeps score

We've all played fake battles, and everything was just a game, but now we’ve actually been introduced to the real world, where there are people who criticize and who judge us every day

Everybody’s waiting for you to breakdown Everybody’s watching to see the fallout Even when you’re sleeping, sleeping Keep your ey-eyes, open

She’s saying that the people in this world are cruel and there are those who are your enemies and want to see you breakdown, and are watching to see you fall apart. But you’ve got to stand guard and keep your eyes open for all the dangers that lie ahead

So here you are Two steps ahead and staying on guard Every lesson forms a new scar They never thought you’d make it this far

You’ve made it through tough times and are staying strong and those who are causing you trouble are shocked and surprised you actually pulled through and are standing where you are at today

But turn around Oh they’ve surrounded you its a showdown and nobody comes to save you now But you got something they don’t Yeah you’ve got something they don’t You just gotta keep your eyes open

She’s saying but keep watch, because they are right at your heels and ready to bring you down the second you let your guard down. And there won’t always be people there to help you back up on your feet, you wont always have friends at your side but you’ve got something they don’t, you have what makes you you, and you aren’t the kind of person who backs down you can make it.

Keep your feet ready Heartbeat steady Keep your eyes open Keep your aim locked The night goes dark Keep your eyes open

This is basically self explanatory. Keep your feet ready, stay on guard. Heartbeat steady, keep it cool, don’t freak out and don’t worry. Stay calm and relaxed, and don’t let everyone think you’re losing. Keep your aim locked the night goes dark, stay focused, the world is a dark and cruel place and you’ll need all your attention and focuse to make it through it all. Keep your eyes open, stay aware, stay alert. The world isn’t always that kind and fair to you.

My Interpretation