In a world where music often serves as a backdrop to our lives, few songs manage to capture the essence of youth, love, and dreams like “Eastside” by Benny Blanco. Released in 2018, this hit song brought together the talents of Halsey and Khalid, creating a soundscape that resonates with listeners of all ages. But what exactly is it about “Eastside” that makes it so compelling? Let’s take a deep dive into the narrative, themes, and trivia surrounding this captivating track.
The Meaning of “Eastside” by Benny Blanco
Benny Blanco’s “Eastside,” featuring Halsey and Khalid, is more than just a melodic masterpiece—it’s a nostalgic exploration of youth and the bittersweet memories that accompany it. The song transports listeners to a place where young love ignites amidst the backdrop of a vibrant cityscape, capturing the essence of carefree days and the challenges that come with growing up. With its catchy tune and heartfelt lyrics, “Eastside” weaves a narrative of longing and reflection, resonating with anyone who’s navigated the complexities of young love and the pursuit of dreams. It’s a powerful reminder that while time moves us forward, the memories we create along the way remain with us, shaping who we are and where we come from.
Lyrics
[Intro]
Uh
Yeah, yeah
[Verse 1]
When I was young, I fell in love
We used to hold hands, man, that was enough (Yeah)
Then we grew up, started to touch
Used to kiss underneath the light on the back of the bus (Yeah)
I know your daddy didn’t like me much
And he didn’t believe me when I said you were the one
Oh, every day, she found a way out of the window to sneak out late
[Pre-Chorus]
She used to meet me on the Eastside
In the city where the sun don’t set
And every day, you know that we’d ride
Through the backstreets in a blue Corvette
Baby, you know I just wanna leave tonight
We can go anywhere we want
Drive down to the coast, jump in the sea
Just take my hand and come with me, yeah
[Chorus]
We can do anything if we put our minds to it
Take your old life, then you put a line through it
My love is yours if you’re willing to take it
Give me your heart ’cause I ain’t gonna break it
So come away, starting today
Start a new life together in a different place
We know that love is how all these ideas came to be
So baby, run away with me
[Verse 2]
Seventeen, and we got a dream to have a family
A house, and everything in between
And then, oh, suddenly, we turned twenty-three
And now we got pressure for taking our life more seriously
We got our dead-end jobs and got bills to pay
Our old friends are now our enemies
And now I, I’m thinking back to when I was young
Back to the day when I was falling in love
[Pre-Chorus]
He used to meet me on the Eastside
In the city where the sun don’t set
And every day, you know where we’d ride
Through the backstreets in a blue Corvette
And baby, you know I just wanna leave tonight
We can go anywhere we want
Drive down to the coast, jump in the sea
Just take my hand and come with me, singing
[Chorus]
We can do anything if we put our minds to it
Take your old life, then you put a line through it
My love is yours if you’re willing to take it
Give me your heart ’cause I ain’t gonna break it
So come away, starting today
To start a new life together in a different place
We know that love is how all these ideas came to be
So baby, run away with me
[Bridge]
Run away now, run away now
Run away now
Run away now, run away now
Run away now
[Outro]
He used to meet me on the Eastside
She used to meet me on the Eastside
He used to meet me on the Eastside
She used to meet me on the Eastside
In the city where the sun don’t set
Verse 1 – The Origins of Young Love
The opening lines of “Eastside” transport the listener back to a time when love was simple and pure. “When I was young, I fell in love / We used to hold hands, man, that was enough,” sings Khalid, evoking nostalgia for youthful innocence. This verse sets the stage for a story that many listeners find relatable—a first love that feels all-consuming and everlasting.
These initial moments of love, often characterized by innocence and simplicity, are depicted beautifully in the song. The imagery of holding hands and kissing under the light on the back of the bus conjures memories of teenage romance, a time when the world felt full of possibilities. It’s a reminder that love, in its purest form, doesn’t need grand gestures; sometimes, the smallest actions speak volumes.
The narrative continues to unfold as we learn about the disapproval from a parental figure. “I know your daddy didn’t like me much / And he didn’t believe me when I said you were the one,” Khalid croons, highlighting the obstacles young lovers often face. This tension between the couple’s desires and external pressures adds depth to the story, making it more than just a tale of romance.
The Pre-Chorus – Dreams of Escape
The pre-chorus of “Eastside” captures the essence of youthful rebellion and the desire for adventure. “She used to meet me on the Eastside / In the city where the sun don’t set,” the lyrics recount, suggesting a clandestine rendezvous that promises excitement and freedom. This longing for escape is a universal theme that resonates with anyone who has dreamed of leaving their current circumstances behind.
The song invites listeners to picture a world where anything is possible. “We can go anywhere we want / Drive down to the coast, jump in the sea,” the lyrics suggest, painting a picture of spontaneous adventure and endless possibilities. This imagery taps into the desire for exploration and the thrill of the unknown, a sentiment that many can relate to.
The pre-chorus ends with an invitation to “take my hand and come with me,” emphasizing the power of love to transcend boundaries and unlock new experiences. It’s a call to action, urging listeners to seize the moment and chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Chorus – The Power of Love and Imagination
At the heart of “Eastside” lies the chorus, a declaration that love can conquer all. “We can do anything if we put our minds to it / Take your old life, then you put a line through it,” Halsey and Khalid sing in unison, celebrating the transformative power of love. This message of empowerment and possibility is one of the song’s most compelling aspects, inspiring listeners to believe in their dreams.
The chorus continues with an offer of unwavering devotion. “My love is yours if you’re willing to take it / Give me your heart ’cause I ain’t gonna break it,” the lyrics promise, reinforcing the idea that true love provides comfort and security. This reassurance is a testament to the strength of the bond between the song’s protagonists, capturing the essence of a relationship built on trust and mutual support.
Ultimately, the chorus invites listeners to imagine a new life together, one where love fuels ambition and drives change. “Start a new life together in a different place,” the lyrics suggest, highlighting the potential for growth and renewal that love can bring.
Verse 2 – The Reality of Growing Up
While the first verse of “Eastside” reflects the innocence of youthful love, the second verse introduces the challenges of adulthood. “Seventeen, and we got a dream to have a family / A house and everything in between,” the lyrics reveal, hinting at the couple’s shared vision for the future. However, the reality of growing up soon sets in, with the pressures of adult life threatening to overshadow their dreams.
This shift in perspective is a poignant reminder of the obstacles that can arise as we transition from adolescence to adulthood. “And then, oh, suddenly, we turned twenty-three / And now we got pressure for taking our life more seriously,” the lyrics lament, capturing the weight of responsibility that often accompanies this stage of life.
Despite these challenges, the song remains hopeful, encouraging listeners to reflect on the resilience and strength required to overcome adversity. “We got our dead-end jobs and got bills to pay / Our old friends are now our enemies,” the lyrics acknowledge, yet the overarching message remains one of perseverance and the enduring power of love.
The Pre-Chorus Revisited – A Return to Simplicity
The pre-chorus of “Eastside” reappears, offering a sense of continuity and familiarity. “He used to meet me on the Eastside / In the city where the sun don’t set,” Halsey and Khalid sing, invoking the same imagery of adventure and escape present earlier in the song. This repetition serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges of adulthood, the spirit of youthful love and the desire for freedom remain alive.
The lyrics continue to emphasize the importance of cherishing the present moment, urging listeners to “drive down to the coast, jump in the sea.” This imagery symbolizes the joy and liberation that come from pursuing one’s dreams, even in the face of adversity.
The pre-chorus concludes with the same invitation as before, encouraging the listener to “take my hand and come with me.” This call to action reinforces the central theme of the song—the idea that love can provide the strength and courage needed to overcome life’s obstacles.
Chorus Revisited – A Renewed Promise
The chorus of “Eastside” returns, reaffirming the power of love and imagination. “We can do anything if we put our minds to it / Take your old life, then you put a line through it,” the lyrics echo, reinforcing the message of empowerment and possibility.
This repetition serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges and changes that come with growing up, the potential for transformation and renewal remains. “My love is yours if you’re willing to take it / Give me your heart ’cause I ain’t gonna break it,” the lyrics promise, emphasizing the enduring strength of the bond between the song’s protagonists.
The chorus concludes with a renewed invitation to “start a new life together in a different place,” highlighting the limitless potential of love to inspire change and growth.
Bridge – A Moment of Reflection
The bridge of “Eastside” offers a moment of reflection, inviting listeners to consider the impact of love and dreams on their own lives. “Run away now, run away now,” the lyrics repeat, capturing the longing for escape and adventure that permeates the song.
This repetition creates a sense of urgency and momentum, urging listeners to seize the moment and pursue their dreams without hesitation. The bridge serves as a reminder that, while life may present challenges and obstacles, the desire for freedom and fulfillment remains a powerful driving force.
Ultimately, the bridge encourages listeners to reflect on their own aspirations and the role of love in shaping their path. By tapping into the universal themes of “Eastside,” the song becomes a source of inspiration and motivation.
Outro – A Timeless Connection
The outro of “Eastside” brings the song full circle, returning to the imagery of meeting on the Eastside. “He used to meet me on the Eastside / She used to meet me on the Eastside,” the lyrics repeat, creating a sense of closure and continuity.
This repetition reinforces the timeless nature of the song’s central themes—love, adventure, and the desire for freedom. By revisiting these moments, “Eastside” leaves listeners with a sense of nostalgia and connection, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences and the role of love in their lives.
Conclusion – The Enduring Legacy of “Eastside”
“Eastside” by Benny Blanco, Halsey, and Khalid is more than just a chart-topping hit; it’s a poignant exploration of love, dreams, and the challenges of growing up. Through its relatable lyrics and evocative imagery, the song captures the essence of youthful romance, the desire for adventure, and the power of love to inspire change. For music enthusiasts and trivia buffs alike, “Eastside” offers a rich tapestry of storytelling and emotion, inviting listeners to explore the universal themes that resonate with us all. Whether you’re revisiting the song or discovering it for the first time, “Eastside” remains a timeless anthem that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.