Andrew
Ben Platt
The Heartache of Unrequited Love: Ben Platt's 'Andrew'
Ben Platt's song 'Andrew' delves into the painful experience of unrequited love, capturing the raw emotions and inner turmoil that come with loving someone who doesn't feel the same way. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's infatuation with Andrew, a seemingly perfect individual whose effortless charm and kindness only deepen the protagonist's longing and despair. The song's narrative is a poignant exploration of the complexities of desire and the heartache that often accompanies it.
The protagonist describes Andrew with a sense of awe and admiration, noting his 'cool careless waves' of hair and his kind demeanor. However, this admiration quickly turns into a source of anguish as the protagonist realizes that their feelings are not reciprocated. The line 'It's just a cruel joke that chemicals play' highlights the irrational and uncontrollable nature of love, suggesting that the protagonist feels trapped by their own emotions. The repeated refrain of 'Honey, I know there's no one to blame, but honestly, damn you' underscores the frustration and helplessness that come with unrequited love.
Throughout the song, Platt uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey the intensity of the protagonist's feelings. The comparison of Andrew to the unattainable 'girls in the posters' on his wall emphasizes the protagonist's sense of inadequacy and the futility of their longing. The song's emotional climax comes with the realization that loving Andrew is a 'time wasting heartbreak,' a bittersweet acknowledgment of the pain and self-doubt that unrequited love can bring. In the end, the protagonist's sorrow is palpable, encapsulated in the final, regretful line: 'Wish that I'd never met you at all, sorry, Andrew.'