Pretty Slowly

Benson Boone's 'Pretty Slowly' is a poignant exploration of a relationship's gradual decline. The song opens with a nostalgic reflection on a past love, described as 'every shade of perfect,' but now blurred and faded. This imagery sets the tone for a journey through the emotional landscape of lost love, where the protagonist grapples with the realization that the intensity of their former relationship will never be recaptured. The recurring motif of seeing the ghost of a past lover while driving through the Rockies symbolizes the haunting memories that linger, causing a persistent ache in the heart.

The chorus delves into the slow unraveling of the relationship, marked by a poignant question about the protagonist's former self. This introspection reveals a sense of loss not just of the relationship, but of a part of the protagonist's identity. The lyrics 'I think I left him somewhere I no longer go' suggest a disconnection from who they once were, further emphasizing the profound impact of the breakup. The imagery of running away from 'all the lovely things we hate now' captures the paradox of love and resentment that often accompanies the end of a significant relationship.

As the song progresses, the inevitability of the breakup becomes clear. The metaphor of driving 'one thousand miles an hour, we're drivin' off the edge' conveys a sense of uncontrollable momentum towards an unavoidable end. Despite the pain and confusion, there is a lingering connection between the two lovers, as highlighted in the repeated lines 'When I look at you, and when you look at me, oh, there's still two lovers, so who the hell are we?' This line encapsulates the bewildering mix of familiarity and estrangement that defines their current state, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension and lingering affection.