retrograde

Dhruv's song 'retrograde' delves into the complexities of a clandestine relationship, where the lovers are forced to keep their affection hidden from the world. The opening lines, 'Meet me at our corner after dark,' set the scene for a secret rendezvous, highlighting the necessity of secrecy in their love. The city, which has 'never seen a light as bright as ours,' symbolizes the intensity and uniqueness of their bond, yet this brightness is overshadowed by the need to 'fend it off,' indicating the struggle to maintain their relationship in the shadows.

The chorus, 'Wish I didn't know this pain, lovers caught in retrograde,' captures the essence of their predicament. Retrograde, an astrological term, often signifies a period of reflection and challenges. Here, it metaphorically represents the backward motion of their relationship, where despite their efforts to move forward, they are constantly pulled back by societal constraints and personal fears. The pain of going 'against the grain' and the emotional toll it takes is palpable, as they navigate the highs and lows of their secret love.

In the second verse, the imagery of sneaking in for a 'movie night' and sparing the 'mom and dad the heart attack' underscores the societal and familial pressures they face. The protagonist's realization that they 'never fit the picture' in the lover's life adds a layer of melancholy, as they grapple with the possibility that their 'day in the Sun' may never come. The song concludes with a poignant promise to remember each other, even if they have to leave their love behind, encapsulating the bittersweet nature of their relationship.