Calico

DPR IAN's 'Calico' is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the emotional turmoil that accompanies it. The song's title, 'Calico,' refers to a type of fabric known for its multicolored patterns, which could symbolize the complexity and variety of emotions the narrator is experiencing. The repeated line 'My heart's in Calico' suggests a heart that is colorful, intricate, and perhaps fragmented, much like the fabric itself.

The lyrics convey a narrative of someone who is deeply entangled in a one-sided relationship. The narrator acknowledges that they are 'just another,' indicating a sense of insignificance in the eyes of their love interest. The phrase 'Underneath the midnight coal' could be a metaphor for the dark, hidden depths of the narrator's feelings, which are not to be excavated or fully understood by the other person. The song's chorus, with its haunting refrain of 'I thought you would be okay / You thought I would be the same,' captures the disconnect between the two individuals' perceptions and expectations of the relationship.

DPR IAN's artistry shines through in the vivid imagery and emotional depth of the song. The mention of 'blue nights' and a cigarette lit 'up in the thunderstorm' paints a picture of fleeting moments of intimacy overshadowed by the impending storm of heartbreak. The narrator's longing for the other person to be 'okay' contrasts with the cold reality that they have 'nothing to say,' highlighting the painful realization that the love they give is not reciprocated. 'Calico' is a melancholic anthem for those who have loved without being loved in return, and it resonates with the universal experience of seeking connection and understanding.