star-crossed
Kacey Musgraves
The Tragic Beauty of Kacey Musgraves' 'star-crossed'
Kacey Musgraves' song 'star-crossed' delves into the poignant and heart-wrenching experience of a love that was destined to fail. The term 'star-crossed' itself is a reference to Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' symbolizing a relationship doomed by fate. Musgraves sets the scene with two lovers who once shared a perfect dream, only to have it shattered by an inevitable darkness. The imagery of signing papers and moving out of a shared home underscores the finality and sorrow of a breakup, making it clear that this is not just a temporary separation but a definitive end.
The lyrics explore the theme of love's fragility and the idea that sometimes, despite our best efforts, relationships can fall apart. Musgraves questions whether they 'flew too high just to get burned by the Sun,' invoking the myth of Icarus to suggest that their love may have been too intense or ambitious to sustain. The mention of calling angels to save them, only for the angels to get lost, adds a layer of spiritual and existential questioning. It implies that even divine intervention couldn't salvage their relationship, emphasizing the sense of inevitability and helplessness.
Musgraves' musical style, often characterized by its blend of country and pop with introspective lyrics, adds depth to the song's emotional weight. The repetitive chorus of 'star-crossed' serves as a haunting reminder of the doomed nature of their love, making the listener feel the weight of their loss. The song captures the universal experience of heartbreak, making it relatable to anyone who has ever felt the pain of a love that couldn't withstand the trials of life.