Unfinished
Noah Cyrus
The Lingering Echoes of Unfinished Love
Noah Cyrus's song "Unfinished" delves into the poignant and bittersweet emotions of a love that never fully blossomed. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a fleeting yet intense connection between two people who met at the wrong time. The imagery of blowing rings in a cigarette and undressing on a king-sized bed sets a scene of intimacy and vulnerability. The protagonist, at 19, is still grappling with fears of love and change, but finds solace and a new kind of touch in this brief encounter. This leap of faith into a new experience is both exhilarating and terrifying, leaving a lasting impression.
The chorus reflects on the lingering thoughts and what-ifs that haunt the protagonist. The memory of that one beautiful night, where the streets were cold but their connection was warm, becomes a recurring theme. The idea of being "left unfinished" suggests a sense of incompleteness and unresolved potential. The protagonist wonders if they could have been more, had circumstances been different. This sentiment is further emphasized by the slideshow of "might've done's" and "could've been's" that plays in their mind, highlighting the torment of hypothetical love and missed opportunities.
As the song progresses, the protagonist reflects on the decision to leave and return to their separate lives. The geographical distance between them, with one living east and the other way out west, serves as a metaphor for the emotional and situational barriers that kept them apart. The memory of their time together is described as a masterpiece that is incomplete, with the protagonist filling in the empty spaces with dreams of what could have been. This longing and sense of unfinished business underscore the emotional depth and complexity of the song, making it a relatable and heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the enduring impact of fleeting connections.