astronaut (Unreleased)
Olivia Rodrigo
The Cosmic Heartache of Olivia Rodrigo's 'astronaut'
Olivia Rodrigo's unreleased song 'astronaut' delves into the emotional turmoil of watching an ex-partner move on with someone else. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist's feelings of displacement and the struggle to come to terms with the end of a relationship. Rodrigo uses the metaphor of being an 'astronaut' to express a sense of detachment and isolation, as she observes her former lover from a distance, akin to the vastness between Earth and the stars.
The song's narrative suggests a comparison between the protagonist and the new love interest, highlighting the differences that may have led to the protagonist's feelings of inadequacy. The repeated line 'I'll watch every part of me be replaced' conveys a deep sense of loss and the fear of being forgotten. The astronaut metaphor extends to the idea of the protagonist being untethered and drifting away, symbolizing the gradual process of letting go and moving on from the past relationship.
Despite the melancholic tone, there's an underlying message of self-acceptance and growth. The protagonist acknowledges her 'lunacy,' 'voice,' and 'opportunity'—traits that may have been too much for the ex-partner to handle. The song ends on a note of resilience, with the astronaut affirming that she will be okay, suggesting a journey towards healing and self-discovery after heartbreak.