Quit Smoking

Ronghao Li's song 'Quit Smoking' delves into the emotional turbulence that follows a breakup, capturing the struggle of moving on while still being tethered to past memories. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man who has made efforts to improve himself, symbolized by '去掉风芒' (removing his sharp edges), only to find himself still entangled in the emotional complexities of a past relationship. The song's narrative unfolds as he meets his ex at a familiar place, a poignant reminder of their shared history. Despite his attempts to maintain composure and good habits, the encounter stirs up unresolved feelings.

The chorus reveals the depth of his struggle, as he admits to the difficulty of quitting smoking, a metaphor for letting go of his ex. The line '戒了烟我不习惯' (I’m not used to quitting smoking) underscores his discomfort and the void left by her absence. The passage of time, marked by '三年零一个礼拜' (three years and one week), highlights his prolonged effort to cope and the slow process of healing. His ex's tears and his own inability to comfort her from a clear standpoint further emphasize the lingering emotional connection and the pain of separation.

The song also touches on themes of resilience and acceptance. Despite the hurt inflicted by the breakup, he acknowledges that there were no accusations ('没有一句责怪'). This acceptance of mutual pain and the recognition of shared sorrow ('戒了烟染上悲伤') reflect a mature understanding of love and loss. Ronghao Li's poignant lyrics and emotive delivery make 'Quit Smoking' a relatable and heartfelt exploration of the complexities of moving on from a significant relationship.