Belvedere

Scott James' song 'Belvedere' delves into the complexities of change and constancy within the context of a relationship. The lyrics open with a simple, almost mundane request to 'turn off the fan,' setting a scene of intimacy and routine. This small act serves as a metaphor for the larger theme of the song: the struggle to find peace and clarity amidst the chaos of thoughts and emotions. The line 'Stop me if I start considering everything I might' suggests a mind overwhelmed by possibilities and uncertainties, a common human experience when faced with the passage of time and the evolution of relationships.

As the song progresses, James reflects on the paradox of change. He acknowledges that they are 'old enough to break what we don’t touch,' indicating a maturity that comes with age but also a fragility that accompanies it. The phrase 'I’m still here' is repeated, emphasizing a sense of persistence and presence despite the subtle, almost imperceptible changes that occur daily. This duality is further explored in the lines 'This change is hard to see in what we’re seeing every day,' highlighting how gradual transformations can be difficult to notice when one is immersed in the everyday.

The song also touches on the theme of time and its elusive nature. The disbelief in the passage of time ('Oh my I cannot believe the time') and the adjustment to new circumstances ('I’ve adjusted to the air') reflect a sense of bewilderment and adaptation. The closing lines, 'Oh God now I’m here until I’m not, I bet no one sees it, I never learned to brush it off,' convey a poignant sense of existential reflection. James seems to grapple with the idea of presence and absence, and the difficulty of letting go of lingering thoughts and emotions. 'Belvedere' is a contemplative piece that captures the delicate balance between change and constancy, and the human struggle to navigate this balance in relationships and life.