Apollo
St. Paul & The Broken Bones
Love in Orbit: The Cosmic Longing of 'Apollo'
St. Paul & The Broken Bones' song 'Apollo' is a poignant exploration of love and longing, set against the backdrop of space. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a protagonist who is physically distant from their beloved, yet emotionally tethered to them. The repeated lines, 'Tellin' all the stars her name, Hopin' they just tell her hey,' evoke a sense of desperation and hope, as if the vastness of space could somehow bridge the gap between them. This celestial imagery serves as a metaphor for the emotional distance and the yearning to reconnect.
The song's narrative unfolds from the perspective of someone in orbit, possibly an astronaut, who is isolated and far from home. The lines 'Lookin' down from my orbit, Captain, can you get her to call me?' and 'Air is gone so now I'm never comin' home' suggest a sense of entrapment and helplessness. The protagonist's only solace is the thought of their loved one, which runs 'all through my brain.' This juxtaposition of the infinite expanse of space with the intimate, personal longing for a loved one creates a powerful emotional contrast.
Musically, St. Paul & The Broken Bones are known for their soulful sound, which adds another layer of depth to the song. The soulful delivery of the lyrics amplifies the emotional weight of the narrative. The mention of 'gravity' and 'moon dust' further grounds the song in its space theme, while also symbolizing the forces that keep the protagonist and their beloved apart. The repeated refrain of 'And I love ya, baby' serves as a constant reminder of the protagonist's unwavering affection, despite the insurmountable distance.
'Apollo' is a beautiful blend of soulful music and evocative lyrics that captures the essence of longing and the human desire for connection, even when separated by the vastness of space.