MANIFEST

Starset's 'MANIFEST' delves into the tumultuous nature of a relationship that oscillates between connection and disconnection, using cosmic and scientific metaphors to illustrate the emotional turbulence. The recurring phrase 'fall in and fall away' captures the cyclical pattern of the relationship, where moments of closeness are followed by inevitable separation. The term 'retrograde' suggests a backward motion, implying that the relationship is regressing rather than progressing, and this regression is marked by a sense of darkness manifesting within the lovers.

The lyrics are rich with imagery that evokes a sense of space and time, such as 'gravity,' 'starlight,' and 'falling through space and time.' These metaphors highlight the vast emotional distance and the gravitational pull that the lovers exert on each other, only to slip away again. The mention of 'missiles flying through the air' and 'firefight' suggests conflict and struggle, indicating that the relationship is fraught with battles and misunderstandings. The line 'I think I'm getting used to the firefight' reveals a sense of resignation and adaptation to the constant turmoil.

The song also explores themes of fate and misalignment, as seen in the lines 'Is my fate silver-lined?' and 'Stuck in this state, misaligned.' The protagonist grapples with the idea that despite being an optimist, they are trapped in a cycle of unfulfilled expectations and emotional dissonance. The 'looking glass' metaphor suggests a distorted perception of reality, where the protagonist is unable to align their experiences with their desires. The darkness that manifests is not just external but internal, reflecting the emotional and psychological impact of the relationship's instability.

Overall, 'MANIFEST' by Starset is a poignant exploration of a love that is both magnetic and destructive, set against a backdrop of cosmic and scientific metaphors that amplify the sense of vastness and isolation. The song captures the essence of a relationship that is perpetually out of sync, leaving the lovers in a state of perpetual longing and despair.