Plum
Troye Sivan
The Ephemeral Nature of Love in 'Plum' by Troye Sivan
In 'Plum,' Troye Sivan explores the transient nature of love and relationships, using vivid metaphors and seasonal imagery to convey his message. The song opens with a tender scene of watching a lover sleep, which quickly shifts to a sense of unease and impending change. The lyrics 'There’s a chill in the air and a sinking feeling' suggest that the relationship is nearing its end, despite the deep affection that still exists between the partners.
Sivan employs the metaphor of a 'sweetest plum' to illustrate the idea that even the most beautiful and cherished things have a limited lifespan. This metaphor is reinforced with lines like 'Even the sweetest plum has only got so long,' emphasizing that love, no matter how perfect, is subject to the passage of time and inevitable change. The comparison to 'bitter tangerine' and 'sirens in the streets' further highlights the contrast between the initial sweetness of the relationship and the current state of uncertainty and discord.
The song also delves into the theme of seasons, with Sivan describing himself as 'summer' and his partner as 'spring.' This seasonal metaphor underscores the natural progression and inevitable changes that occur in relationships. The line 'You can’t change what the seasons bring' serves as a poignant reminder that some things are beyond our control, and we must accept the natural ebb and flow of life and love. Through 'Plum,' Troye Sivan captures the bittersweet reality of love's impermanence, blending heartfelt lyrics with evocative imagery to create a deeply resonant piece.