Astronomy

"Astronomy" by Conan Gray is a poignant and deeply emotional ballad that explores the slow, painful process of two people growing apart. The song's central meaning revolves around the heartbreaking realization that a once-intimate relationship, whether romantic or a deep friendship, has irrevocably changed. The core of the song is the metaphor of astronomy, which Gray uses to illustrate the immense and unbridgeable emotional distance that has developed between two individuals. The lyric, "It's astronomy, we're two worlds apart," encapsulates this theme perfectly, suggesting that their differences are as vast and immutable as the space between celestial bodies. The song delves into the nostalgia of a shared past, referencing memories of bonding over similar difficult upbringings. However, it contrasts this past closeness with the present reality of being strangers to each other. Gray has explained that the song is about the gradual decay of love, a quiet and often denial-inducing process without a single dramatic event or someone to blame, which he finds to be the most painful kind of heartbreak.

The narrative begins with a reminiscent scene of two young people driving through affluent neighborhoods, a place they feel they don't belong. This shared feeling of being outsiders, stemming from similar troubled family backgrounds with "runaway fathers and mothers who drank," forged a strong bond between them. They found solace and understanding in each other, a classic tale of young love that felt like a shield against the world. However, the narrator reflects on the well-worn saying that "young love don't last for life" and acknowledges the painful truth that their time together is coming to an end. The chorus bursts forth with a grand, cosmic metaphor for their shared history. They've metaphorically "traveled the seas" and "ridden the stars," exploring everything from "Saturn to Mars." This imagery signifies the depth and breadth of their shared experiences and the adventures, both literal and emotional, that they've been on together. Yet, despite this seemingly profound connection, the crushing reality is that they are like celestial bodies in the vastness of space—"two worlds apart." This central theme of astronomical distance underscores their emotional chasm. The repetition of "It's astronomy" emphasizes this separation as an unchangeable, scientific fact.

The story then shifts to the present, where a face-to-face encounter reveals the painful truth of their estrangement. The person who was once intimately known is now a stranger. The narrator had hoped that time and distance might rekindle their love, clinging to the adage that "distance brings fondness," but this proved to be a false hope for their relationship. They reflect on their shared past and the one "mistake" they never made was to run away from their problems together. Now, looking back, they see the consequences of staying and growing apart. The bridge introduces a powerful and poignant image. One person is pointing at stars in the sky that have already died, a futile attempt to keep their dying relationship alive. This is a powerful metaphor for holding onto something that no longer exists. The light from a dead star can travel for years, creating the illusion that it's still there, much like how one person in the relationship is clinging to the memory of a love that has already faded. The narrator pleads for them to stop trying to force the stars to align when their fate is already sealed. The song concludes with a final, heartbreaking repetition of the chorus, solidifying the immense and irreversible distance that has grown between them, leaving them as separate worlds in the vast emptiness.

"Astronomy" was released on May 7, 2021, as a single from Conan Gray's second studio album, "Superache". The song was co-written by Conan Gray and Dan Nigro, who also produced the track. Nigro is known for his work with artists like Olivia Rodrigo. Gray has stated that the song is about the slow and painful process of growing apart from someone you've loved for years, to the point where you realize you don't know them anymore. He describes it as a quiet, gradual decay of love, which he considers the most painful type of heartbreak. The song was reportedly written about his best friend, Ashley, reflecting his fear of losing that important bond. The creation of "Astronomy" showcases Gray's growth as a songwriter, with its intricate lyrics and emotional depth. The song's production features a blend of acoustic guitar, piano, and strings, creating a soundscape that complements the melancholic and intimate nature of the lyrics.

The rhyme scheme in "Astronomy" is somewhat irregular, contributing to its conversational and heartfelt feel. The verses tend to follow a loose AABB or ABCB pattern, which gives them a natural, story-like flow. The chorus, however, has a more structured rhyme scheme that enhances its melodic and memorable quality. The rhythm of the song is generally slow and deliberate, fitting for a melancholic ballad. It begins with a gentle, swaying rhythm carried by the acoustic guitar, which gradually builds in intensity. The pacing of the lyrics often mirrors the emotional state of the narrator, with more rapid-fire delivery during moments of emotional realization and a slower, more deliberate pace during introspective passages. This interplay between lyrical and musical rhythm creates a dynamic and emotionally resonant experience for the listener. The song's tempo and rhythmic structure effectively underscore the themes of nostalgia, heartbreak, and the slow, painful process of drifting apart.

"Astronomy" showcases Conan Gray's development in both literary and musical techniques. Lyrically, the song is built around an extended metaphor of astronomy to explore themes of emotional distance. Gray employs vivid imagery, such as "runaway fathers and mothers who drank," to create a relatable backstory for the characters' bond. The use of first-person narration lends an intimate and personal tone to the song, allowing listeners to connect deeply with the narrator's experience. Musically, the song is a slow-burning ballad that starts with simple acoustic guitar strumming, reminiscent of his earlier work. The arrangement gradually builds, incorporating piano, strings, and layered vocals to create a powerful and emotional crescendo, especially in the bridge and final chorus. There are also subtle electronic swells and distorted vocal snippets that sound like a spaceship or a shooting star, further enhancing the astronomical theme. Gray's vocal delivery is a key stylistic element; he moves from a gentle, almost narrative tone in the verses to a more powerful and emotionally charged performance in the chorus, effectively conveying the song's emotional arc.

Upon its release, "Astronomy" was met with positive reception, with many praising its lyrical depth and emotional maturity. It was considered a departure from some of Gray's more upbeat pop tracks, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The song gained significant attention and was praised by fellow artist Taylor Swift. While it may not have had the same commercial chart dominance as some of his other singles like "Heather" or "Maniac," "Astronomy" has become a fan favorite and a staple in his live performances, often highlighted for its raw emotional vulnerability. The song is part of his second studio album, "Superache," which debuted at number nine on the US Billboard 200. "Astronomy" solidified Conan Gray's reputation as a skilled songwriter capable of capturing the complex emotions of youth and heartbreak in a way that resonates deeply with his audience.

The song is rich with symbolism and metaphors, primarily centered around the theme of astronomy to articulate emotional distance and the end of a relationship. The central metaphor, "It's astronomy, we're two worlds apart," is a powerful representation of an unbridgeable emotional chasm. It suggests that the differences between the two individuals are as vast and fundamental as the space between planets. The celestial imagery extends with lines like "We've traveled the seas, we've ridden the stars / We've seen everything from Saturn to Mars," which metaphorically describe the depth and breadth of their shared history and experiences. However, this adventurous past starkly contrasts with their present disconnectedness. One of the most poignant metaphors is in the bridge: "You're pointing at stars in the sky / That already died." This symbolizes one person's futile attempt to hold onto a relationship that is already over, clinging to the illusion of love, much like how the light from a dead star continues to be visible long after it has ceased to exist. This imagery powerfully conveys the tragic beauty of a love that now only exists in memory.

The most significant recurring motif in "Astronomy" is the titular phrase itself, "It's astronomy, we're two worlds apart." This line is repeated throughout the song, both in the chorus and as a standalone phrase, acting as the central thesis of the narrative. Its repetition hammers home the theme of an unfixable, scientific-like emotional distance. The chorus, in its entirety, is another recurring element that contrasts the grand adventures of the past with the stark reality of the present. The imagery of space and celestial bodies is a consistent motif that unifies the song's lyrical content. The line "Stop tryna keep us alive" is also repeated in the bridge, emphasizing the narrator's desperate plea for the other person to accept the end of their relationship. This repetition adds a layer of urgency and finality to the song's emotional climax.