Pluto

"Pluto" by Kaidraroo acts as a poignant exploration of loss and the confusion of memory, balancing on a delicate line between a song about a lost pet and a metaphor for a deteriorating relationship.

Literal Interpretation (The Lost Pet):
On the surface, the lyrics strongly suggest the loss of a beloved dog. The name "Pluto" is a classic canine name (referencing the Disney character), and the setting of a "park" reinforces this imagery. The lines "Pluto where did you go" and "I'll hold you forever in my arms / Making sure that you're cared for" speak to the pure, protective love an owner feels for a pet. In this context, the "break up" mentioned in the first verse could be the narrator projecting their grief onto the animal, or perhaps a memory of a specific event where the pet ran off or got lost.

Metaphorical Interpretation (The Human Relationship):
A deeper analysis reveals a dialogue that seems too complex for a simple pet. The line "Where you had said I broke your heart" implies a verbal confrontation that would be impossible with a dog. Here, "Pluto" likely serves as a nickname for a former partner—someone who is perhaps distant, small, or "far away" (like the dwarf planet). The narrator uses the innocence of the park and the pet-like nickname to infantilize the partner or soften the blow of the breakup. The narrator's denial ("I think your memory is bad / Cause I don't recall any of that") introduces a theme of gaslighting or denial, suggesting the narrator refuses to accept responsibility for the relationship's end.

Synthesis:
Ultimately, the song captures the feeling of being ghosted or abandoned. Whether Pluto is a dog who ran away or a lover who left without a valid reason, the emotional core is the same: the narrator is left with a surplus of love and a desire to nurture ("If you need love I'll give you some") someone who is no longer there to receive it.

The narrative opens with a desire to return to a specific location, a park, which serves as the setting for a painful memory. The narrator recalls a conversation that took place there, where an accusation was made that they had broken the other person's heart. However, the narrator immediately disputes this version of events, suggesting that the other person's memory is flawed or unreliable because they have no recollection of causing such pain.

The focus then shifts to a direct address to a figure named "Pluto." The narrator expresses deep, repetitive affection, declaring their love while simultaneously questioning Pluto's disappearance. There is a sense of confusion and loss as the narrator asks where Pluto has gone, highlighting a sudden absence. The story reflects on a dynamic of unreciprocated loyalty: the narrator loved Pluto, but Pluto left.

The narrator dismisses the departure as a result of "forgetting," perhaps implying that the bond was not broken out of malice but out of a lapse in memory or care. Despite this abandonment, the narrator offers a vow of eternal protection and care, promising to hold Pluto in their arms forever and provide love, especially during moments of numbness or sadness. The song concludes with the lingering feeling of this unresolved devotion.

"Pluto" was released on November 17, 2019, initially as a single and later featured on Kaidraroo's project "I Got Hungry - EP" (released in 2020). The track was written by Kaidra Hill, the artist behind the moniker Kaidraroo.

The song emerged during the rise of the "Bedroom Pop" wave, a genre characterized by DIY production and vulnerable, diary-like lyrics. While specific anecdotes about the recording session are scarce due to the artist's indie status, the production credits on some platforms list "Oliver Pickle" as the copyright holder, which is likely a pseudonym for the artist's own independent label or a close collaborator. The song gained traction organically through streaming platforms and social media, resonating with listeners for its catchy yet melancholic melody.

The song utilizes a simple AABB or ABAB rhyme scheme in the verses, typical of pop music, which enhances its sing-along quality. For example, the opening lines rhyme "park" with "heart."

Rhythm and Meter:
The lyrical rhythm is conversational and relaxed, sitting comfortably over a standard 4/4 time signature. The phrasing is simple and repetitive, mirroring the cyclical nature of obsessive thoughts after a breakup. The chorus features a melodic hook on the "Woah oh oh oh oh" vocalization, which breaks the lyrical density and allows the emotion to be carried purely by melody.

Musical Techniques:
The song employs a classic Lo-fi / Bedroom Pop aesthetic. It features a simple, repetitive drum machine beat and a clean, modulated electric guitar riff that creates a watery, dream-like atmosphere. The vocals are often double-tracked or slightly reverb-heavy, pushing them back in the mix to sound distant, mimicking the theme of memory.

Literary Techniques:
Apostrophe: The entire chorus is a direct address to an absent figure ("Pluto, I love you so").
Unreliable Narrator: The verse "I think your memory is bad / Cause I don't recall any of that" casts doubt on the narrator's version of the story. Are they telling the truth, or are they in denial about hurting the other person?
Juxtaposition: The upbeat, catchy melody contrasts with the sad lyrics about abandonment and heartbreak, a common trope in indie pop known as "sad dancing."

While not a mainstream chart-topper, "Pluto" holds a significant place within the Bedroom Pop and Indie subcultures. It is a prime example of the "sad chill" aesthetic that gained immense popularity on platforms like TikTok and Spotify (specifically on "Lorem" or "Bedroom Pop" style user playlists) around 2019–2021.

The song represents a shift in music production where independent artists could achieve viral success with home-recorded tracks that prioritized vibe and emotion over polished studio perfection. For fans of artists like Clairo, Cuco, or Mac DeMarco, Kaidraroo fits seamlessly into that sonic landscape.

The lyrics of "Pluto" rely on specific imagery to convey emotional distance and intimacy:

• Pluto (The Name): Symbolizes distance and demotion. Just as the planet Pluto was demoted and is far from the sun, the subject of the song has distanced themselves from the narrator. It also functions as a Pet Motif, representing unconditional love and innocence.
• The Park: A symbol of shared history and innocence. Parks are public spaces associated with childhood and leisure, but in the song, it becomes the site of a traumatic memory (the heartbreak accusation). This corrupts the innocence of the setting.
• Memory: The recurring mention of "forgetting" and "bad memory" symbolizes the subjective nature of truth in a breakup. The narrator and the subject remember the past differently, highlighting the disconnect between them.
• Arms/Holding: Represents a desire for control and protection. The narrator wants to hold Pluto "forever," contrasting with the reality that Pluto has already left.

"Woah oh oh oh oh": This non-lyrical vocal hook is the song's most prominent motif. It acts as a sigh of longing or a cry for attention, filling the space where words fail.

"Pluto": The repetition of the name anchors the song. By constantly naming the lost object, the narrator keeps them present in the song even though they are absent in reality.

"I loved you, you left me": This blunt, monosyllabic phrase summarizes the entire conflict. Its simplicity contrasts with the more complex emotional maneuvering in the verses.