Meaning of And what if I kept the hand-me-downs you won't grow into?

The song "Ronan" by Taylor Swift is a heart-wrenching tribute to a young boy named Ronan Thompson who tragically lost his battle with neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. The lyrics of the song beautifully capture the memories of Ronan's short life and the pain and longing experienced by his mother, who is the narrator of the song.Amidst the vivid descriptions of precious moments shared with Ronan, there is a particular line that stands out: "And what if I kept the hand-me-downs you won't grow into?" This poignant line goes beyond its surface meaning and delves into deeper thematic explorations.One theme that this line touches upon is the concept of missed opportunities and unfulfilled potential. The hand-me-downs symbolize the future experiences and milestones that Ronan would never have the chance to experience. The mother, plagued by the pain of losing her child, wonders about the untapped potential that lies within those hand-me-downs. It is a haunting reminder of the dreams left unfulfilled and the life that Ronan could have lived.Moreover, this line also explores the theme of the unbreakable bond between a parent and child. The act of keeping the hand-me-downs, despite knowing that Ronan will never grow into them, represents the mother's unwavering love and connection to her child. By holding onto these physical reminders, she keeps a part of Ronan close to her heart, cherishing the memories they shared together.Another theme that emerges from this line is the power of imagination and what-ifs. The mother imagines a different reality where Ronan could have grown up, where the hand-me-downs would have served their purpose. This fleeting thought gives her a momentary glimpse into the life that was stolen from her son, and she longs for the miracles that could have made it possible.Lastly, this line reflects the overall theme of the song, which is the devastating impact of loss and the bittersweet nature of memories. It reminds us that even in the smallest of details, the absence of a loved one is deeply felt. The hand-me-downs become a powerful symbol of the void left by Ronan's absence, showcasing how grief can permeate through even the most mundane aspects of life.In essence, the line "And what if I kept the hand-me-downs you won't grow into?" in the song "Ronan" serves as a catalyst for various imaginative and heartfelt themes. It explores missed opportunities, the unbreakable bond between parent and child, the power of imagination, and the all-encompassing impact of loss. Through this line, Taylor Swift masterfully captures the complex emotions surrounding grief and pays tribute to Ronan, ensuring that his memory remains alive.