Meaning of Plum by Troye Sivan

In Troye Sivan's mesmerizing song "Plum," listeners are taken on a journey through a complex web of emotions and themes. At its core, the song explores the fleeting nature of relationships and the bittersweet realization that all good things must eventually come to an end. The overarching theme of the song can be summarized as embracing change, accepting the ephemerality of love, and finding beauty in the transitory moments.One standout lyric that encapsulates the theme of the song is, "Even the sweetest plum has only got so long." Here, Sivan uses the metaphor of a plum, which symbolizes the sweet, tender, and ripe parts of a relationship. The lyric beautifully emphasizes the idea that even the most delicious and fulfilling experiences in life have a finite lifespan. Thus, Sivan prompts us to appreciate the present moment, cherishing the sweetness despite knowing that it will eventually fade away.Another noteworthy lyric that contributes to the song's thematic depth is, "Jealous, you can sleep, you've been keeping me up." This line delves into the often-unbalanced dynamics within relationships, especially when one person is seemingly unaffected by the impending end. The feeling of jealousy arises from the realization that our partner can continue living comfortably while we struggle to accept the impending farewell. By touching on the emotions of jealousy, Sivan exposes the vulnerability and imbalance that can be present in relationships, adding a layer of complexity to the overarching theme.Additionally, the lyric, "I was summer, you were spring, you can't change what the seasons bring," introduces a captivating exploration of seasonal metaphors. Summer represents warmth, vibrancy, and joy, while spring symbolizes renewal, growth, and new beginnings. Sivan ingeniously intertwines these metaphorical seasons with the cycle of relationships. The message becomes clear: no matter how desperately we try to hold onto the beauty of a specific season, time moves forward, and change is inevitable. Embracing the ever-changing nature of relationships becomes essential, as trying to resist the cycle of seasons is futile.Delving deeper into the metaphorical aspects of the song, "Watching you sleep, run my hands through your hair, and it's got me thinking" demonstrates a longing for connection and nostalgia. The act of watching someone sleep represents a vulnerable moment of intimacy and tenderness. Sivan's use of this imagery suggests a desire to relish the last moments of a relationship or to capture the essence of the other person before it slips away. By evoking the sense of touch through running hands through hair, he reminds us of the importance of physical and emotional connections in relationships.Further exploring the metaphorical language, the line "Coming over me like bitter tangerine like sirens in the streets" paints a vivid picture of conflicting emotions. Bitter tangerines juxtapose the sweetness of plums, symbolizing the emotional complexity and the slight bitterness that can accompany the end of a relationship. The sirens in the streets convey a sense of urgency and impending change. Through these metaphors, Sivan captures the intense emotions that often accompany the realization of an imminent breakup.In conclusion, Troye Sivan's "Plum" is a beautifully crafted song that encapsulates the complexities of relationships and fleeting moments of love. By utilizing metaphors such as plums, seasons, and intimate actions like watching someone sleep, Sivan explores themes of embracing change, recognizing the temporary nature of relationships, and finding beauty in transitory moments. Through his powerful lyrics, he urges us to savor the sweetness of life while it lasts, even knowing that it will eventually fade away. "Plum" serves as a poignant reminder to appreciate the present, cherish the love we have, and gracefully accept the impermanence that defines our human experience.