Footnote

Conan Gray's song 'Footnote' delves into the emotional turmoil of unrequited love and the struggle to accept a lesser role in someone's life. The lyrics convey a narrative where the protagonist confesses their feelings at a party, only to be told to sober up. This dismissal sets the tone for a one-sided love affair, where the protagonist is willing to wait, hoping that patience might change the other person's feelings, but is ultimately faced with the harsh truth that it won't.

The song's chorus, 'So I'll just take a footnote in your life,' poignantly captures the protagonist's resignation to being a minor part of someone's story, despite their deep feelings. The metaphor of a 'footnote' suggests a small, often overlooked addition to a text, mirroring the protagonist's perceived insignificance in the other person's life. The reference to 'Pride and Prejudice' contrasts the idealized love found in novels with the protagonist's reality, highlighting the disparity between fiction and their own unromantic experience.

The repeated plea, 'Please, don't forget me,' underscores the protagonist's desire to at least be remembered, even if it's not as a significant figure. This sentiment reflects the bittersweet acceptance of their situation, while still holding onto the hope of not being entirely forgotten. The song's introspective nature and Gray's emotive delivery resonate with listeners who have experienced the pain of loving someone who does not love them back.