Orchid / Flame

In "Orchid / Flame," hannah bahng explores the complexities of love, vulnerability, and the emotional turmoil that often accompanies intense relationships. The song opens with a metaphor of overwatering, suggesting that the narrator's affection was overwhelming, leading to the drowning of the relationship. This imagery sets the stage for a narrative of unreciprocated love, where the narrator feels they have given more than they received, highlighting the imbalance and emotional strain that can occur when one person invests more deeply than the other.

The repeated lines "You were my everything and more" emphasize the depth of the narrator's feelings, underscoring the significance of the other person in their life. Despite this profound connection, the love shared is described as insufficient, suggesting a sense of longing and unfulfilled desire. The narrator's experience of love is portrayed as an all-consuming force, one that they cannot easily escape from, as depicted in the recurring motif of running towards a flame. This flame symbolizes both the allure and danger of the relationship, capturing the addictive nature of love that can be both illuminating and destructive.

The song also touches on themes of fame and light, possibly alluding to the external pressures and expectations that can impact personal relationships. The narrator's struggle to reconcile their need for light, or perhaps validation, with the reality of their situation adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Ultimately, "Orchid / Flame" is a poignant reflection on the intensity of love, the pain of unreciprocated feelings, and the inner conflict that arises when one's desires are at odds with reality.