In The Kitchen

Reneé Rapp's song "In The Kitchen" is a poignant reflection on the aftermath of a relationship that has ended. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the spaces once shared by two lovers, now filled with the echoes of memories. The kitchen, a place that was once a scene of intimacy and domestic bliss, becomes a symbol of loss and heartache. Rapp describes the visceral reaction of her heart hitting the floor upon entering the kitchen, a space that triggers visions of a past love. The song captures the mundane yet intimate moments that build a relationship, such as cooking together and the playful concern over kitchen accidents, which now serve as reminders of what has been lost.

The chorus of the song delves into the emotional struggle of moving on. Rapp sings about dancing with the ghost of her former lover and playing the piano alone, highlighting the loneliness that fills the void left by the relationship's end. The reluctance to delete videos of their time together signifies the difficulty of letting go and the fear of erasing the last vestiges of a once-vibrant connection. The phrase 'it's real once everyone knows' suggests a reluctance to publicly acknowledge the end of the relationship, as doing so would make the breakup an undeniable reality.

The song concludes with a reflection on the transformative nature of time and the painful realization that love can turn to indifference. The journey from strangers to lovers and then to enemies encapsulates the full cycle of a relationship gone sour. Rapp's lyrics serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of falling in love, with the repeated line 'so don't try this at home' underscoring the vulnerability and strength required to love and, ultimately, to face its potential demise.