Song Title: call it the end
Artist: ROSÉ
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Album: rosie (vampirehollie edition)
Genre: Pop
“call it the end” by ROSÉ is a poignant exploration of the limbo between staying in a relationship and letting go, capturing the raw emotions of indecision and the pain of potential loss. The song delves into the complexities of love and the difficult choices that come with it, offering a candid portrayal of a relationship at a crossroads.
The opening verse sets the stage with a sense of uncertainty and conflict: “We’re at a crossroad / And we don’t know which way to go / Part of me lost hope / And part of me just can’t let go.” The metaphor of a crossroad emphasizes the dilemma faced by the speaker, torn between hope and despair. The internal struggle is palpable, with the speaker acknowledging that part of them has lost hope, while another part clings to the remnants of the relationship.
The pre-chorus introduces the theme of confronting reality: “We said we’d cross those bridges when they came / Now it’s time to give it a name / Yeah, we’re at a crossroad / So, baby, let me know.” The phrase “cross those bridges” suggests dealing with challenges as they arise, but now the time has come to define the relationship clearly. The repetition of “we’re at a crossroad” reinforces the urgency of the situation, pressing for a decision.
The chorus is the emotional core of the song, filled with questions and doubts: “Do I call you my ex or do I call you my boyfriend? / Call you a lover, do I call you a friend? / Call you the one or the one that got away? / Someone I’ll just have to forget / Do I call you every night you’re gone or never call you again? / Do we have a future or should I call it the end?” The series of questions reflects the speaker’s confusion and the struggle to define the relationship. The repetition of “call” emphasizes the need for clarity and the pain of uncertainty.
The second verse reflects on the beauty and pain of the relationship: “We were a moment / And you were my only true oasis / Now all those oceans / Are falling down our faces.” The metaphor of an oasis suggests a source of comfort and respite, while the imagery of oceans falling down their faces symbolizes the overwhelming emotions and tears that follow the potential end of the relationship.
The pre-chorus reiterates the theme of growth and change: “So if we don’t see it through / I’m a better me because of you / Yeah, we’re at a crossroad / So, baby, let me know.” The acknowledgment that the speaker is a better person because of the relationship adds a layer of gratitude and personal growth. The repetition of “we’re at a crossroad” underscores the need for a decision, emphasizing the importance of communication and clarity.
The outro brings the song to a close with a sense of finality and acceptance: “Should I call it the end? / Are we lovers or friends? / Is this as good as it gets? / Should I call it the end?” The repetition of “Should I call it the end?” emphasizes the speaker’s resolve to make a decision, even if it means letting go. The questions about the nature of their relationship and whether this is the best it can be add a layer of introspection and acceptance.
The most impactful lines of the song are found in the chorus and outro. The chorus’s series of questions and the outro’s repetition of “Should I call it the end?” encapsulate the song’s essence—a raw and honest portrayal of the struggle to define a relationship and the pain of potential loss. These lines resonate deeply, inviting listeners to connect with the emotional journey of the speaker.
In a creative bonus, the song’s themes can be compared to the concept of “the road not taken” from Robert Frost’s poem. Much like the poem, “call it the end” explores the dilemma of choosing between two paths and the consequences of that choice. ROSÉ’s personal journey, as hinted in her social media posts, reflects a similar exploration of the choices and crossroads in life and love, adding a layer of authenticity to the song’s message.
“call it the end” is a deeply emotional and introspective ballad that captures the pain and uncertainty of a relationship at a crossroads. It offers a raw and honest portrayal of the struggle to define love and the difficult choices that come with it, making it a relatable and poignant addition to ROSÉ’s discography.