Song Title: not the same
Artist: ROSÉ
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Album: rosie (vampirehollie edition)
Genre: Pop
“not the same” by ROSÉ is a haunting reflection on the transformation of a once-cherished connection, capturing the ache of watching someone you love become unrecognizable. The song delves into the complexities of change, nostalgia, and the bittersweet tension of holding onto a beloved past while confronting a distant present. It offers a raw and introspective look at the pain of losing what once was, even when it still stands before you.
The opening verse sets a tone of disillusionment and betrayal: “Say what you want to, babe / But you know that you’re talking in circles / Tell me lies, like we okay / Promise till your face turns purple / That you gon’ love me, love me / One day you gon’ love me right / Shame on me for trusting you once, trusting you twice.” The repetition of “talking in circles” and “tell me lies” underscores the speaker’s frustration with empty promises and deceit. The phrase “shame on me” adds a layer of self-blame, highlighting the speaker’s vulnerability and the pain of trusting someone who ultimately let them down.
The chorus is the emotional heart of the song, filled with a sense of loss and change: “Yeah, we had only and nothing but time / But some things just change overnight / I don’t know who you think you’re kidding, babe / Yeah, you’re not the same, not the same / Yeah, we had good days and light on our side / But you fucked up and you know that I’m right / I don’t know who you think you’re kidding, babe / Yeah, you’re not the same, not the same, not the same.” The contrast between having “only and nothing but time” and the abruptness of overnight change emphasizes the suddenness of the transformation. The repetition of “you’re not the same” drives home the speaker’s realization that the person they loved has become someone they no longer recognize.
The second verse reflects on the aftermath of the relationship: “Pick it up, up / Drop your keys, come and get your stuff, yeah / Find a new heart to confide in / Did letting me down get tiring? / I keep on walking through all of the memories that I had with you / And I don’t miss it, the way you broke my love.” The imagery of picking up and dropping keys symbolizes the finality of the breakup, while “find a new heart to confide in” suggests the other person has already moved on. The line “Did letting me down get tiring?” adds a layer of resentment, highlighting the speaker’s pain and the other person’s indifference.
The bridge offers a moment of introspection and acceptance: “Oh, what a shame, nothing’s the same / All of my love, you put it to waste / And you can keep pointing the finger / Thought it’d be us, go figure.” The repetition of “what a shame” emphasizes the speaker’s disappointment and the sense of loss. The phrase “you put it to waste” adds a layer of regret, while “keep pointing the finger” suggests a refusal to take responsibility. The line “Thought it’d be us, go figure” underscores the speaker’s disillusionment and the realization that their hopes for the relationship were misplaced.
The most impactful lines of the song are found in the chorus and bridge. The chorus’s repetition of “you’re not the same” and the bridge’s introspective lines encapsulate the song’s essence—a raw and honest portrayal of the pain of change and the loss of a once-cherished connection. 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 “uncanny valley”—the unsettling feeling of encountering something that is almost, but not quite, human. Much like the uncanny valley, “not the same” explores the discomfort of seeing someone you love become almost, but not quite, the person you knew. ROSÉ’s personal journey, as hinted in her social media posts, reflects a similar exploration of the changes and losses in life and love, adding a layer of authenticity to the song’s message.
“not the same” is a deeply emotional and introspective ballad that captures the pain of watching someone you love become unrecognizable. It offers a raw and honest portrayal of the complexities of change, nostalgia, and the bittersweet tension of holding onto a beloved past while confronting a distant present, making it a poignant addition to ROSÉ’s discography.