Rex Orange County – “Pluto Projector” Lyrics Meaning

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Written By Joanna Landrum

Joanna holds a BSc in English Literature and uses her expertise in literary analysis to uncover the deeper meaning of her favorite songs.

At its heart, Rex Orange County’s “Pluto Projector” is a candid exploration of personal growth, love, and self-doubt. The song encapsulates the singer’s introspective journey, tracing his struggles with self-identity, his fears about the future, and his longing for lasting love. The lyrics bring to light the songwriter’s vulnerability, openly questioning his worth and his role as a protector. The ‘Pluto Projector’ acts as a metaphor for introspection and self-reflection, illuminating the singer’s deepest fears and desires.

It’s evident that this song is heavily influenced by a significant relationship in his life, where the songwriter finds solace and acceptance, embracing growth together. It is a sincere ode to love, an acknowledgement of one’s flaws, and the courage to confront them, underlined by the hope to understand oneself better in time.

Ready for a deep dive into Rex Orange County’s introspective journey in “Pluto Projector”? Uncover the layers of meaning behind his vulnerable lyrics, explore his hopes, fears, and the transformative power of love. Dive in now.

“Pluto Projector” Lyrics Meaning

“Pluto Projector” opens with the singer questioning his role – “The great protector / Is that what I’m supposed to be?”. This self-doubt and introspection set the tone for the rest of the song. He grapples with the possibility of his life’s endeavours amounting to nothing, revealing a deeply ingrained fear of failure. The ‘Pluto Projector’ symbolizes a mechanism of self-reflection, a lens through which he evaluates his life, aspirations, and fears.

As the lyrics progress, we see the theme of love and companionship emerge – “And we’re on our way to glory / Where the show won’t ever end”. The ‘show’ here could be a metaphor for life or the shared journey with his partner. This companionship brings him comfort, a sense of home, and the desire for their relationship to be everlasting.

When he sings, “When you say my name, nothing’s changed / I’m still a boy inside my thoughts”, it showcases his vulnerability, reinforcing the fact that despite the growth and experiences, there are parts of him that remain unchanged – he is still the boy inside. He admits to not understanding himself fully yet, hoping that with time and maturity, he might come closer to self-awareness, akin to his partner who seemingly comprehends him better than he does himself.

Finally, the song wraps up with a plea – to ‘stay forever’, showing his deep-seated fear of losing his partner, who has become his rock, knowing his ‘darkness’ and his ‘bedroom needs’.

In essence, “Pluto Projector” is a reflective narrative of a young man standing on the precipice of adulthood, wrestling with his inner demons and finding solace in a deep, understanding relationship. It’s a beautiful, honest exploration of love, self-discovery, and the anxieties that come with growing up.

The Story Behind “Pluto Projector”

While it’s important to note that the songwriter hasn’t explicitly disclosed his inspiration for this song, it’s not hard to deduce from the lyrics that “Pluto Projector” is likely a byproduct of Rex Orange County’s personal experiences at a certain point in his life. He seems to be in a state of transition, caught between his fears and hopes, trying to make sense of his evolving identity, love, and his path in life. His relationship plays a pivotal role in this self-discovery journey, acting as both a mirror and a comfort zone.

The song reflects the struggle to reconcile the gap between who you are and who you want to be, anchored by the one constant in his life – his relationship. This context lends a layer of authenticity and depth to the song, amplifying the emotion behind the lyrics.

Rex Orange County’s open-hearted lyricism reveals a deep introspection, arguably brought about by the pressure of being in the public eye at a young age. Questions of self-worth, the fear of his life’s work amounting to nothing, the struggle to understand his flaws, all these themes point to a young artist grappling with the immense pressure of expectations and fame.

The ‘Pluto Projector’, a likely metaphor for his journey of introspection, reflects his desire to illuminate his inner world. It might signify a period of deep reflection and self-questioning, possibly sparked by the transformative phase in his personal life and career.

The relationship he talks about in the song appears to be the beacon amidst his self-doubt and the whirlwind of his rising fame. It offers him solace, acceptance, and a safe space to grow and understand himself. The lyrics suggest that he draws strength from this bond, craving its permanence, a testament to its significant influence on his personal growth.

In conclusion, “Pluto Projector” isn’t just a love song. It’s a heartfelt confession of Rex Orange County’s innermost fears, insecurities, and his quest for self-understanding. It reveals the songwriter’s state of mind during a transformative period, highlighting his yearning for growth, understanding, and the security of lasting love. Through this song, Rex Orange County reminds us that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to question oneself, and to lean on love while navigating the path of self-discovery and personal growth.