[ casual thoughts ]
i find something so deeply special about commentary on the parasocial aspect of the fan and idol relationship delivered through / from the artists.
goldfish is in its simplest form about connection and compassion. yves describe this as a song that deeply resonates with the feeling between the loona break off and her debut. specifically her and her fans. i find a goldfish, in its clear glass bowl, to be a wonderful imagery of the idol - fan dynamic.
i personally see the goldfish, to be the idol on this case. a goldfish, loved and adored by its owner, in a bowl to be admired in. the fish from its owner are so different , but like the lyrics “we’re living together , you know” and “but we’re under the same sky”.
the narrator expresses a constant desire to comfort the other. despite all our difference , the protagonist sees something that transcends this fact and makes it possible for us to deeply empathize and care.
the narrator could be the fan ( owner ) or the idol ( goldfish ). in truth , this deep contemplation of the other person’s silent worry causes an affect on the protagonist too. like fans worrying about yves when she was in dispute with bbc or inactive. like yves feeling worry that her silence will cause her fans to worry.
virtual angel ; the protagonist bear on a secret appearing to be troubling to themselves. but the moment they stand before this person , they become an angel , realize that they in fact have this super power , that it is no need to hide.
imperfect , this person still deeply accepts the protagonist.
in turn , the protagonist wants to protect this admirer. let them go “is a heartbreak”.
the music video holds a darker end than what the lyrics does. similar to ditto ( newjeans ) , this person that adores their “virtual angel” experience incredible highs as well as lows during the song.
the music video in turn also emphasize the “virtual” aspect of this connection. a virtual angel ; someone seen as touched by divinity through the screen of another. this “virtual” is the distance between the “angel” and its admirer.
the two tracks explores this theme in a very meaningful manner, and at last paints this human connection as something worthy of appreciation , even despite the usual negative discourse surrounding parasocial relations. both uplifts this intense feeling between these two people , but one is still unable to ignore the tremendous distance between. one that does in fact make it harder for us to truly understand the other. but maybe , just maybe , does it exist something beyond “virtual” , that transcends digital age and makes us root for the other.
