In a world of love and relationships, breakups are often viewed as the end-all and be-all. It’s a moment of intense emotion, whether it be heartbreak or relief. Yet, what happens when you’re the one left behind or whether you were the one left unsure about your decision to call it quits? Atticus Roness, a power pop tour de force hailing from Atlanta, knows all about that inner conflict. His latest single, ‘So What,’ is a song about duality; an in the style of Elliot Smith, the Beatles and Big Star; a thought-provoking and emotionally-charged tune about the incompatible or at variance: contradictory, intramural monologue that follows a breakup.
From the opening notes of So What, the lyrics embody a part of ourselves that yearns for closeness and intimacy, regardless of the reason why we seek it. It’s a bittersweet symphony to those moments when we feel lost and alone and just want someone to hold us, even if it’s just for a little while. As Roness sings “Sometimes I go out kissing people, but I know in my head that I’m just trying to rest my mind.”
It’s clear that this isn’t your typical love song. Rather, it’s an introspective examination of the ways we sometimes use others as a crutch for our own emotional turmoil. The line “On somebody else’s bed” serves as a poignant metaphor for the fleeting nature of these encounters — a momentary distraction from our own thoughts and worries. It’s a bold admission of guilt from an artist who has made significant progress and has taken a risk in creating something new and different when writing from a deeply personal place. But “So What” isn’t all darkness and self-doubt. Roness’s clear, soothing vocals sulk over a line that exemplifies the lack of certainty that often accompanies an ending of a relationship or partnership; a separation.
This acoustic, problematic ballad and catchy laidback melody, elevates the song to an empowering, smooth, and soft-spoken climax as he croons about a complex relationship. “All my friends are talking shit about you/That’s cuz they know who you are” indicates that Atticus’s friends are critical of the person he is singing about, usually implying that this person might not have treated him well or there are elements of their behavior that are seen as negative.
The second line “That’s cuz they know who you are” supports this idea by suggesting that this person’s identity and actions are well-known and potentially controversial or hurtful. He paints a vivid picture of how it feels when someone you love is no longer around. If you are someone who is trying to make sense of a broken heart, you need to add this single to your playlist and let it guide you on your journey towards a better tomorrow.
Apropos to throwing a bottle into the ocean and wondering if anybody, including the object of his affection has ever found it; in the third line, “And still I know that in my heart, you are never gone too far.” Atticus Roness acknowledges that despite what others may think or say about this person, he still holds them close to his heart, signifying either strong romantic feelings or possibly an inability to let go. It means that, in spite of everything, he still has strong emotions connected to this person. It suggests a struggle between what Atticus feels privately and the advice or perceptions of his friends, indicating an internal conflict.
In part of a purgatoric, godawfully scratched, damaged record, we can’t help but replay our past memories over and over, despite our best efforts to move on. Ultimately, the beauty of “So What” lies in its authenticity. Roness is unafraid to breed and sow the seeds of a soothing refrain into complex, emotional territory of relationships, which is often underrepresented at high levels in mainstream media. As far as calling the attention to the inner monologue of a breakup, Roness allows his listeners to relate on a personal level. In the end, “So What,” serves as a reminder that relationships, even when they end, are not one-dimensional. We’re complex creatures, and our emotions are equally so. Whether you’re missing someone or doubling down on a breakup, it’s okay to feel uncertain. As Roness so eloquently puts it, “so what?”