Impossible (Animals Redux)

Song Meaning

Ryan Star's "Impossible (Animals Redux)" isn't a grand declaration of unwavering love, but a raw, almost desperate plea for reconciliation. It's the sonic equivalent of a late-night phone call, laced with regret and a fragile hope for repair. The opening lines immediately set the stage: a relationship fractured, communication strained to the point of near silence. There's an acknowledgement of harm caused ("I'm not proud of all the things I've been putting you through"), but it's quickly followed by a somewhat self-exonerating justification ("when I shot up at the sky I didn't know it'd fall down on you"). This isn't an excuse, but a recognition of unintended consequences, a crucial distinction. The repeated mantra of "Take it all back" underscores the depth of regret and the desire to rewind time, to undo the damage inflicted. This is the core of the song meaning. The chorus, with its repeated assertion that "This isn't impossible," becomes both a reassurance to the other party and a self-affirmation. It's a fragile belief system constructed against the backdrop of a failing relationship. The lyrics hint at the pressures of life weighing heavily on the couple ("I know this life we're dealing with is getting under our skin"), suggesting external forces contributing to the internal strife. The imagery of surviving the winter to "fall in love again" is a classic metaphor for enduring hardship with the promise of renewal, but in Star's hands, it feels less like a certainty and more like a desperate aspiration. The bridge offers the most revealing glimpse into the singer's internal state. The city streets become a minefield of memories, each corner a reminder of what was and what might be lost. The line "You cut my wings and left me here all alone" is a stark admission of vulnerability and dependence. The final declaration, "I'm sorry I'm a little bit angel and a little bit animal," is the most psychologically resonant. It acknowledges the inherent duality of human nature, the capacity for both good and bad, for soaring and for destructive impulses. This internal conflict fuels the song's emotional tension, making "Impossible (Animals Redux)" a compelling exploration of love, regret, and the struggle for redemption.