It's Over Isn't It? (Steven Universe)

One of the most powerful ballads about lost love for me came from Steven Universe. This show found ways to keep on giving and resonating with people in so many ways, but the episode "Mr. Greg" might be my all-time favorite. The musical episode involving Greg, Steven, and Pearl going on a trip to the big city hits its emotional focal point in this song. Many people know it, but if not I highly recommend watching the song through the show on YouTube for your first listen. The visuals and music, all tied together with a gorgeous color palette tie together to make a song that is a gift from start to finish, and here is why I say that.  

The night sky is a pretty shade of purple, as Pearl steps alone out onto the balcony of the hotel. Looking into the night sky. the lights of the city and the stars, illuminating the beautiful night sky. Holding a rose, she begins to lament her relationship with Steven's mother who shares the name with the flower she holds, her resentment for Greg, his father, and still grapples with Rose being gone. Including saying multiple times as a repeating lyric "It's over isn't it why can't I move on?' 

The melody and score of this song a accompanied by a wonderful piano, tying everything together to make a song I love listening to or watching over and over, whether through the show or on YouTube as an isolated moment. The song's visuals or so strong that when I listen to it and close my eyes, I can see them and they pop into my mind because they are so memorable.

Pearl discusses her feelings towards Greg, her disdain with lyrics like "You won and she chose you and she loved and she's gone.." showing her emotions still flaring up, as the music crescendos so does her voice, getting louder towards the end. In terms of the animation, she walks along the balcony, and the camera pans and follows her as if it were a big show-stopping number in a Broadway musical. Her eye glares back every single time she mentions Greg and the song is somber and sweet at the same time.

By asking a real question the audience can see themselves leaving the past behind. Seeing the world around you move forward but you are stuck in the moment that you hold so close, determined that those days were the best you had and the best you will ever get. Asking why can't you move forward. A deep meaning with powerful words that the audience can connect back to their own lives.

This song can strike a chord with fans of the show who know this character's story, or someone listening in passing. It is a good song in and out of the context of its source material. It is one of those songs that really soars with a grand scale during this quiet moment. Taking a fun episode and magnifying the character's inner conflict, taking this soft and lonely moment to look inside the heart of one of the main cast. The musical episode takes this moment and hits the emotional climax here, which then leads to a couple more songs as a resolution is found by the time the credits roll. In this moemnt of heart break and sadness, trapped in the past, a simple question is asked. Using gorgeous visuals, and a beautiful and somber score that grows and grows into a soft and quiet ending. Whether to relate to or just listen to and enjoy, this song is one of the best I have ever seen play out in an animated series. moment

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