Retrospect (song)

## **Retrospect**

"**Retrospect**" is the first promo and second overall single off of Sean Kennedy's third studio album. The track is the first time Sean acknowledges his musical journey in a song. The track was officially released on April 23, 2021 alongside a lyric video.

## Background and Release

"Retrospect" was one of the last songs written for *What's Left Unsaid*. On March 29, 2021, the Instagram account @SeanKennedyOfficial posted three images, reading, "I've carved my path, tried to leave my mark" (a lyric to the then unreleased song). On April 13, the account began to post segments of the single's artwork.

The track was officially announced on April 16. In a tweet announcing the track, Kennedy wrote, "This song may be one of the most important songs in my discography, and I'm elated to share it with you. It's a song about overcoming obstacles, but more importantly, having faith in yourself when no one else did."

Sonically, "Retrospect" is Sean's first exploration into the indie pop genre. Kennedy performed the song live for the first time during his *What's Left Unsaid: Live* concert.

## Promotion

"Retrospect" was promoted with footage of Sean as a kid. Several videos were published on social media, including one of Kennedy at a young age playing the guitar, and one of his younger self's face spliced with a photo from the *What's Left Unsaid* photoshoot. CD singles were sold on Kennedy's website.

## Composition

Musically, "Retrospect" is a down-tempo alternative-pop song. It is composed in the key of F# Minor, and it's in common time with a tempo of 85 beats per minute. The song features electric guitars, synthesizers, strings, drums and percussion.

## Lyric Video

The lyric video for "Retrospect" features stock footage of recording equipment with overlays of text. Some words have distorted effects, similar to those used on the "Retrospect" merchandise.

## Cross-References

* Several direct connections to "My Worth" and "What You Did (Interlude)".

## Lyrics

She doesn't know what's going on right now

And in her mind, she thinks I'm someone else

And when I text her back, I don't know what she knows

She just judges, like I'm used to blows

I'm trying to just get it right

I gotta hold onto my light

I walk down the halls, I can hear my name

I look at myself and I'm not the same

'Cause in retrospect, I'm stronger than I was

I walk down the halls, I still see that flame

They said I couldn't, I did anyway

'Cause in retrospect, I had it all along

She doesn’t see what’s behind closed doors

And she can’t tell how I'm trying so hard

And when she takes a shot, she takes a piece of me

'Cause I'm just pushing, and she can't see beneath

I'm trying to just get it right

I gotta hold onto my light

I walk down the halls, I can hear my name

I look at myself and I'm not the same

'Cause in retrospect, I'm stronger than I was (I knew I could)

I walk down the halls, I still see that flame

They said I couldn't, I did anyway

'Cause in retrospect, I had it all along

I've carved my path

Tried to leave my mark

In my life

I hope I'll go far

When the comments

And buzz get too loud

I have people

Who love me now

I walk down the halls, I can hear my name

I look at myself and I'm not the same

'Cause in retrospect, I'm stronger than I was (I knew I could)

I walk down the halls, I still see that flame

They said I couldn't, I did anyway

'Cause in retrospect, I had it all along

## References

1. ↑ Lyric Instagram Post.
2. ↑ Retrospect Cover Reveal.
3. ↑ Sean's Tweet Announcing Retrospect.
4. ↑ Saturday in the Parks: What's Left Unsaid.
5. ↑ Retrospect Promo 1.
6. ↑ Retrospect Promo 2.