“Footnote” by Conan Gray
Footnotes are those annotations you find sometimes, in smaller print, at the bottom of a page of text, especially in terms of academic writings. They are not part of the main text itself, or let’s say, more specifically to the context of this song, not as important.
So with that in mind, what we are actually met with here, most simply premised, is a case of unreciprocated love. Conan Gray is really into the addressee. Others are also able to see that the two of them make a “cute” and “perfect” couple. But as for said addressee, they’re not into Conan – and not for a lack of trying on his behalf. Indeed despite the addressee’s lack of mutual interest, the vocalist is still able to convince them to date him.
The further implication is that the two of them, even though they are not an official item, also strike up a sexual relationship. And that brings us to the thesis sentiment of the track. What Conan is saying is that he’s content with being the addressee’s side man so to speak, i.e. someone whom the addressee dates but doesn’t take seriously.
Yes, he would prefer if the two of them were actually official. And all sentiments considered, it can also be said that under normal circumstances, Conan may not impose himself on a romantic interest who has told him forthrightly that there’s no actual future for them. You know, it’s like doing so is devaluing yourself. But he is so smitten by this particular person and as such is content with, in this case, just being used physically.
“Footnote” Credits
Dan Nigro, the behind-the-scenes’ figure who contributed to the come-up of both Olivia Rodrigo and Conan Gray, plays a prominent role throughout “Superache”, the album this track is derived from. For instance, he served as the producer and co-author of “Footnote”, with Conan also contributing to the writing of this song.
Release of “Footnote”
“Footnote” was released on 24 June 2022 as part of “Superache”. The label behind this project is Republic Records. Prior to officially launching “Superache” on the date in question, Republic released the songs below as official singles from the album.
Important to note:
There are no actual gender pronouns utilized in the lyrics. Owing to this, the real gender of the addressee of “Footnotes” is unknown.
Conan Gray namedrops Pride and Prejudice in the pre-chorus, a classic British novel dating back to the early 17th century.
