Childhood memories have a way of staying with us, mainly the ones we share with our siblings. Those moments of laughter, make-believe adventures, and late-night talks under the soft glow of plastic stars often become a sanctuary in an otherwise unknown world. But, as we grow older, life pulls us in different directions, and the once unbreakable bond can feel stretched thin. Facing reality, we are left cherishing those times and regretting the distance that comes with adulthood.
With that being said, 'Plastic Stars' is a song Henry wrote for his sister, looking back on their childhood when they were inseparable, pretending to fight off monsters and dreaming under glow-in-the-dark stars. It’s a song about growing up, drifting apart, and wishing you’d said the things you never did. Henry, as an adult here, regrets not staying as close and wanting to reconnect.
Music on the other hand has this mix of warm electronic and acoustic instruments. It begins with this light, chiming percussion holding the feelings of innocence, wonder and nostalgia. Then you get a bright, shiny piano that focuses on the chord progression, as well as some subtle, ambient fillers that are specifically arranged to add a build-up that connects the verse and chorus.
Henry’s voice is the heart of it all, deep and slightly raspy, it swings between some soft and intense moments with some moody undertones, pulling you deeper into the overall theme. On the low end, there’s a thick, rumbling bass and a beat that grounds the track, paired with a powerful, mono acoustic guitar strumming at the centre. To add more dynamics, a glossy electric guitar piece steps in towards the climax of this song.
And as the song ends, you'll learn that 'Plastic Stars' isn’t just about regret, it’s about hope too. Here, Henry wants to reach out to his sister and say what he’s been holding back. He’s ready to fix things and mend what time may have frayed. He's basically making a conscious effort to rebuild that connection. Those plastic stars, they're artificial, sure, but they represent something deeply real. Just like those plastic stars glow brightest in the darkness, sometimes our childhood memories shine brightest when we take time to reflect.