Padma’s “Bending Backwards” is a Dreamy and Emotional Exploration of Unrequited Effort in Relationships
On February 21st, Syracuse University student artist Padma released her most recent single, “Bending Backwards”
Words by Lauren Duncan / Graphic by Lily Greco
Over the nearly three years she's been releasing music, Padma has cultivated a strong following with her indie/bedroom-pop sound, featuring lyrics that resonate most with those in their early twenties navigating adulthood. Since her last single, 2024’s “Good Sign,” Padma’s sound has matured as she has navigated the ups and downs of being a woman in her early twenties. Through her lyrics and melodies, she delves into the highs and lows of self-discovery, love, heartache, and personal growth, capturing the raw emotions that come when stuck in a ‘situationship.’ On “Bending Backwards,” Padma delivers a more sophisticated production style, incorporating a wider range of influences like Clairo and Sabrina Carpenter.
“Bending Backwards” sounds exactly as the title depicts it: the song delves into the relationship dynamic where one person consistently invests more effort than the other. They emotionally give more to their partner than they receive, bending over backward to please them. The theme will resonate with listeners who have faced one-sided emotional affairs that are all too common in college relationships – a.k.a. ‘situationships.’
The light, airy vibe, paired with a soft beat, allows Padma to use a subtle and atmospheric approach to convey her message rather than a heavy, confrontational tone. This quality makes the song feel introspective and contemplative, as she yearns to cut ties with this individual but can’t seem to leave it be, continuing to be strung along with tender words and moments. The line “If you're gonna go, then baby, then you better go, I've been letting you slack, but you're stringing me along” speaks to frustration when one feels they have been too accommodating while their partner isn’t matching their commitment. Padma channels this sense of not knowing where they stand as a relatable and poignant theme in these types of relationships.
With layered vocals, the song takes on a dreamy, ethereal quality that contrasts the emotional weight of the lyrics. The production choices accentuate feelings of confusion and disappointment as the vocals echo and intertwine to illustrate how these conflicting emotions coexist. That contrast makes the song even more impactful, allowing the listener to vibe with it on the surface level or reflect on it more deeply.