Throughout the world, admiration and human relationships hold immense value. RICE captures this in the song “Starz” which dives into the emotional complexities of admiration alongside the light and darkness that surrounds us. The lyrics encapsulate a heartfelt story about how people often get fascinated by idols and start idolizing them like they are “shining stars” without understanding the pain or reality behind their image.

As they start singing, they portray a person who looks like a star in the night because of how this person shines in the eyes of the artist. Maybe this is when the artist himself feels out of place and disconnected. There is a wish to display this person in the “right light” which indicates that the artist believes there is something unique in this person. The repeated refrain “Let me bring you back to life” indicates the expectation of the artist and what he feels he can do to the person which in this case is to lift their spirit and suggests how at times people misplace themselves and require the aid of others to feel whole again.

The “RICE” lyrics resemble a description of one undergoing a period of deep despair or ‘dying out’ which may allude to personal struggles. Nonetheless, the artist tries really hard to ‘bring back to life’ the person in question which indicates high sense of care and emotional support. This form of caring about someone deeply during their lowest moments demonstrates the same artist’s high hopes of selflessness where he in fact tries to save as well as renew.

Moreover, the composition focuses on the emphasis of self exploration as well as one’s inner battles of striving to preserve their inner light in a world full of uncertainties. What it could be, what it should be captures the artist’s thought about expectations and reality, and how they are not the same. There’s some softness to reveal as well from the artist feeling down, yet wanting to be the one to lift the other person. The expression ‘Hope my absence doesn’t steal your glow’ and ‘Hope your presence compliments my growth’ demonstrate a deeper level of maturity, claiming that the problem does not lie in possessiveness but in adoption of encouraging mutual growth and support.

Starz by RIC€ covers many important themes including the price of admiration and the lengths people go to for their loved ones. The line “I can’t afford to just fade, even in light know they throw shade” perfectly captures the inner conflict of wanting to shine as bright as they can while also dealing with hater judgements. To be able to see outside forces attempting to extinguish one’s flame is a tell tale sign of being in the spotlight or being with someone envied by many.

The next part of the song describes relationships in all of its complexity and painfulness. “Wishing on a star ’til the light burns out” is very powerful as it portrays yearning. In contrast, “Turns to a martyr when desire falls out” eloquently highlights the emotional toll of sustaining an over-idealized perception of oneself. The notion depicted in “Give you my shine if we all can’t win” shows the extent of self-denial that comes with love and support by putting oneself on the line, illustrating the notion of sacrifice.

All in all, “Starz” is a track that encapsulates the essence of the thin line between admiration and reality, light and dark, selfless and selfish. It is a reminder that stars also need support to light-up and we must pay attention to the struggles that go unnoticed beneath the surface. The lyrics of RICE beg listeners to examine their own relationships and the people they look up to, and to consider their light but also the dark surrounding them. The song captures the essence of love transforming into the growth of life alongside delicacies of life’s complexities for anyone who has tried supporting someone back to the light.