The Gregory Brothers' song "Love Triangles (Adieu To Hypoten-You)" uses mathematical references to portray the complexities and challenges of romantic relationships. The lyrics playfully incorporate mathematical concepts like the Pythagorean theorem, equations, and geometry to express the emotional turmoil experienced in a love triangle. The song begins by referencing the Pythagorean theorem, a mathematical formula that states the relationship between the sides of a right triangle. However, the lyrics twist the equation to convey the idea that while a mathematical equation may hold true, the dynamics of love triangles are different and don't work out. The line "You took the us out of Pythagoras" implies that one person in the triangle disrupted the unity or harmony that should exist. The protagonist, feeling rejected and hurt, decides to walk away from the love triangle by turning 90 degrees (a right angle) symbolizing a change in direction. The phrase "I had to say Adieu to hypoten-you" cleverly combines the word "hypotenuse" (referring to one of the sides of a right triangle) with "you," representing the person in the triangle. The chorus further emphasizes the separation and loss experienced in a love triangle. The line "We were one whole polygon, but we got chopped in two" compares the unity of a relationship to a polygon (a closed shape with multiple sides) that becomes divided. The mathematical terms "function of u + i" and "cosine" are metaphors for the relationship and connection shared by the protagonist and the person they're addressing. However, the lyrics assert that a love triangle can never work, symbolizing the idea that involving a third person creates imbalance. The song also uses mathematical symbolism to express the limitations and finite nature of relationships. While the transcendental number "π" is known for its infinite decimal places, the lyrics suggest that the love between the protagonist and the person they address has reached its limits. They mention "never-ending" digits of "π" but state that their relationship cannot continue pretending to be eternal and perfect. Ultimately, the message of the song is that love triangles are inherently flawed and doomed to cause pain. The repeated line "Love triangles never work, there's one too many sides" emphasizes that involving a third person in a romantic relationship disrupts the balance and harmony between the original two individuals. The chorus reiterates that someone always ends up hurt, and the relationship can never return to its original state. Through these mathematical references, "Love Triangles (Adieu To Hypoten-You)" creatively conveys the complexities of love triangles and the challenges they present in a lighthearted and playful way.
