Year 11 Essay Archives: 'Paint' By The Paper Kites

By Liv Foust

Within the poetic verses and haunting melodies of The Paper Kites' 'Paint' lies a profound exploration of love, loss, and the intricate emotions that connect us to the past. In this analysis, we will examine the layers of this song, highlighting into its raw lyricism and minimalist musicality that together paint a canvas of human experiences. From metaphorical landscapes to the resonance of emptiness, 'Paint' serves as a captivating portrayal of the human soul in its pursuit of healing and understanding.

The lyricism dappled throughout 'Paint' proves to be an excellent example of using poetry to illustrate raw, stripped emotion. For example: “Theres something moving through the windows and walls, seen it before, seen it before,” alluding to the ghosts of the composers past. With context, we can understand the composers connection to this metaphorical house, windows and walls. The previous lyrics illustrate how the house had “never felt warm.” This house is a representation of the composers own mind and emotions. Their mind is empty and cold, with limited remaining movement of their past self and thoughts. Furthermore, the continuing lyric “you left me living with a lingering soul” expresses how part of the composer was taken when a third party had left. This third party is subjective to the audience, and can be seen as a lover, friend, parental figure, etc. These lyrics within the first verse express the shell of the person the composer once was. This ignites a feeling of emptiness and mystery within the audience, triggering captivation and drawing the listener in.

‘Paint’ utilises simple harmonies and raw audio to develop an authentic atmosphere between the composer and listener. Pauses are also used as rhythmic breaks to create interest and suspense. Pauses such as these can be observed between the first verse and the first chorus. Additionally, layering can be heard within the vocals as well and the acoustic guitar. While keeping the raw, personal, authentic feel of the song, these layers create a fuller, almost orchestral sound. This technique is used in many songs and is what separates the chorus from the verses. What makes ‘Paint’ a unique example of this, is the airy quality presented through the use of simple harmonies. This expresses a euphoric flush of emotion derived from the composers self awareness. “I only eat to fill me up, I only sleep to rest,” acts as a representation of self discovery and realisation. Within these lyrics, the composer breaks human life down to its minimum components as a metaphor for loss. Without this loving third party figure, the composer illustrates how their life has become meaningless, and as bare as the simple chords and melodies. The composer breaks out of their mysterious metaphoric lyrics for a moment with the more literal lyric: “I needed love just like you gave, I haven’t found it yet, found it yet.” The addition to this direct lyric at the end of a chorus allows for the audience to wrap up an ending to the story the chorus is telling. It alludes to an ending that can be interpreted differently among the audience, but still allows for some closure and understanding.

The story telling progresses throughout the second verse to show a side of the composer that is confident and understands what they need. The lyric: “Still there’s a wound and I’m moving slow, though it don’t show, though it don’t show,” is a direct admittance on behalf of the composer. The audience is provided with a perspective that allows them to interpret the composer as self aware, and not simply longing or lovesick. The following lyric, “I’ve got a hole where nothing grows,” continues the trend of admittance and acceptance via the composer, illustrating empty emotions and the depleting hope within. This lyric is a representation of space that was once filled by this third party figure. The motif of emptiness, a shell, a space that once was, occurs many times throughout ‘Paint.’

Similar to many songs, ‘Paint’ continues with a repeating second chorus, remaining true to the simple and stripped atmosphere. Uniquely, ‘Paint’ doesn’t not finish with a third chorus. This represents the unfinished journey of the composer, creating suspense that results in effective storytelling. This continues to allow the audience to develop their own individual perspective and representation. The final lyric within ‘Paint,’ “It’s like I never even met you before, how little I show, how little I show,” is a successful example of subjectivity towards the audience. The composer could be forgiving, forgetting, hating the third party, etc. Allowing for an open ending is a powerful form of song writing as it conforms to each audience member as they wish. This makes for an strong story, and conveys the individual emotions of the composer.

‘Paint’ is a beautiful song that demonstrates love and loss, and what it can do to a human soul. Through the utilisations of simple, but effective, musical techniques, The Paper Kites provide a successful emotional illustration of human desires and experiences. The audience is able to develop a personal viewpoint, attribute struggles with the composer, and understand the emotions within.