Paperbag Writer
Radiohead Lyrics

The lyrics to Radiohead's Paperbag Writer are widely interpreted as a commentary on the fleeting nature of success, and the danger of becoming too attached to the image of oneself as a successful individual. The first stanza, "Blow into this paperbag, go home, stop grinning at everyone" speaks to the need to hide one's emotions, to keep them private or bottled up--and the danger of masking one's true feelings behind a facade of success or happiness. The second stanza, "it was nice when it lasted, but now it's gone," suggests that success is something that is fleeting, and that one must learn to let go of it when things begin to decline. The chorus--"blow into this paperbag, take your armor off, you're not under attack"--speaks to the need to let down one's guard, to be vulnerable in the face of life's challenges, instead of constantly pretending to be strong.

The final stanza--"and they were honeybees on a blade of grass"--is one of the most mysterious in the song, and has been interpreted in a number of ways. Some suggest that it speaks to the fragility of life, and the need to appreciate the fleeting moments of beauty that occur within it. Others see it as a reference to the idea of group mentality, and how an individual can find themselves swept along by the whims of others, like bees following a leader. Whatever the interpretation, Paperbag Writer is a powerful meditation on the need to be true to oneself, and to let go of the trappings of success when they threaten to overwhelm our true selves.