Paper Scratcher
Blind Melon Lyrics

The lyrics to Blind Melon's "Paper Scratcher" are quite introspective and speak of the struggles of living life as an outsider, someone who does not conform to societal norms. The first verse expresses a sense of detachment and the feeling that no one cares about the singer's existence as he shuffles from one can to another. The line "For every living day I give myself a hand" could be interpreted as a sarcastic comment on the idea of self-satisfaction, suggesting that the character is lonely and has to settle for his own company. The next line, "Now I'm scroungy as can be / I got all you normals looking at me" speaks to how people who don't fit in are often marginalized and judged by those who do.

The chorus delves further into the character's perspective and emphasizes his disconnection from the world around him. He has "scratched a hole in his life," a metaphorical action that brings to mind the idea of stopping to examine someone else's life or situation, revealing their anxieties or doubts. The following lines point even more to the singer's disconnect from everyone else, for his way of thinking is different from theirs. His eyes are unable to see a world that does not grow, and Fridays are always fresh days. The latter could signify that he seeks novelty to escape his sense of boredom or loneliness. He then directs his attention to the sun, who he screams at, but simultaneously he questions why he does not believe in God and how he roams aimlessly in life.

The final part emphasizes the singer's sense of freedom, despite realizing that he won't be able to truly free himself from the life he leads until he dies. The line "Thank God my soul will be released" could be interpreted in many ways - as a release from the pain of life, as a release from self-loathing, or simply as the hope of finding peace in the end. The song ends on a poignant note as the singer challenges the listener to look in his eyes and ask themselves if they really want to be free or if they secretly envy those who do not conform to the norms of society.