Her second album, After, was released through ANTI- on September 25, 2015 to critical acclaim.
Transforming pain into transcendence is the genius of many pop artists, but Doe Paoro brings an entirely ne depth to that process. On her third album Soft Power, the L.A.-based singer/songwriter digs into her own frustration and anguish, and ultimately comes away with a newfound strength that’s profoundly inspiring.
A self-taught pianist and vocalist, Paoro trained in Lhamo while traveling alone through the Himalayas. During this period, she also spent several weeks practicing silent meditation, which allowed her to reflect on the "space between silence and sound." Her cover of Baltimore synthpop band Future Islands' "Little Dreamer" was released in December 2011; original singles "Can't Leave You" and "Born Whole" followed in January 2012. In 2013, Paoro released two songs on a 7" through White Iris Records.
Paoro has performed at SXSW, Osheaga, and CMJ, as well as numerous venues throughout the U.S. She often opens her live performances with an a cappella Tibetan prayer, and credits Vipassanā meditation with having a strong influence over the themes explored in her work, which include attachment, detachment, compassion, and disconnection from the human experience.
"Hypotheticals," Paoro's first track released through ANTI-, was featured on Season 4 of Girls. NPR's All Songs Considered listed Paoro on their Six Musical Discoveries You Can't Miss list.
She has been compared to Fiona Apple, James Blake, Adele, and Lykke Li, among others.
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Trying To Impress
Doe Paoro Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One last look in the mirror
Sometimes so tense
This not what I'm used to
It's not me just trying to impress you
Ooo-ooo-oooh
All of a sudden I'm afraid of what you'll think
You'll never laugh with me no more
I'm leakin' out my heart
I'm slippin' on the floor
I'll get something so far _____
Become so strange (become so strange)
Don't bring up the past
Don't wanna be dramatic
The memories in a box try to be charismatic
If I smile, smile, maybe he'll miss my eyes
They always sell me out, I'm tearing up inside
I like to forget the _____
Everything, everything will change
Everything will change ya
Everything will change ya
Everything will change ya
Everything will change
Change, Change ya, Change ya, Change...
Spin in a dress, hopin' you'll notice
She dance around flames, it's all so hopeless
Miss your body will help in mine
I'm feeling shy, as I search for signs
Give me a sign, I think I've missed what's mine
Give me a sign, I think I've missed what's mine
Give me a sign, I think I've missed what's mine
I think I've missed what's mine
Put my hair behind my ear
One last look in the mirror
So tense, so tense
This not what I'm used to
It's not me just trying to impress you
The song "Trying to Impress" by Doe Paoro delves into the insecurities and anxiety experienced when trying to impress someone you care about. The lines, "Planning my words before I speak/All of a sudden I'm afraid of what you'll think/You'll never laugh with me no more" convey the fear of not being able to make a good impression or being rejected by the person. The singer feels like they must alter themselves and their behavior to be liked, which causes a lot of stress. They struggle with being true to themselves and trying to win the affection of someone else.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes increasingly desperate and ashamed of their efforts to impress. The lines, "I'm leaking out my heart/I'm slipping on the floor" reveal their vulnerability and emotional instability. They feel like they are losing themselves in the process and that it is not worth it. The repetition of "everything will change" at the end of the song suggests a longing for things to be different and for the pressure to impress to disappear.
Overall, "Trying to Impress" sheds light on the complex emotions and struggles that come with trying to impress someone. It can be a painful experience that can cause one to lose sight of who they are, and it's important to remember to stay true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Put my hair behind my ear
I'm trying to look my best for you
One last look in the mirror
I'm nervous and want to make sure everything is perfect
Sometimes so tense
I'm anxious about what you'll think of me
This not what I'm used to
I'm out of my comfort zone
It's not me just trying to impress you
I want to be myself, not just impress you
Planning my words before I speak
I'm careful about what I say, afraid of your response
All of a sudden I'm afraid of what you'll think
I'm worried about your opinion of me
You'll never laugh with me no more
I fear losing your connection and laughter
I'm leakin' out my heart
I'm vulnerable and emotional
I'm slippin' on the floor
I'm losing control of my emotions
Don't bring up the past
I don't want to dwell on past mistakes
Don't wanna be dramatic
I don't want to be overly emotional or create drama
The memories in a box try to be charismatic
I'm trying to be charming, even though I'm struggling
If I smile, smile, maybe he'll miss my eyes
I'm trying to hide my true emotions with a fake smile
They always sell me out, I'm tearing up inside
I'm often betrayed by my emotions which makes me feel vulnerable
I like to forget the _____
I want to move forward and forget past mistakes
Everything, everything will change
I know everything is going to change and I'm scared
Spin in a dress, hopin' you'll notice
I want you to see me and like what you see
She dance around flames, it's all so hopeless
I'm moving closer to you, even though I know it's a bad idea
Miss your body will help in mine
I want to be close to you and feel your comfort
I'm feeling shy, as I search for signs
I'm intimidated to reach out and look for a connection
Give me a sign, I think I've missed what's mine
I'm looking for a sign of your love, afraid I've already missed it
Everything will change
I know things will change, and it scares me
Change, Change ya, Change ya, Change...
I'm reminding myself that change is inevitable
Writer(s): KREITZER SONIA JILL, BERKOWITZ JONATHAN Z, MCKENZIE ALEX CAMERON
Contributed by Evelyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.