Paper and Glue
Emma Pollock Lyrics

Oh, look at the view
The singer is observing the scenery around them.

Look at the people running
The singer notices people in a rush, as if they have many tasks to complete.

They've so much to do
The people seen by the singer have many responsibilities.

Better than you
The people running seem to have a higher status than the artist in the artist's mind.

Better than take what's coming
The people running are likely avoiding difficulties or planning ahead in a way the artist doesn't understand.

Nothing's ever new
The singer believes that everything in life is repetitive or predictable.

And everything, it looks so good from here
Despite concerns and dissatisfaction, the singer can't help but notice how things look positive when viewed from a certain perspective.

Living out a dream I've had for a year
The artist is currently carrying out a plan that they've wanted to achieve for some time.

Oh, the avenue
The artist refers to a particular street or path.

They're taking the trees down
There is construction or land alteration occurring on the avenue.

And they're asking me and you
The singer and someone else are being tasked with taking action or offering opinions on something, likely to do with the changes happening on the avenue.

What can we do?
The artist is questioning their own ability to influence change.

We can stand in a circle
The singer sees a way they can peacefully and collectively protest the avenue changes with others.

Paying tribute with paper and glue
The singer will likely participate in signs or banners made from these materials that display their dissatisfaction with the avenue changes.

I was sure I'd moved to heaven
The singer was previously very content with their living situation.

But the feeling didn't last
However, their happiness in their living situation has since faded or diminished.

I've never forgiven
The artist has not let go of past transgressions committed against them.

For the things done in the past
The singer is specifically referring to wrongful acts that had been committed against them before.

I often stand and stare at you
The singer looks upon someone with a sense of scrutiny or judgement.

Protected by the glass
This person the artist is looking at appears to be protected or safe from harm.

But I've nothing more to say to you
The artist does not have anything left to say to this person that they're observing.

So please don't ever ask
The artist makes it clear that they do not want to engage with this person in conversation or interaction.

Oh, hidden from view
The singer highlights something out of their sight.

The place that we came from
The artist is referencing their previous place of living or origin.

How I miss those elegant lanes
The singer longs for the places they previously lived before relocating to their current locale.

And the sun on the blinds
The singer reminisces about specific positive sensory memories from where they used to live.

They beckon me down here
The positive memories from the past draw the singer towards their current location.

From what I know, now, were sunny climes
The artist recalls a time in the preceding location as being sunny and amenable.

I never knew that I had been here before
The artist is confounded by past actions or locations that they're not fully aware of.

They're running through the houses
The 'they' in this line refers to unknown agents acting with a sense of urgency.

And breaking down doors
These unknown individuals are using force or violence to break through boundaries or locked doors.

No matter where you go they'll follow you
There is a sense of dread or unease, that there are negative individuals who will always be a part of one's life.

Follow you
This is repeated for emphasis.

We've never forgiven
This is a repeat of a previous line in the song, as if to convey that the artist is still actively holding onto their anger or bitterness.