Paper Shoes
Incubus Lyrics


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I fly
I soar
This I adore

And then like a locomotive
The sound of your sorrow comes
I'm tired of the way that it feels
I only apologized to you to make you feel better
But I think I've outgrown that horsehair sweater
I'd rather be alone
You're about as reliable as paper shoes in bad weather
But pain will roll off like water on feathers

You fly
You soar

And then like a locomotive
The sound of your sorrow comes
I'm tired of the way that it feels
I only apologized to you to make you feel better
But I think I've outgrown that horsehair sweater
I'd rather be on my own
You're about as reliable as paper shoes in bad weather
But pain will roll off like water on feathers

I'm tired of the way that it feels
I only apologized to you to make you feel better
I think I've outgrown that horsehair sweater
I'd rather be alone




You're about as reliable as paper shoes in bad weather
But pain will roll off like water on feathers

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Incubus's song Paper Shoes convey the feeling of being tired of a toxic relationship. The first stanza is a declaration of love for the freedom and joy that the singer feels when he flies and soars. However, this happiness is short-lived, as the sound of his partner's sorrow is like that of a locomotive, a deafening noise that destroys everything it touches. The second stanza shows the singer's disillusionment with the relationship, comparing his partner's dependability to that of paper shoes in bad weather. He's tired of apologizing to make her feel better and has outgrown his willingness to put up with her behavior. The singer is making a choice to be on his own, where he can escape the pain of this relationship, which will roll off him like water off feathers.


The lyrics of Paper Shoes are a metaphor for the recognition that sometimes, no matter how hard we try, certain relationships are not healthy for us. We might cling to them out of habit or fear, but ultimately, the pain they cause is like rain on paper shoes or feathers, which rolls off effortlessly. The song's chorus shows that the singer has reached a point where he is ready to leave behind the toxic relationship and embrace the freedom of being on his own. Overall, the song's message is one of empowerment and the realization that sometimes, to move forward, we need to let go of what is holding us back.


Line by Line Meaning

I fly
I'm living my life to the fullest


I soar
I'm reaching new heights every day


This I
I love feeling so free


Adore
I'm grateful for everything I have


Then like a locomotive
Unexpectedly, your sadness hits me


The sound of your sorrow calls
I can hear your pain and it's affecting me


I'm tired of the way that it feels
I can't keep dealing with your negativity


I only apologized to you to make you feel better
I said sorry just to comfort you, not because I was actually at fault


But I think I've outgrown that horsehair sweater
I've changed and can no longer pretend to be something I'm not


I’d rather be alone
I want to be independent and not tied down


You're about as reliable as paper shoes in bad weather
You're not dependable and can't be counted on


But pain will roll off like water on feather
I'm strong enough to handle my own pain and move on


You'd fly
You used to be so carefree and happy


You'd soar
You were ambitious and had big dreams


I'd rather be on my own
I don't want to be dragged down by your problems


You're about as reliable as paper shoes in bad weathers
You're unreliable and can't be counted on


But pain will roll off like water on feathers
You'll eventually move on from your pain


I'm tired of the way that it feels
I can't keep dealing with your negativity


I only apologized to you to make you feel better
I said sorry just to comfort you, not because I was actually at fault


But I think I've outgrown that horsehair sweater
I've changed and can no longer pretend to be something I'm not


I’d rather be on my own
I want to be independent and not tied down


You're about as reliable as paper shoes in bad weathers
You're not dependable and can't be counted on


But pain will roll off like water on feathers
I'll eventually move on from the pain you caused me




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Benjamin Lee Kenney, Brandon Charles Boyd, Christopher E Kilmore, Jose Anthony Ii Pasillas, Michael Aaron Einziger

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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