Paradox
J.B. Banfi Lyrics


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When I was a child
I grew up pretty fast
But now as an adult
I finally feel young
Spent so many years just
Smilin' through the pain
But now that I cry out loud
I finally feel sane

Life is a paradox
Masked in attempted clarity

The more I learn
The more I realize how little I know
And the closer that we get
The more I feel alone
Only thing that's certain to me
Is how I'm uncertain of everything

Life is a paradox
Masked in attempted clarity
Life is a paradox
Masked in attempted clarity

The only constant in my life has been the change
And the tighter I hold on
The less I'm in control
How can I feel too little and not enough
And yet how can I feel everything and nothing at all

Life is a paradox
Masked in attempted clarity
Life is a paradox
Masked in attempted clarity

Life is a paradox
Masked in attempted clarity
Life is a paradox
Masked in attempted clarity

When I was a child
I grew up pretty fast




But now as an adult
I finally feel young

Overall Meaning

In the first verse, the lyrics highlight the singer's experience of growing up quickly as a child and feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders. However, as they have become an adult, they have found a sense of rejuvenation and youthfulness. It suggests that the burdens and challenges of adulthood have paradoxically allowed them to embrace their own inner child and rediscover a sense of joy.


The chorus delves into the concept of life as a paradox, and how it is often disguised by attempts to understand and make sense of it. The more the singer learns and experiences, the more they realize their own limited knowledge and understanding. It also touches upon the irony of feeling alone even as they grow closer to others. Amidst the uncertainties of life, the only certainty for the singer is their uncertainty about everything.


The second verse reflects on the constant flux and unpredictability in the singer's life. Change has been a consistent presence for them, and gripping tightly to control only seems to lessen their actual control over their circumstances. The lyrics delve into the contradictory feelings of feeling both too little and not enough, as well as feeling a sense of everything and nothing simultaneously. This portrays the complex and contradictory nature of human emotions and experiences.


The repetition of the chorus reinforces the idea that life itself is a paradox, masquerading behind attempts to make it clear and comprehensible. Despite the attempts to bring clarity, life remains enigmatic, and its inherent paradoxes persist. The closing verse mirrors the opening verse, highlighting how the singer's journey from childhood to adulthood has allowed them to embrace their youthful spirit once more, suggesting a sense of rediscovered innocence and optimism.


Line by Line Meaning

When I was a child
In my early years of life


I grew up pretty fast
I matured quickly


But now as an adult
However, now that I am grown


I finally feel young
I feel a sense of youthful vitality


Spent so many years just
I devoted numerous years simply


Smilin' through the pain
Putting on a happy face despite the suffering


But now that I cry out loud
But now that I openly express my emotions


I finally feel sane
I finally feel mentally stable


Life is a paradox
Existence is a contradiction


Masked in attempted clarity
Disguised in the pursuit of understanding


The more I learn
As I accumulate knowledge


The more I realize how little I know
I become aware of my limited understanding


And the closer that we get
And as we become more intimate


The more I feel alone
I experience a heightened sense of loneliness


Only thing that's certain to me
The only thing I can be sure of


Is how I'm uncertain of everything
Is my uncertainty about everything


The only constant in my life has been the change
Continuous transformation has been the sole consistent aspect of my existence


And the tighter I hold on
And the more tightly I grasp


The less I'm in control
The less control I possess


How can I feel too little and not enough
How is it possible to experience both inadequacy and insufficiency


And yet how can I feel everything and nothing at all
Yet simultaneously experience an overwhelming flood of emotions and a sense of emptiness




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Mary Baumgarten

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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