Paradigm
King Shelter Lyrics
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Still living in the dead
They asked me what I think
Well you can't save the world
But I think you could try
Or maybe we could colonize the skies
Or at least maybe we could try
With an undeserving pop star
Instead of getting out alive
Dont you think I try
To be your paradigm
Wasting all my time
To be your paradigm
Face down in the dirt
Darkened with the earth
I asked her what she thinks
Well I cant change her mind but I think I could try
Or maybe you could colonize the skies
Unless you wanted all your kings to die
Well you seem more concerned with the physical addiction
Instead of getting out alive
Dont you think I try
To be your paradigm
Wasting all my time
To be your paradigm
Dont you think I try
To be your paradigm
Wasting all my time
To be your paradigm
We could colonize the skies
Or at least maybe we could try
Well you seemed more concerned with the physical addiction
Instead of getting out alive
Wasted all my time
Wasted all my time
Dont you think I try
To be your paradigm
Wasting all my time
To be your paradigm
The lyrics of King Shelter's song "Paradigm" offer an introspective and thought-provoking reflection on the state of the world and society's obsession with superficiality. The singer seems to be wrestling with the conflicting desires of wanting to change the world and feeling helpless in the face of its problems.
The opening lines, "Voices in my head, still living in the dead" suggest a feeling of detachment from reality, as if the singer is struggling to make sense of the chaos around them. The line "Well you can't save the world, but I think you could try" speaks to the need for individuals to feel a sense of agency and purpose, even when it seems like the problems of the world are too big to solve. The reference to colonizing the skies is a nod to the idea that there is always a new frontier to conquer, even when it feels like we have exhausted our resources and options on earth.
The second half of the song shifts to a more personal reflection, as the singer addresses someone who seems preoccupied with physical pleasure and addiction. The repeated refrain of "Don't you think I try, to be your paradigm, wasting all my time" suggests a frustration with feeling unappreciated or misunderstood by this person. The lines "Face down in the dirt, darkened with the earth" capture a sense of hopelessness and surrender to the forces that weigh us down.
Overall, "Paradigm" is a song that touches on themes of isolation, frustration, and the desire for meaning and purpose in a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming.
Line by Line Meaning
Voices in my head still living in the dead
The singer is struggling with past traumatic experiences that continue to haunt him/her in the present.
They asked me what I think, Well you can't save the world, But I think you could try
Although the world's problems are complex and cannot be easily solved, the singer believes in trying to make a positive difference.
Or maybe we could colonize the skies, Or at least maybe we could try
The singer suggests looking beyond earth's problems and focusing on exploring space as a potential solution.
Well you seem more concerned, With an undeserving pop star, Instead of getting out alive
The singer criticizes society's focus on trivial and unimportant things instead of addressing the real issues affecting humanity.
Face down in the dirt, Darkened with the earth
The singer is feeling defeated and overwhelmed by life's challenges.
I asked her what she thinks, Well I cant change her mind but I think I could try, Or maybe you could colonize the skies, Unless you wanted all your kings to die
The singer encourages others to consider alternative solutions to problems, rather than sticking to the same failed ones over and over.
Well you seem more concerned with the physical addiction, Instead of getting out alive
The singer laments the focus on immediate relief through addiction rather than addressing underlying issues and taking steps towards long-term health and happiness.
Wasted all my time
The singer feels like they have spent a lot of effort on trying to change the world and other people, but have not been successful.
Dont you think I try, To be your paradigm, Wasting all my time, To be your paradigm
The singer expresses frustration with trying to meet others' expectations and live up to an idealized version of themselves instead of being true to who they are.
Contributed by Callie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.