Formerly part of Cardiff-based band Halflight, Llewellyn and Howells, from Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire respectively, made music that has been compared to Fleetwood Mac, Suzanne Vega, The Sundays, The Civil Wars and Laura Marling. The BBC described them as "a west coast, easy-riding, folkish indie with a pop sensibility", and The Guardian as "disarming, breezy pop that's tinged with melancholy".
Llewellyn was also formerly a member of Cartoon while Howells was part of rock/riot grrrl band Jylt. At the end of 2008 they joined forces with the Autonomy Music Group. In January 2009 they worked with John Reynolds (Sinéad O'Connor, Andrea Corr) on two singles that were taken from their album The Day We Ran Into the Sea, which was released in 2010, and described by the BBC's Adam Walton as "'pop' music: brilliantly crafted and stoked from a bruised heart's embers". BBC Radio Wales described it as "the finest radio album to come out of Wales since Rockferry".
The band featured on Bob Harris's BBC Radio 2 show, being interviewed by Harris and performing a live session. They have also recorded a live video session for the BBC.
Immediately prior to the release of their album We Are Ghosts in March 2011, the band used local independent coffee shops to publicise their music. A limited edition 4-track CD was produced and these were given away at each of 12 of the band's favorite cafés, in exchange for the purchase of food at the venue.
Little Letters was released on Navigator Records in May 2013 to critical acclaim. Radio play from Dermot O'leary, Steve Lamacq and Tom Robinson on BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6music.
Their album JOY was released on 8 April 2015.
In 2017 the group announced their separation to focus on solo projects. Howells now tours as a solo artist under the stage name Bryde.
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Fable
Paper Aeroplanes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Throw your voice to the sea
I'll keep one eye on the future
I'll keep one hand on your sleeve
We are many years from forgetting
We are anything now but complete
So come, way down to the water
'Cause you might be unable
And I might be unkind
There's truth in this fable
We cannot hide
Walk with me on the mountains
I like my head in the clouds
Make me love you unlike any other
Make me feel love, some proud?
'Cause I might be unable
And you might be able
But there's truth in this fable
There's a fairtytale to find
So surrender your armour
Throw your guard to the sea
Throw my arms around your shoulders
Carry me
'Cause you might be unable
And I might be unkind
But there's truth in this fable
There's a fairytale inside
So surrender your armour
Throw your guard to the sea
Throw my arms around your shoulders
And carry me
The lyrics of Paper Aeroplanes' song Fable delve into the idea of surrendering oneself to love and embracing vulnerability. The opening lines set the scene of being near water, which is often associated with emotional depth and healing. The singer urges their partner to throw their voice to the sea, perhaps indicating that they should express their emotions honestly to truly connect. The line "I'll keep one eye on the future, I'll keep one hand on your sleeve" highlights the delicacy of the situation, acknowledging that love can be uncertain and unpredictable.
As the song progresses, the chorus repeats the line "There's truth in this fable", emphasizing the idea that the story they are creating together is laced with honesty and authenticity. The second verse takes the listener on a journey up the mountains, another symbolic choice, as reaching the summit can represent overcoming challenges and attaining personal growth. The singer asks their partner to make them feel love and proud, revealing a vulnerability and a desire for validation.
The final verse brings the song to a close with a sense of surrender and a willingness to be carried and held. The lyrics "But there's truth in this fable, there's a fairytale inside" suggest that despite the challenges, their love story is worthy of being told and celebrated.
Line by Line Meaning
Lead me down to the water
Guide me towards the truth
Throw your voice to the sea
Speak your thoughts and let them go
I'll keep one eye on the future
I will be prepared for what may come
I'll keep one hand on your sleeve
I will offer support when needed
We are many years from forgetting
We will always remember what we have been through
We are anything now but complete
We are still growing and changing
So come, way down to the water
Embrace the truth and reality
Feel the frostbite at your feet
Accept the pain and hardship
'Cause you might be unable
Accept the possibility of weakness
And I might be unkind
Accept the possibility of faults in others
There's truth in this fable
There is a lesson to learn from this experience
Walk with me on the mountains
Experience the highs and lows of life together
I like my head in the clouds
I am unafraid of dreaming big
Make me love you unlike any other
Show me true, unconditional love
Make me feel love, some proud?
Make me feel proud of the love we share
'Cause I might be unable
Acknowledge my own limitations
And you might be able
Acknowledge someone else's strength
But there's truth in this fable
There is always something to be learned
There's a fairytale to find
There is a happy ending to be discovered
So surrender your armour
Let go of your defenses
Throw your guard to the sea
Be vulnerable and open
Throw my arms around your shoulders
Lean on me for support
Carry me
Together we will face anything
Contributed by Lillian M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.