Shapes
Paper Beat Scissors Lyrics

The lyrics of "Shapes" by Paper Beat Scissors delve into the complexities of relationships and the struggle to break free from certain emotional patterns or shapes that have been imposed by someone else. The repeated line "You pull me into shapes that I can't get out of" underscores the idea of being entrapped or molded by another person's influence.

The opening lines highlight a sense of entrapment and conflict, where the singer feels constrained by someone else's control over them. The mention of "shapes" suggests a metaphorical confinement within a predetermined structure or form, leaving the singer feeling unable to break free from the influence exerted upon them. The question posed in the third line, "How to pretend that you don't mean a thing?" hints at a struggle with denial or avoidance of acknowledging the impact of this influence.

The second verse delves deeper into this struggle, with imagery of a "stretched linen cloth" symbolizing the tension and strain of trying to maintain a facade or hide imperfections. The desire to break free, to "get out into the rain," represents a longing for release and authenticity. However, the disappointment of waiting in vain for this liberation is palpable, as expressed in "The pull never came, now the sky's almost clear." The reference to "laying blame for the fallowest years" suggests a reflection on lost time and unfulfilled potential due to this ongoing struggle.

The concluding lines, "I want it all, I want none," encapsulate the conflicting desires within the singer – a yearning for fulfillment and completeness juxtaposed with a wish for freedom and autonomy. The repetition of "You pull me into shapes that I can't get out of" serves as a haunting refrain, underscoring the persisting grip of external influence and the internal turmoil it inflicts. Overall, the song paints a poignant picture of inner conflict, emotional entrapment, and the yearning for liberation and self-discovery in the face of external pressures.