Paper Tongues' eclectic sound ranges from bombastic songs like "For the People" that can light up a packed arena or a dance floor, while the soulful electronica-infused "Trinity" is inspiring and invigorating. Guitarist Devin Forbes comments, "Our music is extremely eclectic because we're all coming from different places. Aswan grew up with hip hop, Clayton grew up with electronica and I grew up with rock, but it all comes together fluidly in Paper Tongues."
Paper Tongues was officially born in 2007 on the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina. Lead singer Aswan North, helped found the “Inprov Music Experience”, a weekly event where musicians played for the homeless at a main intersection in the middle of the city. The current band lineup congregated at uptown Charlotte weekly, slowly developing a bond. Aswan started cultivating his song writing and presence during those shows. He brought those street sounds and ideas to producers in Los Angeles. It didn't take long for Aswan's collaborators to feel the power and magnitude behind the ideas of his music. This caught Cody and Devin's attention. They had been formally playing as Paper Tongues. With Cody, Devin, Jordan and Clayton's help, Aswan quickly set out to find other members for this entity. As the songs sprung to life, Paper Tongues was reborn with the same vision to impact rock n' roll with a new sound.
A wide variety of influences inform Aswan's vibrant, vivacious vocal style, which falls somewhere between Al Green's Sultry falsetto and Steve Perry’s uplifting bravado. "Kool & the Gang and Grandmaster Flash were hugely influential. Anything out there with a great hook grabs my attention. As a kid, there was a ton of country music around me—Ricky Skaggs, Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams Jr., Loretta Lynn, and Conway Twitty. I took all that in too, and it helped me write lyrics."
Working with producers Brian West (Nelly Furtado, K'naan, Béla Fleck), Mark Endert (Maroon 5, Gavin DeGraw, Madonna), John Fields (Switchfoot, Jimmy Eat World), Billy Hume (Ying Yang Twins, Bone Crusher, David Banner) and up-and-coming producer, Nicolas Balachandran. Paper Tongues crafted an album that's bustling with energy. However, there's a deeper purpose for the band. Keyboardist Cody Blackler explains, "It's rock music for sure, but we also want to bring something new.”
Paper Tongues want to work from the inside out too. Aswan continues, "I wouldn't want to start a revolution. I believe things only change from the inside out. I don't feel that we can change much unless we're willing to join hands with people who have already been bleeding. We want to do something new and fresh with the tools that already exist so the people who built those tools respect and honor us as their nephews." There's no doubt they will.
Ultimately, for Aswan and Co. Paper Tongues is a way of life. "We want fans to walk away from our music with that good feeling. We think our music can bring healing for a group of people, a society, bad politics and artists that feel hopeless. Paper Tongues' music should heal you and make you take a chance again."
Everybody
Paper Tongues Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everybody
Everybody
Everybody
Brother get off the tracks
You shouldn't chose to go down like that
You got that evil in your mind
Sister go take a chill
Before your mind leads you to kill
I know that accidents are real
But drink some peace and learn to heal
People always act unreal
People always act unreal
People always act like they can't heal
But if you hold their hand just before they break
You can crush their guilt
Sonny get off the floor
Cause you don't live there anymore
You got your hat it's from your dad
But you got it better than what he had
Lisa I know you're hurt
But get your face up out the dirt
What if the baby is what you need
To come inside and wash away your grief
Father get off the couch
Your family starves and goes about
What if your son can hardly cope
You could embrace and give him hope
Mother get out that home
Your kids are living outside alone
How bout you wrap them in your cloth
And let them know that love's not lost
Boy you know me, I know you
We're just like everybody
Yes we do bend, we do break
We fall apart sometimes and
We're not perfect
We're not right
We're made from every color
Can you relate?
Like they say
We're gonna need each other
Well you know me, I know you
We're just like everybody
Yes we do bend, we do break
We fall apart sometimes and
We're not perfect
We're not right
We're made from every color
Can you relate?
Like they say
We're gonna need each other
Well you know me, I know you
We're just like everybody
Yes we do bend, we do break
We fall apart sometimes and
We're not perfect
We're not right
We're made from every color
Can you relate?
Like they say
We're gonna need each other
The Paper Tongues' song "Everybody" is a powerful message that deals with the vulnerability and imperfections of human beings. The song addresses people in different situations who are struggling with life challenges. The songwriters are making a plea to everyone, regardless of their personal situations, to understand that we are all imperfect and that we need each other's help to find the strength to carry on.
The lyrics show a deep understanding of human nature's frailty, and how easy it is for people to feel trapped and overwhelmed by their problems. However, the songwriters offer a solution, the idea that if we all come together and support one another, we can get through life's difficulties. The chorus is a simple and catchy reminder that we all have something in common, and that is the need for each other's help.
In conclusion, the Paper Tongues' song "Everybody" is a song that promotes unity, hope, and understanding. The song reminds us that we all face challenges and that if we come together, we can overcome them.
Line by Line Meaning
Brother get off the tracks
You're headed down a dangerous path, but it's not too late to change course.
You shouldn't chose to go down like that
Don't make choices that will lead to your own downfall.
You got that evil in your mind
Your thoughts and intentions may not be pure, but you can choose to do the right thing.
But take a breath and breathe this time
Pause and reflect on your situation before taking action.
Sister go take a chill
Don't let your emotions control your actions.
Before your mind leads you to kill
Don't let anger or pain lead you to harm others or yourself.
I know that accidents are real
Life can be unpredictable and things can go wrong, but don't give up hope.
But drink some peace and learn to heal
Find peace within yourself and work towards healing.
People always act unreal
Sometimes people act in ways that are not true to their genuine selves.
People always act like they can't heal
People may feel like their wounds are too deep to heal, but that's not true.
But if you hold their hand just before they break
Support and compassion can help prevent someone from breaking down completely.
You can crush their guilt
Guilt can weigh someone down, but showing them kindness can help lift that burden.
Sonny get off the floor
Don't let yourself be defeated by life's hardships.
Cause you don't live there anymore
You have the power to overcome your circumstances and rise above them.
You got your hat it's from your dad
You have a connection to your past and your family that you can draw strength from.
But you got it better than what he had
You have the opportunity to create a better future for yourself than what your ancestors had.
Lisa I know you're hurt
I understand that you're going through pain and suffering.
But get your face up out the dirt
Don't let your circumstances keep you down, keep fighting.
What if the baby is what you need
Maybe there's something or someone that can give you hope and a reason to keep going.
To come inside and wash away your grief
Find comfort and healing from the love of others.
Father get off the couch
Don't be complacent, take action to support your family.
Your family starves and goes about
Your loved ones are struggling and suffering without your help.
What if your son can hardly cope
Your child needs your support and guidance to get through tough times.
You could embrace and give him hope
Show your child love and care to give them a sense of hope and security.
Mother get out that home
Don't isolate yourself, reach out for help and support.
Your kids are living outside alone
Your children feel neglected and alone without your attention and care.
How bout you wrap them in your cloth
Show your children love and care to give them a sense of safety and security.
And let them know that love's not lost
Reassure your children that they are loved and that there is hope for a better future.
Boy you know me, I know you
We all have moments of struggle and pain, but we are all connected.
We're just like everybody
We are all human and imperfect.
Yes we do bend, we do break
Life can be tough and we will all face challenges.
We fall apart sometimes and
We will all have moments of weakness and vulnerability.
We're not perfect
We all make mistakes and have flaws.
We're not right
Our views and opinions may not always be correct or universally accepted.
We're made from every color
Our differences and diversity are what make us unique and beautiful.
Can you relate?
Can you see yourself in others and understand their struggles?
Like they say
As the saying goes.
We're gonna need each other
We cannot face life's challenges alone, we need the support and love of others.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ASWAN NORTH, NICOLAS BALACHANDRAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
GreenDayisAmazing
I keep listening to this song on replay. It's my favorite from them.
GreenDayisAmazing
I love this song!!! Paper Tongues are awesome and so nice too!!!
ChrisPeteG
'Well you know me, I know you we're just like everybody yes we do bend, we do break we fall apart sometimes and we're not perfect we're not right we're made from every color can you relate? Like they say We're gonna need eachother' FAVORITE part of the song!
Papi4l2
Dunno how this comment didnt get a like
matoas2022
Too
Heaven Osborne
They are AMAZING live~! <3
James McLaughlin
Awesome song!!
PrettyGetGoing
Wow...such a great song!
Dapperest Cat
Thats right. its impossible to find a dislike for Paper tongues! :D
muffinlovesmuffins
i love this song but i think it's even better acoustic