Hayley explained this idea of conversing with a younger version of yourself in the band’s interview with Zane Lowe (see below). She also stated in a live acoustic venue that she feels this song is the most transparent of the album; it’s the one song that its emotions aren’t covered by the poppy and dancy melody.
26
Paramore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everything was fine, until you came around
And I've been chasing after dreamers in the clouds
After all wasn't I the one who said
To keep your feet on the ground
Man, you really brought me back down
Hold onto hope if you got it
And they say that dreaming is free
But I wouldn't care what it cost me
You got me tied up but I stay close to the window
And I talk to myself about the places that I used to go
I'm hoping that someday maybe I just float away
And forget every cynical thing you said
When you gonna hear me out?
Man, you really bring me down
Hold onto hope if you got it
Don't let it go for nobody
And they say that dreaming is free
But I wouldn't care what it cost me
Reality will break your heart
Survival will not be the hardest part
It's keeping all your hopes alive
All the rest of you has died
So let it break your heart
Hold onto hope if you got it
Don't let it go for nobody
Hold onto hope if you got it
Don't let it go for nobody
And they say that dreaming is free
But I wouldn't care what it cost me
The lyrics to Paramore's "26" are a reflection of the internal struggle between one's dreams and their reality, particularly when the realization sets in that a person or situation is holding you back from reaching your full potential. The song begins with the singer acknowledging that someone has brought her "back down." She had been content chasing her dreams, but this person has made her doubt herself and her aspirations. She expresses her desire to float away and forget the cynical things this person said, to escape from their grasp and reclaim her hope.
The chorus emphasizes the importance of holding onto your hope, no matter the cost. The singer recognizes that dreaming is free but also acknowledges that there may be a price to pay for holding onto those dreams in the face of adversity. She chooses to hold onto them regardless, refusing to let them go for anyone.
The bridge of the song solidifies the singer's determination to hold onto her hope, even though reality may break her heart. She knows that survival is not the hardest part, but rather, it's keeping hope alive. The song ends with a repeat of the chorus, emphasizing the importance of holding onto hope despite the challenges one may face.
Line by Line Meaning
Man, you really know how to get someone down
You have a talent for bringing other people's mood down
Everything was fine, until you came around
Life was good, but then you showed up and messed everything up
And I've been chasing after dreamers in the clouds
I have been pursuing people who have big dreams and aspirations
After all wasn't I the one who said to keep your feet on the ground
Ironically, I was the one who advised others to be realistic and practical
Man, you really brought me back down
You pulled me down from my optimistic state of mind
Hold onto hope if you got it
If you have hope, cling onto it
Don't let it go for nobody
Don't let anyone or anything make you lose hope
And they say that dreaming is free
People say that dreaming is costless
But I wouldn't care what it cost me
But I am willing to pay any price for what I dream of
You got me tied up but I stay close to the window
You have trapped me, but I still keep my sights set on my aspirations
And I talk to myself about the places that I used to go
I reminisce about the good old days and the places I once visited
I'm hoping that someday maybe I just float away
I wish to someday escape from everything and just drift away
And forget every cynical thing you said
I want to forget all the negative thoughts and comments you have thrown my way
When you gonna hear me out?
When will you finally listen to me and my ideas?
Man, you really bring me down
You continuously make me feel negative and pessimistic
Reality will break your heart
The harsh truth of reality will shatter your emotions
Survival will not be the hardest part
Enduring the struggles of life won't be the most challenging thing to overcome
It's keeping all your hopes alive
The real challenge is holding onto your hopes and dreams despite adversity
All the rest of you has died
Everything else about you has succumbed to the pain and hardship
So let it break your heart
Accept the pain and let it affect you deeply, as it will eventually lead to growth and healing
Hold onto hope if you got it
If you have hope, cling onto it
Don't let it go for nobody
Don't let anyone or anything make you lose hope
Hold onto hope if you got it
If you have hope, cling onto it
Don't let it go for nobody
Don't let anyone or anything make you lose hope
And they say that dreaming is free
People say that dreaming is costless
But I wouldn't care what it cost me
But I am willing to pay any price for what I dream of
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Hayley Nichole Williams, Taylor York
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tiffany8132
LYRICS
Man, you really know how to get someone down
Everything was fine until you came around
I've been chasing after dreamers in the clouds
After all wasn't I the one who said
To keep your feet on the ground?
Man, you really brought me back down
Hold on to hope if you got it
Don't let it go for nobody
They say that dreaming is free
But I wouldn't care what it cost me
You got me tied up but I stay close to the window
And I talk to myself about the places that I used to go
I'm hoping someday maybe I'll just float away
And I'll forget every cynical thing you say
When you gonna hear me out
Man, you really bring me down
Hold on to hope if you got it
Don't let it go for nobody
They say that dreaming is free
But I wouldn't care what it cost me
Reality will break your heart
Survival will not be the hardest part
It's keeping all your hopes alive
When all the rest of you has died
So let it break your heart
And hold on to hope if you got it
Don't let it go for nobody
Hold on to hope if you got it
Don't let it go for nobody
They say that dreaming is free
I wouldn't care what it cost me
@nataliaf.6289
I just understood the chorus on a new level.
I always thought that "...i wouldnt care what it cost me" meant sacrificing anything for your dreams.
Back when I was a dreamer.
But now I get that it is about paying anything for the ability to dream.
So thats 26.
Im in my 8° month of it.
So happy.
@facundolara4514
- Lyrics:
Man, you really know how to get someone down
Everything was fine, until you came around
And I’ve been chasing after dreamers in the clouds
After all wasn’t I the one who said
To keep your feet on the ground
Man, you really brought me back down
Hold onto hope if you got it
Don’t let it go for nobody
And they say that dreaming is free
But I wouldn’t care what it cost me
You got me tied up but I stay close to the window
And I talk to myself about the places that I used to go
And hope that someday that I just float away
And forget every cynical thing you said
When you gonna hear me out
Man, you really bring me down
Hold onto hope if you got it
Don’t let it go for nobody
And they say that dreaming is free
But I wouldn’t care what it cost me
Reality will break your heart
Survival will not be the hardest part
It’s keeping all your hopes alive
When all the rest of you has died
So let it break your heart
So hold onto hope if you got it
Don’t let it go for nobody
And they say that dreaming is free
But I wouldn’t care what it cost me
Hold onto hope if you got it
Don’t let it go for nobody
And they say dreaming is free
But I wouldn’t care what it cost me
@jessiepaege
incredible
@lots.e9711
jessiepaege hey Jessie! And I agree 😂
@metaphoricalwhorethatlikes6494
jessiepaege JESSIE
@angeliquedennis
hey jesssiiieee
@gabrielacastaneda6905
incredible?
@abigailgutierrez3744
jessiepaege IY LIKE IK YOU MENTIONED THIS ALBUM IN YOUR VIDEOS
@CamiloSapag
this album is the happiest depression I've ever had.
@caracal9207
wait, happiest depression? that's illegal man
@akakskakkspepepepepeoeoeoe9496
pambudirizky eka wait that’s illegal
@lauracardenas8869
In agreement