The song explores some of the challenges Hayley has faced as the frontwoman of a world-famous band including constant pressure in the public eye and having personal issues broadcast publicly.
The song also marks the end of a four-year-long “time off” the band took after completing the tour supporting “After Laughter“. It also marks the first time Paramore starts a new album cycle with the same members from the previous one.
As the band announced throughout the first half of 2022 several festival appearances and tour dates for the end of year, anticipation for their comeback and new material started to increase. Hayley Williams had previously confirmed that Paramore had returned to the studio to “work on [new] music,” and hinted in a November 2021 newsletter a possible return for the band in 2022:
"Paramore can’t be “on a break” forever now can we?
I love y'all. See you sometime next year?"
It wasn’t until the first week of September, 2022 when hints of their return were confirmed, when the three members changed their individual Instagram accounts' profile pictures on 9/7. The next day, the band’s website was cleared out to display a list of various September dates and cryptic messages next to each one. One of the dates included the link to Paramore’s official Discord server, in which later that same day, a snippet of what was thought to be their forthcoming single was posted, but turned out to be a different song. Two of the dates listed on were left in blank with no text attached.
On September 12, a fan randomly discovered a TikTok video from an account under the name IsThisWhyIsThisIsWhy displaying a different piece of the same teaser from the song they shared on Discord. On September 15, a text was quietly added to the blank 9.16 date: “p.s. T.I.W.” This led to speculate that the imminent single would be titled “This Is Why” and could possibly drop the next day. On the 16th, however, the band announced the release date set for the 28th and confirmed the title for the track.
“This Is Why” debuted on BBC Radio 1’s Future Sounds with Clara Amfo, followed by its music video, which premiered on YouTube shortly after. Talking to Amfo after the radio premiere, Williams shared that it had been the last song written for the album, after feeling “tired of writing lyrics,” but pushed by York and Farro to work on a “last idea” they had.
This Is Why
Paramore Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe you should shove it
Or maybe you could scream it
Might be best to keep it
To yourself (to yourself)
To yourself (to yourself)
You say the coast is clear
But you won't catch me out
Oh, why? This is why
Better have conviction
'Cause we want crimes of passion
Survival of the fittest
You're either with us or you can keep it
To yourself (to yourself)
To yourself (to yourself)
To yourself, yourself, yourself
To yourself (to yourself)
This is why I don't leave the house
You say the coast is clear
But you won't catch me out
Oh, why? This is why
This is why I don't leave the house
You say the coast is clear
But you won't catch me out
Oh, why? This is why
One step beyond your door
It might as well have been a free fall
One step beyond your door
Falling down an endless hall
One step beyond your door
Might as well have been a free fall
One step beyond your door
And I'm floating like a cannonball
This is why I don't leave the house
You say the coast is clear
But you won't catch me out
Oh, why? This is why
This is why I don't leave the house
You say the coast is clear
But oh no, you won't catch me out
Oh, why? This is why
The lyrics of Paramore's "This Is Why" tell a story of self-doubt and insecurity. The singer is seeming to address someone who challenges their opinions, demanding that they keep their thoughts to themselves. The singer then goes on to express their hesitancy to leave the house, fearing that they will be caught out or challenged again. The line, "This is why I don't leave the house," is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. The lyrics continue with a call for conviction and a warning about the importance of choosing sides, while still emphasizing the singer's fear of leaving their safe space.
The second half of the song takes on a more dramatic tone, with the singer describing their fear of stepping outside and the feeling of freefall that comes with taking that step. The use of the metaphor of floating like a cannonball is particularly effective, conveying a sense of both weightlessness and momentum. Finally, the song ends with the singer still refusing to leave the house, despite the reassurances of others.
Overall, "This Is Why" is a powerful expression of the anxieties that many people face when it comes to self-expression and leaving their comfort zone. By putting those feelings into words, Paramore has created a relatable and emotionally resonant song that speaks to the struggles of so many.
Line by Line Meaning
If you have an opinion
If you have a viewpoint to share
Maybe you should shove it
Perhaps you should keep it to yourself
Or maybe you could scream it
Or you could express it loudly
Might be best to keep it
It could be better to avoid saying anything
To yourself (to yourself)
Keep it private
This is why I don't leave the house
There is a specific reason I'm staying indoors
You say the coast is clear
You assure me that it's safe outside
But you won't catch me out
But I'm still too scared to venture out
Oh, why? This is why
This is the exact reason why I don't want to leave
Better have conviction
It's important to have strong beliefs
'Cause we want crimes of passion
Because we desire to establish strong alliances
Survival of the fittest
Only the strongest will survive
You're either with us or you can keep it
Either be a part of us or stay away from us
To yourself, yourself, yourself
Keep it to yourself
One step beyond your door
Just one step outside your residence
It might as well have been a free fall
Feels like falling without control
Falling down an endless hall
Falling through a never-ending tunnel
Might as well have been a free fall
As good as jumping off a tall building
And I'm floating like a cannonball
And I'm uncontrollably moving like a projectile
This is why I don't leave the house
I don't feel safe stepping outside
You say the coast is clear
You assure me that it's safe outdoors
But oh no, you won't catch me out
But, unfortunately, I'm still too scared to go out
Oh, why? This is why
This is exactly why I'm avoiding stepping outside
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Hayley Williams, Taylor York, Zac Farro
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@melaniebon
And after all this time, I’m still into Paramore. 😭😭😭
@bricktopian
The only comment written in English so I know what it says lol
@notsojess7950
Same
@amu_01
I’m so happy. I missed them so much.
@carolsantos6423
captain america saying he got that reference right here *
@lizf3857
💯 same
@yanatheartist7783
the orange hair is still so iconic after all these years love the chorus
@laddiebuggie8018
Good dye young is her hair dye line sold at Sally’s yellow is always out 😢
@neri3747
after all this time.... I still into you
@madison81895
I’m so glad she brought it back, reminds me of the Riot era