Throughout her 20s, Paulusma flirted with a number of occupations, from scholar (she embarked on a PhD after graduation from Cambridge University) to novelist (she was talented enough to bag a literary agent). But raised on a diet of Joni Mitchell and Carole King, music was always Paulusma’s first love. She wrote her first song aged ten, but it took 18 years of denial before she finally listened to her heart and recorded her debut album.
“Music had always been part of my life,” she says. “I’d been in bands, writing songs all along, but I’d just been doing it for the hell of it. It never crossed my mind to try and do it properly.”
It wasn’t until she recorded backing vocals for friends Ben & Jason’s last album that the penny finally dropped. “I had one of these earth shattering moments when I suddenly realised that everything I was doing was wrong and that I should be doing this instead,” she says. “It was like I got hit with an electric current – maybe I did – it was a pretty lo-fi studio so there was always that possibility! I just started crying. I thought, oh buggery fuck, here we go again.”
Give It Back
Polly Paulusma Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When all around me are losing theirs?
Can I keep my secrets close?
Can I hold my course in this tiny vessel steady?
Will I reach the farthest coast?
It's rolling away from me
As far as the eye can see
But while this journey's long, it's joyful
I've been living for tomorrow
Forgot to live today
This sweet life is only borrowed
Got to give it back some day
can I feed this beast
With everything I've got and more?
Who will suffer if I don't?
Who's the puppetmaster
Pulling me towards the shore?
Do I want to cut the ropes?
It's rolling away from me
As far as the eye can see
But while this journey's long, it's joyful
'cause you are here with me
I've been living for tomorrow
Forgot to live today
This sweet life is only borrowed
Got to give it back some day
it's rolling away from me
I'm sailing so fast it's hard to see
The light that shines from you
Is all I really need, it's all I need
I've been living for tomorrow
Forgot to live today
This sweet life is only borrowed
Got to tgive it back some day
The lyrics of Polly Paulusma's "Give It Back" convey a sense of self-examination and introspection as the singer ponders the nature of life and her place in it. The opening lines express a desire to remain composed and centered in the midst of turmoil, to keep her secrets close and stay the course. The metaphor of a journey is used to describe life, and the singer reflects on the fleeting nature of existence and the importance of cherishing every moment. She questions whether she has been living for the future at the expense of the present, and whether she has been feeding a metaphorical "beast" that may be leading her astray. The final lines reflect a sense of gratitude for the joys of life, and an acknowledgement that everything is temporary and must eventually be surrendered.
One interpretation of the lyrics is that they reflect the singer's spiritual struggles and search for meaning in life. The reference to a "puppetmaster" subtly suggests a struggle between free will and determinism or fate, and the metaphor of a vessel on a journey could be seen as an allegory for the soul or inner self. The mention of reaching the "farthest coast" could be seen as a reference to the afterlife or a sense of spiritual completion or fulfillment.
Overall, the lyrics of "Give It Back" are thoughtful and contemplative, inviting the listener to reflect on their own lives and the fleeting nature of existence. The song is driven by a gentle acoustic guitar melody and Polly Paulusma's haunting voice, creating a mood that is both melancholy and uplifting.
Line by Line Meaning
Can I keep my head
Am I capable of remaining calm and level-headed?
When all around me are losing theirs?
Despite the chaos and confusion going on around me?
Can I keep my secrets close?
Am I able to maintain my privacy and not share personal information?
Can I hold my course in this tiny vessel steady?
Am I capable of staying on track and not getting derailed despite my small and limited resources?
Will I reach the farthest coast?
Can I make it to the end of this journey?
It's rolling away from me
The destination is getting further and further away.
As far as the eye can see
As far as I can see into the distance.
But while this journey's long, it's joyful
Despite the length of the journey, it's filled with happiness and positivity.
'cause you are here with me
Because I have someone by my side to share the experience with.
I've been living for tomorrow
I've been so focused on the future that I haven't been enjoying the present.
Forgot to live today
I've neglected to appreciate and make the most of the current moment.
This sweet life is only borrowed
Life is not permanent and we need to make the most of the time we have.
Got to give it back some day
We will eventually have to leave this world and everything in it behind.
Can I feed this beast
Am I capable of sustaining my responsibilities and obligations?
With everything I've got and more?
With all my effort and resources.
Who will suffer if I don't?
Who will be negatively affected if I fail to meet my responsibilities?
Who's the puppetmaster
Who is controlling and directing my actions?
Pulling me towards the shore?
Guiding me towards a desired destination or outcome.
Do I want to cut the ropes?
Am I willing to break free from the influence of others and go in my own direction?
I'm sailing so fast it's hard to see
I'm moving quickly and it's difficult to take everything in.
The light that shines from you
Your positive influence and support.
Is all I really need, it's all I need
All I need to be successful and happy is your love and companionship.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PAULUSMA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
simonsbuddy
Fabulous song and performance, Polly...even after 30 listenings! Love the song structure, the Lowell George tribute phrases in a couple of the lines. A beautiful sentiment and real upbeat and catchy song. Deserved to be a chart topping hit, making you beaucoup d'argent. I hope I get to see you live (I'm in US) one day.
ambivolence
I love your music! You have an amazing sound! Saw you in London supporting Jamie Callum and you we're fab! So glad i bought the album!!
benito alvariño heras
Fantastic Polly Paulusma. A great joy is to listen to this song. Congratulations!
Kellie Hutchens
I saw Polly last night with Duke Special she was amazing
Rick RRfarm.
You and her should jam together Paradise! You good too! Polly is a great find! Thanks Polly!
Souperlative
tis really great :D nice voice and great guitar btw :) reminds me of Eddie Brickell and Suzanne Vega
simonsbuddy
You fooled me...the line above says "From: PollyPaulusma" so I naturally assumed.... But the vid, too, is wonderful, inventive, creative. You did a nice job. I'm going to see what else you've done. Thanks for your note!
sly dog
Top tune.
Rick RRfarm.
I hear ya man, but your voices and talent would be nice together I think.