Stray Paper
The Gaslight Anthem Lyrics

Ooh ooh
An interjection expressing strong emotions, possibly fear or sadness, that sets the tone of introspection and vulnerability for the rest of the song.

You better never tell nobody but God,
A warning spoken to someone who knows secrets that must never see the light of day, an implication of shame or guilt, and the desire to confess to a higher power for redemption.

All the things I've seen.
An acknowledgement of the weight of personal experiences, possibly traumatic, that have left a lasting impression on the singer and shaped their worldview.

From high above this haunted city,
A geographical reference to view the city from a vantage point, possibly a metaphor for a detached and critical perspective from a position of power or privilege.

Under elected thrones of thieves.
A cynical description of corrupt politicians who wield power and manipulate the masses for their own gain, suggesting a lack of trust in institutions and authority figures.

Where mighty men lay down their hearts
An expression of admiration for those who have given their all for a cause or for love, highlighting the sacrifice and vulnerability involved.

In the service of their queens.
A gendered reference to loyalty and devotion, suggesting a traditional view of masculinity and duty, as well as a power dynamic between ruler and subject.

And gave their bodies to be burned
A metaphorical phrase meaning to suffer and endure pain for someone or something, evoking images of martyrdom and selflessness in the face of persecution.

Like I did before your feet.
A declaration of love and submission to a romantic partner, acknowledging vulnerability and inferiority, and possibly hinting at a role reversal or power struggle between the two.

Like she always tried for me, (Ooh ooh)
A comparison between the artist's selfless acts of love and the efforts of a past partner, implying a sense of guilt or inadequacy in not measuring up to their example.

Like now she does for me (Ooh ooh)
A continuation of the previous comparison, juxtaposing the loyalty and devotion of a new partner with the past one, but also suggesting a pattern of dependence and neediness in the singer.

Oh but love (run, run, run)
A refrain that metaphorically describes love as a fleeing creature, elusive and hard to catch, but also ethereal and enchanting, possibly a reference to a song from the 1960s.

Love, love, love becomes
A repetition of the word 'love' that reinforces its central role in the song, as well as a suggestion of transformation or evolution, hinting at a shift of focus from romantic love to other forms of love.

And all my love becomes
A personal realization that the singer's capacity for love has been exhausted, or that their love has been redirected to a higher cause, possibly a religious one.

Became blood on stray paper.
A poetic and striking image that captures the futility and transience of love, as well as its potential for violence, with the blood staining the paper, a symbol of words and communication, that is discarded or forgotten as if it never mattered.

Became blood on stray paper.
Repetition of the previous line to further emphasize the finality and hopelessness of the situation, as well as the detachment and numbing effect of repetition.

Became blood on stray paper.
Repetition of the previous line to create a sense of closure and finality, as well as to suggest that the repetition might also be a way of trying to make sense of a traumatic experience or to exorcise personal demons.

Became blood on stray paper.
Repetition of the previous line to leave a lasting impression on the listener and to reinforce the message that love, like blood, is a precious and finite resource that deserves to be treated with respect and care.

Became blood on stray paper.
Repetition of the previous line to create a sense of ambiguity and mystery, leaving the meaning of the song open to interpretation and reflection, and inviting the listener to connect with their own experience of love and loss.

Became blood on stray paper.
Repetition of the previous line to create a sense of rhythm and musicality, as well as to underscore the power of words and symbols to evoke strong emotions and memories in listeners, transforming them into something that goes beyond ordinary language.