Paper Thin
The Inmates Lyrics

The Inmates's song Paper Thin is about a person with a superficial personality, who finds it hard to deal with the real emotions and situations in their life. The lyrics are written in a somewhat chaotic flow, with a mixture of instructions, observations, self-reflections and criticisms. The first verse suggests that the person addressed in the song is in a state of confusion, unable to make decisive moves, and needing someone else's encouragement to keep going. The chorus emphasizes the idea that this person has a "paper thin soul", meaning that they are very vulnerable, unstable and shallow. This is contrasted with the idea of flying, which suggests a sense of freedom and strength, but also implies the need for conditions that enable such actions. The second verse describes the singer's own experience of falling for this person's charm and then realizing how shallow it is. The phrase "swing set blues" adds a childlike, nostalgic tone to the scene, but also suggests the idea of being stuck in a repetitive, unfulfilling pattern. The final verse adds a layer of complexity to the song, by introducing the idea of history and the human mind. The singer claims that they can access the depths of the other person's mind, and use their past experiences to their advantage. This could be interpreted in different ways, depending on whether the singer is genuinely sympathetic to the other person's struggles or manipulative.

Overall, Paper Thin is a song that captures the feeling of being trapped in a relationship or situation that lacks depth and authenticity. The title and the chorus suggest that this is a recurring theme in the person's life, and that they may struggle with intimacy and self-awareness. The music, which blends rock, blues and punk elements, reinforces the idea of tension and energy that runs throughout the lyrics. The vocals, which are delivered with a raw and urgent tone, convey the sense of frustration and urgency that the singer feels.