The band initially recorded demo recordings at Sam Bentley's home and Rasmussen's university. Encouraged by friends, they released homemade EPs and gained traction with their single "Bloom" in 2010. The band performed extensively in Australia and New Zealand, including opening for acts such as Hungry Kids of Hungary and Passenger.
The band initially gained attention with their single "Bloom" in 2010, leading to extensive performances in Australia and New Zealand. In 2011, they recorded their first EP, "Woodland," followed by the release of the EP "Young North" in 2012. They toured nationally and opened for acts like Josh Pyke and Boy & Bear. Following the tour, the band did a small run of shows opening for UK band Bombay Bicycle Club in January 2013.
Their debut full-length album, "States," was recorded in 2013, and they embarked on a national tour in Australia. They also toured internationally, including the United States and Canada. The band gained exposure with song placements in Grey's Anatomy and released their second album, "Twelvefour," in 2015. It was a concept album written between midnight and 4 AM.
In 2018, they released the albums "On the Train Ride Home" and "On the Corner Where You Live," with the latter recorded in Connecticut with producer Peter Katis. They embarked on an extensive tour and were nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album at the ARIA Music Awards.
In August 2020, the band announced their fifth studio album Roses, a collaborative album of duets. The album features Julia Stone, Lucy Rose, Rosie Carney, Aoife O'Donovan, Nadia Reid, Maro, Amanda Bergman, Ainslie Wills, Lydia Cole and Gena Rose Bruce. The album was released on 12 March 2021.
In May 2023, the Paper Kites announced the forthcoming release of their sixth studio album, At the Roadhouse, scheduled for release on 1 September 2023.
The Paper Kites' musical style has evolved over the years, incorporating elements of folk, fingerstyle guitar, harmonies, and moody soundscapes. Their versatility and influences from various genres have shaped their musical direction.
Arms
The Paper Kites Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My heart′s no good 'cause it′s split in two
What can I give that is all for you?
These arms are all I have
But I'll hold you like I do love you
But I'll hold you like I do love you
My heart′s no good ′cause it's split in two
What can I give that is all for you?
These arms are all I have
But I′ll hold you like I do love you
But I'll hold you like I do love you
But I′ll hold you like I do love you
But I'll hold you like I do love you
The Paper Kites’ song “Arms” is a gentle love song about the simple desire to give everything to the one you love. The opening lines of the song, “What can I give that is all for you?/ My heart’s no good ‘cause it’s split in two,” express a longing for complete devotion and commitment to the person they love. However, the singer acknowledges that their heart is not whole and can’t offer everything they wish it could. Despite this, they offer their arms as a symbol of their love, recognizing that it’s all they have to give.
The repetition of the lines “But I’ll hold you like I do love you” emphasizes the strength of the singer’s desire to love and care for their partner. Even though they may not be able to offer everything they wish they could, they can offer comfort, support, and affection in the form of their arms. The song’s overall tone is one of tenderness and vulnerability, expressing the deep desire to connect with and care for another person.
One interesting fact about “Arms” is that it was written by The Paper Kites’ lead vocalist, Sam Bentley, in response to a break-up he had just experienced. Despite its origins in heartbreak, he has stated that the song is more about expressing love and devotion than dwelling on sadness or loss. The song’s music video features a young couple spending a day together, reflecting the song’s themes of intimacy and closeness.
Line by Line Meaning
What can I give that is all for you?
I want to give you everything, but I don't know what to give.
My heart's no good 'cause it's split in two
I am heartbroken and unable to give you my whole heart because it's already broken.
What can I give that is all for you?
I want to give you everything, but I don't know what to give.
These arms are all I have
All I have to offer you are my open arms to hold and comfort you.
But I'll hold you like I do love you
Even though I am unable to offer you everything, I will still hold you with love and care.
But I'll hold you like I do love you
I may not have everything to offer, but I can still show you love and affection through my embrace.
But I'll hold you like I do love you
Despite my shortcomings, I will continue to hold and cherish you as if I were able to give you everything.
Writer(s): Samuel Bentley
Contributed by Aaliyah E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.