in April/May 2006, the quartet played six shows in Ireland to support the release of The Swell Season. Later in the year (October & December) they also played a number of shows in the US to support the release of the album there. The huge success of the film Once resulted in Glen and Markéta touring the US constantly during 2007 and the line-up morphed over time (Glen and Markéta being the core members). The current Swell Season line-up also includes three members of The Frames: guitarist Rob Bochnik, violinist Colm Mac Con Iomaire, and bassist Joe Doyle. Graham Hopkins joined the tour on drums in spring of 2008.
Hansard and Markéta starred in the film 'Once' by writer/director John Carney (a former bass player of The Frames). Many songs of The Swell Season are used in this film, which won the World Cinema Audience Award at Sundance 2007. Hansard and Irglová won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for the song "Falling Slowly" in February 2008.
For more info: http://www.myspace.com/oncethemovie
Tour dates and audio streams are available from www.theswellseason.com.
Paper Cup
The Swell Season Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got no, got no dog in this fight
Paper plane take this note straight to her
If her heart's still in the fight
Maybe time will decide
The restless spirit can't survive
Paper saint will you hear her when she calls
You got no dog in this fight
Paper bird
Take this offering from her hands
This simple trail back to the light
Maybe time will provide
Give you the strength to decide
I hope it's not too late
Maybe time will decide
The restless spirit can't survive
One breadcrumb trails no more
Maybe time will provide
Give you the strength to decide
You know it's not too late
Paper cup ain't got no worries
Got no, got no dog in this fight
Got no worries
Got no dog in this fight
The song "Paper Cup" by The Swell Season is a contemplative piece that centers around the idea of detachment and coming to terms with one's own limitations. The repeated phrase "Paper Cup, ain't got no worries, Got no, got no dog in this fight" establishes the singer's sense of non-involvement in the situation at hand. They are merely an observer, watching the events unfolding before them without any personal stake in the outcome. This position of detachment allows the singer to offer advice and guidance to others, symbolized by the paper plane, paper saint, and paper bird that appear throughout the song.
The lyrics suggest that time is a powerful force that can help individuals find their way back to the light, but it requires patience and perseverance. The "restless spirit" mentioned in the song suggests a sense of unease and dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, yet the singer advises against following "breadcrumb trails" and instead encourages a more direct approach to problem-solving. The chorus repeats the idea that the paper cup has "got no worries, got no dog in this fight," emphasizing that true peace can be found when one is able to detach themselves from the drama and chaos of the world.
Overall, "Paper Cup" is a song that encourages the listener to take a step back and evaluate their relationship to the world around them. It asks us to question our own attachments and consider the benefits of detachment and perspective-taking.
Line by Line Meaning
Paper cup, ain't got no worries
The singer regards themselves as insignificant, with no concerns or issues to deal with.
Got no, got no dog in this fight
They have no stake or interest in a particular situation or conflict, making them a neutral party.
Paper plane take this note straight to her
The singer uses a metaphorical paper airplane as a means of communication, hoping to convey a message to a particular person.
If her heart's still in the fight
The success of the message depends on whether or not the recipient is still emotionally invested in a matter.
Maybe time will decide
The artist acknowledges that some things are beyond their control, and that time can be a determining factor in a situation's outcome.
The restless spirit can't survive
The singer hints at a struggle with inner turmoil or unrest, suggesting that this state is unsustainable and will eventually lead to a resolution.
On breadcrumb trails no more
The singer no longer desires to navigate through life via vague, incomplete hints or trails, instead seeking clarity and directness.
Paper saint will you hear her when she calls
The artist addresses a 'paper saint', possibly a religious or spiritual figure, and requests their aid in listening to someone's pleas for help.
You got no dog in this fight
Like the artist, the paper saint is neutral and uninvolved in any conflict or dispute, making them an impartial and appropriate mediator.
Paper bird, Take this offering from her hands
The artist now uses the imagery of a paper bird, suggesting that they are leaving a physical object as an offering or gesture of goodwill.
This simple trail back to the light
The offering is meant to provide a straightforward path towards some kind of positive resolution or closure, to bring a brighter outcome to a difficult situation.
Maybe time will provide, Give you the strength to decide
The artist once again acknowledges that time can be a powerful force in allowing one to come to a decision or take action, gathering strength and clarity from the passing of time.
I hope it's not too late
The singer expresses a sense of urgency, hoping that the time for effective action or intervention has not already passed.
Paper cup ain't got no worries
The song ends with a repetition of the opening line, emphasizing the singer's sense of detachment and freedom from burden or worry.
Got no worries, Got no dog in this fight
The final repetition of the chorus reinforces the singer's position as a neutral and uninvolved party, free from the conflicts and concerns of others.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GLEN HANSARD, GLEN JAMES HANSARD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zakaria Aulin
I don't know why it is making me sadder each time but I can't even stop listening to it.
matt russo
Thanks to a family member , I have just been introduced to Glen's music. A hidden gem indeed!
Tuigim
A man who can sound better live than on a recording, Glen never ceases to amaze.
Suep7788
As much as I hate it omg but, OMG!! Everytime I hear his voice I want to cry. Gee I really wish he would come to Georgia. People don't know what they are missing! Absolutely fantastic!
Kaviyar
he uses a classical for this song! gives a better fuller sound
cloudrival
Loved it :)
wunschkristall
realy absolutely amazing!
CGDGCD
I guess his guitar is getting some much needed R &R
Blue Taylor
"Paper Saint would you hear her when she calls? You've got no dog in this fight..."
April Robbins
fantastic! :-)