Paper Crowns

The song tells the story of two young lovers who dream big but find themselves caught up in life’s complexities. They reminisce about simpler times when they felt invincible and full of hope. It’s about looking back on those moments and realizing how quickly things can slip away. The use of "paper crowns" symbolizes their dreams and ambitions, which may seem grand but are also fragile.

Verse 1

When we were 14, we went to the movies
I looked at the screen, told you that could be you and me
The girls looking past you, the boys looking through me
They've got no idea that we're gonna be

This verse sets the scene for their youthful love. The mention of going to the movies at 14 captures that innocent, hopeful age. The line about the girls and boys hints at the outside world's distractions, showing how they felt overlooked. It’s sweet but also a little sad, as they dream about a future that seems so far away.

Chorus

Take me back to what we found
Before we burn our castle down
King and queen, we ran this town
When all we had to give were paper crowns

The chorus is a longing for the past, a desire to return to a time when their love felt like a fairytale. The imagery of "burning our castle down" suggests that their dreams might be falling apart. "Paper crowns" reflects the fragile nature of their ambitions, showing that while they felt powerful together, their dreams weren’t as solid as they hoped.

Verse 2

Dropped out of class and I moved to the city
I'll make just enough to afford you a wedding ring
I said, "I'll be back and I'm taking you with me"
Just you wait, we're as young as we'll ever be

In this verse, we see the character making sacrifices for love. Dropping out of class shows a determination to chase dreams, but it also hints at recklessness. The promise of a wedding ring adds a romantic touch but also sets up expectations. It reflects that youthful belief that everything will work out, even though reality can be harsher.

Chorus

Breaking down the walls and running for the hills
We'll be superstars just burning dollar bills
I did everything I told you that I would one day
This is all that we ever wanted, but the look on your face says

This chorus repeats the themes of ambition and the weight of expectations. The line about being "superstars" feels both hopeful and a bit ironic, as it captures the excitement but also the fleeting nature of youth. The mention of the look on the partner's face suggests doubt and disillusionment, hinting that things aren’t as perfect as they once dreamed.

Bridge

All I wanted was to give you the world
I lost myself in the lights
All I wanted was to give you the world
I wanna turn back the time and just

The bridge reveals a moment of vulnerability. The desire to give the world shows deep love, but losing oneself in the lights suggests that fame or success can distract from what truly matters. There’s a strong wish to go back to simpler times, reinforcing the song’s overall theme of nostalgia and regret.

Outro

Take me back to what we found
Before we burn our castle down
King and queen, we ran this town
When all we had to give were paper crowns
Crowns, crowns
Paper crowns

The outro echoes the chorus, bringing the song full circle. It reiterates the longing for the past and the sense of loss. Ending with "paper crowns" leaves a lingering feeling of fragility in their dreams and relationship, emphasizing that even the strongest love can be delicate.

Closing Thoughts

"Paper Crowns" is a heartfelt reflection on young love and the impact of life’s choices. It captures the joy and pain of chasing dreams together, while also recognizing how easily those dreams can fade. It’s relatable and real, reminding listeners to cherish the moments that matter most and to stay grounded in love.