Paper Crown

Alec Benjamin's song 'Paper Crown' paints a poignant picture of a queen whose kingdom has crumbled, leaving her to navigate the ruins alone. The imagery of a 'paper crown' and a 'heart made of glass' suggests fragility and vulnerability, while the 'kingdom of ash' symbolizes the destruction and loss she has endured. This queen's journey is one of resilience, as she walks alone, unable to look back at what once was. The metaphor of a fallen castle by the sea evokes a sense of irrevocable change and the relentless passage of time.

The lyrics delve into the queen's internal struggle as she grapples with the scars left by her past. Despite the devastation, she stands her ground, embodying strength in the face of adversity. The repeated notion that 'there's no one to love her when you build your walls too high' underscores the theme of isolation. The queen's self-imposed barriers prevent her from receiving the love and support she desperately needs. This metaphor extends beyond the literal, touching on the emotional walls people build to protect themselves, which can ultimately lead to loneliness.

Alec Benjamin's storytelling in 'Paper Crown' is both haunting and relatable. The song reflects on the human condition, exploring themes of vulnerability, isolation, and the longing for connection. The queen's tale is a reminder that while we may build walls to shield ourselves from pain, these same walls can also keep out the love and support we need to heal. The absence of a 'king' to save the queen challenges the traditional fairytale narrative, emphasizing self-reliance and the harsh reality that sometimes, we must save ourselves from our own emotional battles.