Paul

Big Thief's song 'Paul' is a poignant exploration of a complex and emotionally charged relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a past encounter with someone named Paul, filled with regret, longing, and a sense of inevitability. The narrator reflects on a moment when they almost let Paul back into their life but ultimately decided against it, symbolized by the act of catching the wall and driving in circles. This imagery suggests a sense of being trapped in a cycle of indecision and emotional turmoil.

The chorus of the song is rich with metaphors, describing the narrator as a 'morning bright goodnight shadow machine' and a 'record player.' These lines convey a sense of duality and complexity in the narrator's identity, as they oscillate between light and dark, presence and absence. The mention of 'whiskey breath' and being a 'killer and a thriller' adds a layer of raw, unfiltered emotion, hinting at the destructive potential of their relationship. The narrator acknowledges their role in the potential downfall, accepting that they could be the cause of their mutual demise.

As the song progresses, the narrator grapples with the realization that no one can 'kiss away' their pain, leading to a sense of resignation. The final verses reveal a deep connection with Paul, describing themselves as a 'starry-eyed lover' and a 'hurricane rider.' Despite this intense bond, the narrator decides to leave, recognizing that staying would only bring more pain. The imagery of 'two moonshiners on the cusp of a breath' captures the fleeting, ephemeral nature of their relationship, leaving the listener with a haunting sense of what could have been.