Paul

Cavetown's song 'Paul' is a poignant exploration of a complex and emotionally charged relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's last encounter with Paul, filled with regret and a sense of inevitability. The opening lines reveal a moment of hesitation and internal conflict, as the narrator almost lets Paul back into their life but ultimately decides against it. This decision is marked by physical reactions like a dry mouth, symbolizing the difficulty and emotional weight of the situation.

As the song progresses, the imagery of driving in circles around a freight train yard with Paul, who turns off the headlights and pulls out a bottle, suggests a sense of aimlessness and escapism. The act of showing 'what is love' through these actions implies a complicated and perhaps destructive form of affection. The chorus, with its promises to be various things for Paul, from a 'morning bright goodnight shadow machine' to a 'killer and a thriller,' highlights the narrator's willingness to be everything for Paul, even if it means being the cause of their mutual downfall.

The song's latter verses delve deeper into the narrator's realization of their own flaws and the impact they have on Paul. The line 'I swallowed all of it' indicates a moment of acceptance and resignation, acknowledging that no one else can 'kiss away my shit.' The final verses are a bittersweet farewell, with the narrator recognizing that staying with Paul would only bring him pain. The imagery of being a 'starry-eyed lover' and a 'hurricane rider' captures the intensity and tumultuous nature of their relationship. Ultimately, 'Paul' is a haunting reflection on love, loss, and the difficult choices we make to protect those we care about, even if it means leaving them behind.