This Side Of Paradise

Hayley Kiyoko's 'This Side Of Paradise' is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of escapism and the desire to find solace in an imagined world. The song opens with the line 'False start, you sleepyhead,' immediately setting a tone of disorientation and a struggle to find one's place. Kiyoko's lyrics weave a narrative of being caught between reality and dreams, where mistakes and daydreams blur the lines of existence. The mention of 'little boys go on pretending, they're wide awake' suggests a critique of societal expectations and the facade people often maintain.

The recurring phrase 'I've got better luck in my head' highlights the protagonist's preference for the world inside their mind over the tangible reality. This internal world is depicted as a place where they can play 'poker with the dead,' a metaphor for engaging with memories or past experiences that continue to haunt them. The chorus, 'This side of paradise,' serves as a refrain that emphasizes the allure of this mental escape, a place where the protagonist feels more at home than in the real world.

Kiyoko's repetition of 'I don't want to be anywhere else but here' underscores a deep yearning for this imagined paradise, a sanctuary from the pressures and disappointments of everyday life. The song's dreamy, almost ethereal quality is enhanced by its melodic structure, which complements the lyrical content perfectly. 'This Side Of Paradise' is a poignant reflection on the human tendency to seek refuge in our minds, creating a personal utopia where we can find peace and comfort away from the harshness of reality.