notre dame

Paris Paloma's song "notre dame" paints a vivid picture of isolation and introspection within the sacred confines of a cathedral. The narrator finds themselves in the rafters, a place of solitude and coldness, symbolizing their emotional and social detachment. The stone walls and the heavy air filled with incense create a somber atmosphere, reflecting the weight of their loneliness. The pigeons cooing in the tower add to the sense of desolation, as the narrator observes life from a distance, rarely descending to the ground level where the congregation gathers.

The narrator's vantage point allows them to witness the raw, unfiltered moments of the people below, seeing them at their worst points. This perspective gives them a sense of power, not out of sadism, but as a way to find meaning in their own exile. They acknowledge that they are not a higher power, but their position in the ceiling offers them a unique role as an observer of human suffering and devotion. This role provides a semblance of purpose in their otherwise lonely existence.

The imagery of the grey light filtering through slabs and the glowing flagstones from the stained glass below adds a layer of beauty and reverence to the scene. The narrator tiptoes over the prayers and tears of the people, feeling a connection to their sincerity but also recognizing their own sense of not belonging. The contrast between the saints and sinners, and the desperation of some versus the belonging of others, highlights the narrator's internal struggle with their place in the world. Ultimately, the song captures the poignant feeling of looking down from a place of isolation, finding solace in the act of witnessing, even if it means acknowledging their own loneliness and lack of belonging.