The song "Papillon" by Editors is open to interpretation, but it touches upon themes of love, escape, and the desire for something more in life. "Papillon" is French for "butterfly," and in this context, it represents a sense of freedom and transformation. The lyrics speak of making an escape and finding love before it's too late. The line "It kicks like a sleep twitch" suggests a sense of urgency and restlessness in pursuing what one desires. The chorus refers to not giving up or surrendering, even in the face of challenges. The mention of God raises the question of divine intervention or guidance. The protagonist expresses that if there truly was a higher power, it would have intervened by now. This can be seen as a call to take control of one's own destiny instead of relying on external forces. The line "You're born, get old and die here" speaks to the monotony and limitations of life, suggesting a desire to break free from societal expectations and find one's own path. Overall, the song seems to convey a sense of longing for something more fulfilling or meaningful in life. It encourages the listener to not settle for the ordinary and to strive for personal liberation and self-discovery.
