"Papercuts" by Joel Adams is a heartfelt song about the pain of lost love and the longing to regain what was once cherished. The lyrics depict the feelings of regret, loneliness, and the desperate desire for reconciliation. The song opens with the narrator reflecting on their past actions that led to the end of a relationship. They admit to leaving without their loved one and the consequences of their choices. The narrator reveals that they have been stuck in their ways since leaving and expresses their fear of being alone. The chorus expresses the narrator's hesitation to apologize or turn back time. They acknowledge their loneliness but struggle to find the right words to express it. They seek comfort and reassurance by asking for a hold from their loved one, as they fear they might never experience that feeling again before their heart gives up. They want to feel validated and worth fighting for, hoping that the pain they are experiencing can be alleviated. The second verse emphasizes the narrator's feelings of being stuck and empty without their loved one. They question if it is all their fault, expressing the depth of their pain through papercut metaphors. The narrator is losing their grip on life without their partner's presence. The chorus repeats, once again highlighting the narrator's yearning for comfort, understanding, and love. They express their nervousness and fear of never being able to reclaim the happiness they once had before their heart completely breaks. The bridge intensifies the emotions, emphasizing the narrator's sense of falling and losing control. They hit the ground repeatedly, metaphorically representing their emotional descent since the relationship's demise. The song ends with a repetition of the chorus, confirming the narrator's longing for someone to hold them, their desire to feel validated, and their hope for the pain to cease. They ask their partner to hold on, pleading for their love not to break their heart. Overall, "Papercuts" delves into the emotions surrounding lost love, regret, and the deep longing for reconciliation. It is a poignant depiction of the pain and vulnerability one experiences when facing the consequences of their actions and the desire to mend what was broken.
