"Paul" is a song by Joshua Burnside that explores themes of mysticism, introspection, and self-discovery. The lyrics use vivid imagery and symbolism to convey a sense of searching for something elusive or transcendent. The song begins with references to mystical objects such as a golden keyhole, skull flags, and a white horn. These items represent symbols of hidden knowledge, mortality, and purity. The mention of something green in the red blood of the firstborn suggests the presence of life and growth within darkness and sacrifice. The lyrics then mention a silver bowl of water from a high fork of an elm tree, which could symbolize a sacred or ancient source of insight or enlightenment. The plea for these items to be brought when the moon is flat adds to the mystical atmosphere, suggesting that the search for meaning must align with certain natural rhythms or phases. The next stanza urges the listener to go through a metaphorical doorway and venture out into the plains and caverns. These are symbolic spaces that represent exploring the depths of one's mind and consciousness. The shifting borders of the mind hint at the fluid and ever-changing nature of perception and understanding. The mention of the deep sea and asking what the narrator is running from suggests a yearning for escape or avoidance of something difficult or painful. The water represents the depths of emotion and the subconscious, where answers or revelations might be found. The lyrics then take a darker turn, referring to something with burning eyes and searching in the blackened skull of an elephant. This imagery alludes to a menacing presence or force that haunts the narrator and may have impacted their relationships with the women they have loved. The line "All [?] in dreams a bloody tide is loosening" hints at the release or surfacing of repressed emotions or experiences. The desert of the east symbolizes a barren and desolate place, contrasting with the idea of an ocean that is coming. The ocean represents a vast and powerful force, perhaps signifying a cathartic release or transformative experience. The song ends by repeating the earlier instructions to go through the doorway, venture into the plains and caverns, and explore the shifting borders of the mind. The red glow and dark room create a sense of mystery and introspection, urging the listener to delve deeper into themselves and confront their fears or uncertainties. Overall, "Paul" is a song that invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery and inner exploration. It combines mystical and symbolic imagery with introspective themes to create a rich and compelling narrative that encourages contemplation and reflection.
