This song is about aging, growing out of your youthful, reckless tendencies. The process of moving from youth to adulthood is unsettling and can feel backwards, which is reflected in the reversed drum loop that serves as the track’s primary instrumentation.
A paper tiger is a perceived threat that...
[Verse]
I'll never hold you back
And I won't force my will
I will no longer do the devil's wishes
Something I read on a dollar bill
A paper tiger can't
Tell you where he stands
We'll go back tonight the way that we came
I'm not dumb, just want to hold your hand
[Chorus]
So alright
Where we want to be
And alright
What that we could be
[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
So alright
Where we want to be
So alright
What that we could be
[Outro]
Oh, we could go kick down some doors together
Stay out till morning, sharp as knives
The new war will get you, it will not protect you
But I will be there with you when you turn out the light
Said I will be there with you when you turn out the light
I will be there with you when you turn out the light
Paper Tiger was written by Britt Daniel.
Paper Tiger was produced by Mike McCarthy & Britt Daniel & Jim Eno.
Spoon released Paper Tiger on Tue Aug 20 2002.