Meaning of "Paper Dolls" by Corinne Bailey Rae

` "Paper Dolls" by Corinne Bailey Rae delves into the internal struggles of self-doubt, the pressure to conform to societal expectations, and the lasting impact of hurtful words. The protagonist admires someone but is afraid of being manipulated into doing things against their will. The song highlights the confusion and vulnerability that can come from being confronted with expectations from others. The repeated refrain of "Nobody told me I could do something, nobody told me I could be something" underscores the feelings of inadequacy and the longing for validation and support. The imagery of being cut out like paper dolls and made into something different speaks to the transformative power of words and the difficulty of breaking free from societal constraints. Overall, the song portrays a deep sense of longing for acceptance and understanding in a world full of expectations and judgments.

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