Meaning of "Brick by Boring Brick" by Paramore

"Brick by Boring Brick" explores themes of escapism, disillusionment, and the consequences of refusing to confront reality. The song opens with the image of a girl living in a fairy tale, far removed from everyone else. She has forgotten what the real world is like because she's so absorbed in her own imagination. The line "It's all about the exposure, the lens I told her" suggests that she has been influenced by someone, perhaps societal pressures or someone close to her, to create this fantasy world for herself.

However, the chorus reminds her to keep her feet on the ground when her head's in the clouds, urging her to find a balance between dreams and reality. The verses introduce a prince who appears to save her, but it's revealed to be a trick. The clock striking twelve signifies the end of her illusion, similar to the story of Cinderella. This serves as a warning to the listener that building a life based on illusions and false expectations is unsustainable and bound to collapse.

The line "Well, you built up a world of magic because your real life is tragic" suggests that the girl's need for escapism stems from dissatisfaction with her real life. By creating this magical world, she tries to compensate for the disappointments and hardships she faces. However, the song emphasizes the importance of facing reality rather than getting lost in false hopes.

The bridge of the song highlights the contrast between what is real and what is imagined. It states that something that is not real cannot be held or felt, and the narrator refuses to believe in it. On the contrary, if something is true, it can be seen even in the darkest times. This further reinforces the theme of facing reality and finding strength in the truth.

Overall, "Brick by Boring Brick" serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting lost in illusions and the importance of embracing reality instead of trying to escape from it. It highlights the need to acknowledge and address one's struggles rather than hiding behind fantasies.