Meaning of "Paint By Numbers" by Self

The lyrics of "Paint By Numbers" capture the internal conflict faced by the songwriter between pursuing art for personal expression versus chasing commercial success. The dusty house and dirty clothes symbolize the gritty reality of creating music in a small, dying town. The reference to an ex-girlfriend and painful memories portrays the emotional depth of the artist's work, questioning the value of exposing vulnerabilities to the world. The temptation to create catchy tunes and conform to industry standards in New York and LA highlights the pressure to fit in and be successful. Ultimately, the songwriter decides to stick to his authentic voice, portraying the idea of painting by numbers as a metaphor for following a formulaic approach to music production versus staying true to oneself. The repetition of "do it again" suggests the cyclical nature of creativity, where one must continually find inspiration and authenticity. Choosing to remain in the town overrun by tourists and embracing the bittersweet nature of life emphasize the importance of staying genuine in a world dominated by trends and expectations.