The lyrics talk about the pressure to conform and transform oneself into someone desirable. References to a "paperback head" and being a "material girl" suggest a need to change one's identity in order to be accepted, while also highlighting the need to protect oneself from outside influences.

Meaning of "Paperback Head" by Tegan And Sara

The lyrics of "Paperback Head" by Tegan And Sara delve into the theme of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to certain standards in order to be accepted. The repeated phrases "You must draw your own aid, must sift your affairs, must frame up" speak to the idea of shaping one's identity and appearance in a way that is deemed desirable by others. The metaphor of a "material girl" further emphasizes the focus on superficial qualities and the need to present a certain image to the world. The mention of "suitors" and the need to keep them in line hint at the idea of relationships and the complexities of navigating them while also maintaining personal autonomy. Overall, the lyrics seem to reflect on the struggle of balancing the desire to be oneself with the pressure to fit in and be liked in a society that often values surface-level attributes.