Meaning of "Clip Paper Wings" by The Color Morale

"Clip Paper Wings" by The Color Morale explores the themes of feeling lost, seeking purpose, and the importance of embracing imperfections. The opening lines, "Floating on like a plastic bag without a home, Pages folded became paper planes that we could fly" portray a sense of aimlessness and the desire for something more. The reference to paper planes represents the dreams and aspirations that the person or the narrator once had.

The line "We've clipped every wing we used to fly" suggests that the individual or the collective "we" has given up on their dreams, losing the ability to fly metaphorically. This loss may be due to fear, self-doubt, or societal pressures that discourage taking risks. The following lines, "Your wings might be broken but it's not too late, You hide your emotions so you can escape, You can't be afraid to make mistakes, And you can't fake perfection," encourage the listener not to be hindered by past failures or imperfections but to continue pursuing their dreams and aspirations.

The lyrics then introduce the idea of a broken compass moving forward, representing the conflicting desires to find direction in life yet being unable to settle on a clear path. The constant north that the narrator mentions is symbolic of a goal or purpose that remains elusive. The phrase "everything I gravitate to what ends up killing me" suggests a pattern of being drawn to self-destructive habits, relationships, or situations. This highlights the struggle of being unable to break free from harmful cycles.

The final lines, "We're separated by a hell of a lot more than the sky, It's not what you've done but what you'll choose to do," suggest that the distance or disconnect between individuals is not only physical but also emotional and psychological. The song highlights the importance of focusing on future choices and actions rather than dwelling on past mistakes. It encourages the listener to take control of their own destiny and make positive choices moving forward.

Overall, "Clip Paper Wings" promotes the idea of resilience, self-acceptance, and embracing imperfections in the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment.