Meaning of "Pen and Paper" by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

"Pen and Paper" by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus delves into the theme of fake personas and the consequences that come with it. The song criticizes an individual who presents themselves in a contrived manner, seeking the attention and admiration of others. The repetitive line "You like the way the people stare at you" highlights the individual's desire to be the center of attention, regardless of the authenticity of their actions. This reveals their shallow motives and the superficiality of their persona.

The lyrics suggest that the individual is aware of the attention they receive and manipulates others to serve their own interests. Lines like "Not before, not before you wind up on your knees" imply that their actions will eventually catch up with them, leading to a downfall or a moment of vulnerability. The repetition of the phrase "Don't cry to me no more" indicates a sense of regret or a refusal to continue supporting the individual's facade.

Furthermore, the song emphasizes the consequences of maintaining a fake persona. The line "And when the curtain drops down, you'll be replaced by something typical" suggests that their true identity will eventually be revealed, and they will be replaced by someone who conforms to societal expectations and norms. This implies that the individual's lack of authenticity will ultimately lead to their downfall or irrelevance.

The lyrics also touch on the narrator's decision to stand by the individual for a prolonged period, with lines like "I know I stood so long beside you" and "I know I should have left you right where I had found you." This could be interpreted as the narrator being complicit in perpetuating the individual's fake persona, feeling regret for not taking action sooner, and realizing their mistake in supporting someone who lacks authenticity.

Overall, "Pen and Paper" critiques the idea of putting on a fake persona and highlights the consequences that individuals may face when their true selves are revealed. The song serves as a reminder to stay true to oneself and avoid the allure of seeking validation through inauthentic means.