Meaning of "Paradise" by The Stranglers

"Paradise" by The Stranglers seems to explore the concept of seeking something unattainable, such as an idealized version of life or happiness, only to be met with disappointment and deceit. The lyrics suggest that the idea of paradise is ultimately based on falsehoods, leading individuals to become ensnared in a cycle of chasing unattainable perfection. The references to cities like Paris and London juxtapose their glamorous facade with a underlying sense of despair and ruin, symbolizing how the pursuit of an ideal can lead to destruction. The repeated references to being "ruined over there" imply a sense of loss or failure stemming from the pursuit of paradise. The mention of freezing a moment in time to have paradise all the time speaks to the desire for permanence in a fleeting world, where happiness is always just out of reach. Overall, the lyrics suggest that the pursuit of paradise is ultimately a futile and potentially destructive endeavor, as true contentment cannot be found in illusions and lies.