Meaning of "Paper Hearts" by The Vamps
"Paper Hearts" conveys the raw and vulnerable emotions of longing and missing someone deeply. The repetition of the line "missing you baby is the only thing I know" emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's emotions and the central focus of their thoughts. The use of the metaphor of a paper heart represents the fragility and delicacy of their feelings, as well as their willingness to open themselves up to potential hurt. By folding the heart and throwing it to the wind, the speaker relinquishes control and hopes that fate will bring their message to the intended recipient. They yearn for a response, as indicated by the repeated plea for the person to write them back.
The second verse provides more context, revealing that the recipient of the message asked for space, leading to a year-long separation. Despite this, the speaker still holds onto the hope that they are still loved by the other person, keeping them in their mind. The repetition of the line "I'd try to be cool, but my feelings, they don't allow me to" illustrates the struggle of suppressing their emotions and trying to maintain a facade of composure. It is clear that the speaker has written numerous letters in an attempt to initiate a conversation that should have happened earlier.
The chorus repeats the longing and frustration expressed in the initial verse, highlighting the desperation for any kind of response. The bridge introduces imagery of flying through fields, symbolizing the hope that their message will somehow find its way to the intended recipient. The final repetition of the chorus conveys the persistence of the speaker's feelings and their persistent hope for a connection.
Overall, "Paper Hearts" captures the pain, vulnerability, and desperation that arise from missing someone deeply. It explores the complexities of unrequited love, the difficulties of communication, and the emotional burdens one carries when yearning for another person's presence.