Meaning of "Paper And Ink" by Tracy Chapman

The lyrics of "Paper And Ink" delve into profound themes related to identity, truth, and the transient nature of life. The opening lines, "Touched the mirror, Broke the surface of the water, Saw my true self, All illusions shattered," suggest a moment of self-discovery and realization. It symbolizes the act of peering beneath the surface and confronting the true essence of one's being. This theme is further emphasized in the line "Sat down up close to the colored black hole, Like they'd always told me not to," which implies defying societal norms and exploring the unknown.

Chapman highlights the illusion of money, stating "Money's only paper only ink, We'll destroy ourselves if we can't agree." Here, money is portrayed as a man-made construct that holds immense power, yet is ultimately fleeting and insignificant. The suggestion is that our obsession with material wealth and our inability to find common ground will inevitably lead to our own downfall. This notion is further reinforced in the lines "Felt no shame, Naked to the world, And all illusions shattered." By stripping away social expectations and material possessions, one can see through the illusions created by society and gain a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

The song also touches on the transience of life, with the repetition of the phrase "The world we know will fall piece by piece." This line implies that the world we live in will inevitably crumble and change over time, reminding us of our impermanence. The ocean is another prominent symbol in the song, representing the vastness and uncontrollable forces of the world. Chapman challenges the notion of authority by questioning "Who made the sun, Who owns the sea," suggesting that the world is a complex and interconnected system that cannot be owned or controlled by any one entity.

The closing lines, "But the turbulent waters won't reflect this life, Only the sun the moon and sky, And all illusions shattered," encapsulate the idea that true meaning and clarity cannot be found in the chaos of the world. Instead, it resides in the simplicity and beauty of nature. The sun, moon, and sky represent the purity of existence, untouched by the illusions and complexities of human society.

Overall, "Paper And Ink" is a contemplative and introspective song that encourages listeners to question the illusions they have been fed by society and to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. It serves as a reminder of our shared humanity and the impermanence of our existence.