Newspaper by Fiona Apple Lyrics Meaning – Unveiling the Layers of Emotional Intrigue
Lyrics
And then I just wanted him to make amends
I wonder what lies he’s telling you about me
To make sure that we’ll never be friends
And it’s a shame, because you and I didn’t get a witness
We’re the only ones who know
We were cursed, the moment that he kissed us
From then on, it was his big show
I grew concerned, when I saw him start to covet you
When I learned what he did, I felt close to you
In my own way, I fell in love with you
But he’s made me a ghost to you
I watch him let go of your hand, I wanna stand between you
But it’s not what I’m supposed to do
I watch him walk over, talk over you, be mean to you
And it makes me feel close to you
It makes me feel close to you
It makes me feel close to you
It’s not what it’s supposed to do
It makes me feel close to you
I too, wanted to make him proud of me
And then I just wanted him to make amends
I wonder what lies he’s telling you about me
To make sure that we’ll never be friends
And it’s a shame, because you and I didn’t get a witness
We’re the only ones who know
We were cursed, the moment that he kissed us
From then on, it was his big show
From then on, it was his big show
From then on, it was his big show
And you’re wearing time, like a flowery crown
Sitting that, sitting that big cat down
And I’m alone on the summit now
Trying not to let my light go out
I too, used to want him to be proud of me
And then I just wanted him to make amends
I wonder what lies he’s telling you about me
To make sure that we’ll never be friends
And it’s a shame, because you and I didn’t get a witness
We’re the only ones who know
We were cursed, the moment that he kissed us
From then on, it was his big show
I grew concerned, when I saw him start to covet you
When I learned what he did, I felt close to you
In my own way, I fell in love with you
But he’s made me a ghost to you
I watch him let go of your hand, I wanna stand between you
But it’s not what I’m supposed to do
I watch him walk over you, talk over you, be mean to you
And it makes me feel close to you
And you’re wearing time, like a flowery crown
Sitting that, sitting that big cat down
And I’m alone on the summit now
Trying not to let my light go out
Trying not to let my light go out
You’re wearing time, like a flowery crown
Sitting that, sitting that big cat down
And I’m alone on the summit now
Trying not to let my light go out
Oh, I too, used to want him to be proud of me
And then I just wanted him to make amends
I wonder what lies he’s told you about me
To make sure that we’ll never be friends
To make sure that we’ll never be friends
To make sure that we’ll never be friends
To make sure that we’ll never be friends
In the labyrinth of human connection, Fiona Apple meticulously crafts her narrative in ‘Newspaper,’ a hauntingly revealing track from her acclaimed album. The song is a poignant exploration of betrayal, solidarity, and the complex dynamics that arise when relationships intertwine under the shadow of a manipulative figure.
As listeners, we are drawn into the raw and confessional songwriting that Apple is renowned for. ‘Newspaper’s’ incisive lyrics paint a picture of a triangle where the protagonist feels a kinship with another drawn into the orbit of a common antagonist, both victims to his deceptions and control. Here, we dive deep into the intricacies and layers that make ‘Newspaper’ a profoundly compelling piece of art.
The Triad of Connection: An Emotional Odyssey
Apple masterfully immortalizes a scenario wherein two individuals are brought together not by mutual affection, but by their shared experiences with a singular persona. It’s a bonding of souls scorched by the same flame. The song becomes a vessel, carrying the turmoil and empathy that arises from watching someone else endure the same pain you’ve felt.
The lyrics, ‘It’s a shame, because you and I didn’t get a witness, we’re the only ones who know,’ allude to the isolating nature of their experiences with this man. These lines underscore a secret camaraderie, an unspoken alliance that forms the core emotional conflict of the song.
The Hidden Meaning: Wearing Time Like a Flowery Crown
Amidst the verses, we encounter the cryptic line, ‘You’re wearing time, like a flowery crown.’ This metaphor could signal the passage of time as a double-edged sword, both beautifying and fading. It suggests an acknowledgment of growth and resilience even as time, marked by pain and manipulation, continues to elapse.
In another interpretation, this time-worn adornment is a symbol of endurance and survival after having experienced manipulation. It is the embodiment of grace under duress, of maintaining one’s dignity despite the attempts to be subdued by this ‘big cat’ the protagonist strives to fend off.
A Chorus of Empathy: ‘It Makes Me Feel Close to You’
Repeated throughout the song, the phrase ‘It makes me feel close to you’ becomes a mantra of empathy and understanding. It’s a poignant realization of the bond forged through similar emotional scars, and it reverberates with the pain and comfort found in the recognition of shared experiences.
It’s not only a statement of solidarity but also a lament of the distance created by the manipulator’s actions. Though the antagonist tries to sever the connection between the song’s subjects, these hardships paradoxically draw them closer in spirit, if not in reality.
The Ghostly Specter: A Manifestation of Alienation
Fiona Apple touches upon a ghostly image, ‘But he’s made me a ghost to you,’ casting herself as an invisible presence, felt but unseen. This is a powerful and chilling visualization of the outcome the antagonist intends—separating the two parties by whispering fallacies, ensuring they remain apart and distrustful.
The ghost metaphor also encapsulates the pain of the protagonist, who, struggling to maintain her light, has become a haunting figure in her compatriot’s life. It paints a vivid portrait of the loneliness and yearning inherent in being made intangible by lies and deceit.
Memorable Lines: The Cursed Kiss and Its Aftermath
The notion of being cursed the moment they were kissed by the antagonist hints at the poisoned chalice of their relationships. Upon this kiss, the story’s trajectory was set spiraling—transforming their lives into his spectacle, his ‘big show,’ a stage upon which he exercises control.
These evocative lyrics encapsulate the central theme of the song: the reality that intimate encounters can sometimes mark the beginning of manipulation and the loss of autonomy. Fiona Apple’s ability to convey such depth with such simplicity captures the listener’s mind and leaves a lingering imprint long after the song has faded.
