“This Side of Paradise” by Coyote Theory is a deeply introspective song that explores themes of loneliness, longing, and the desire for connection.
Released as part of their debut EP “Color” in 2011, the song has resonated with listeners, becoming one of the band’s most popular tracks.
This track is a plea for companionship, suggesting that even in moments of solitude, there is hope for connection and understanding. The song’s emotive nature, combined with its indie pop sensibilities, allows listeners to connect deeply with its themes of love and loneliness.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
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“This Side Of Paradise” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
Ask me why my heart’s inside my throat
I’ve never been in love, I’ve been alone
Feel like I’ve been livin’ life asleep
Love so strong, it makes me feel so weak
The opening lines express vulnerability and the intensity of emotions associated with love. The phrase “my heart’s inside my throat” suggests anxiety and excitement, indicating that the speaker has never experienced love before and has felt isolated.
The line “Feel like I’ve been livin’ life asleep” conveys a sense of unfulfillment, while “Love so strong, it makes me feel so weak” highlights the paradox of love’s power—its ability to evoke both strength and vulnerability.
[Chorus]
Are you lonely? (Are you lonely?)
Our fingers dancing when they meet
You seem so lonely (Are you lonely?)
I’ll be the only dream you seek
So if you’re lonely, no need to show me
If you’re lonely, come be lonely with me
The chorus poses a direct question about loneliness, inviting the listener to connect. The imagery of “fingers dancing” symbolizes intimacy and connection, suggesting that even a brief touch can evoke profound feelings.
The speaker offers companionship, stating, “If you’re lonely, come be lonely with me,” which emphasizes the desire to share their loneliness rather than face it alone.
This invitation reflects a yearning for connection amidst shared solitude.
[Post-Chorus]
Lonely (Are you lonely?)
Passion is crashing as we speak
You seem so lonely (Are you lonely?)
You’re the ground my feet won’t reach
So if you’re lonely, darling, you’re glowing
If you’re lonely, come be lonely with me
In the post-chorus, the repetition of “Are you lonely?” reinforces the theme of shared loneliness. The phrase “Passion is crashing as we speak” suggests that while there is a strong emotional connection, it is also tumultuous.
The line “You’re the ground my feet won’t reach” implies that the person the speaker is addressing feels unattainable, adding to the sense of longing.
The idea that “darling, you’re glowing” suggests that even in loneliness, there is beauty and light.
[Verse 2]
Underneath the pale moonlight
Dreaming of a circus life
Carousels and Ferris heights
I’ll be yours if you’ll be mine
This verse introduces a dreamlike quality, with references to “pale moonlight” and “a circus life,” evoking a sense of whimsy and nostalgia. The mention of “Carousels and Ferris heights” symbolizes joy and youthful dreams.
The line “I’ll be yours if you’ll be mine” expresses a desire for mutual commitment, indicating that the speaker is ready to embrace love if reciprocated.
[Chorus]
‘Cause I’m lonely, I’m so lonely
If you hold me, I’ll be your only
Are you lonely? (Are you lonely?)
Our fingers dancing when they meet
You seem so lonely (Are you lonely?)
I’ll be the only dream you seek
So if you’re lonely, no need to show me
If you’re lonely, come be lonely with me
The repetition of the chorus reinforces the themes of loneliness and connection. The speaker’s plea for companionship continues, emphasizing their own loneliness and desire for intimacy.
The line “If you hold me, I’ll be your only” suggests a willingness to commit and be devoted to the other person.
[Outro]
Are you lonely?
Passion is crashing as we speak
You seem so lonely
You’re the ground my feet won’t reach
So if you’re lonely, darling, you’re glowing
If you’re lonely, come be lonely with me
The outro revisits the themes of loneliness and connection, echoing earlier sentiments.
The speaker reiterates the beauty in shared loneliness, suggesting that even in solitude, there is a glow or warmth that can be found.
The cyclical nature of the lyrics emphasizes the ongoing struggle with loneliness and the hope for connection.
Deeper Meaning Behind “This Side of Paradise”
“This Side of Paradise” by Coyote Theory is a poignant exploration of loneliness and the longing for connection. The song captures the complexities of love and the emotional weight of feeling isolated.
The term “paradise” typically conjures up images of bliss and fulfillment, especially in the context of romantic love. However, the use of “this side” implies that the speaker is not experiencing this ideal state. Instead, they are navigating the complexities of loneliness and unfulfilled desires, highlighting the gap between their reality and the dream of love.
In the opening lines, the speaker expresses how their heart feels “inside my throat,” which implies nervousness about love and relationships.
The chorus serves as an invitation to someone who shares similar feelings of loneliness. By asking, “Are you lonely?” the speaker emphasizes the universality of this emotion and offers solace in shared solitude.
The repeated invitation to “come be lonely with me” highlights a longing for companionship, suggesting that even in loneliness, there can be a connection formed through mutual understanding.
The second verse introduces whimsical elements, such as references to “pale moonlight” and “circus life,” which evoke a sense of escapism and the desire for a playful, exciting relationship.
Ultimately, the song conveys a message of hope. Despite the pervasive loneliness, the speaker offers themselves as a source of comfort and connection, inviting someone to share in their emotional journey. This reflects a universal longing for intimacy and understanding in a disconnected world.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.