Paris by The Chainsmokers Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the City of Lights and Love in Pop Music

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for The Chainsmokers's Paris at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

We were staying in Paris
To get away from your parents
And I thought, “Wow
If I could take this in a shot right now
I don’t think that we could work this out”
Out on the terrace
I don’t know if it’s fair but I thought “How
Could I let you fall by yourself
While I’m wasted with someone else”

If we go down then we go down together
They’ll say you could do anything
They’ll say that I was clever
If we go down then we go down together
We’ll get away with everything
Let’s show them we are better
Let’s show them we are better
Let’s show them we are better

We were staying in Paris
To get away from your parents
You look so proud
Standing there with a frown and a cigarette
Posting pictures of yourself on the internet
Out on the terrace
We breathe in the air of this small town
On our own cuttin’ class for the thrill of it
Getting drunk on the past we were livin’ in

If we go down then we go down together
They’ll say you could do anything
They’ll say that I was clever
If we go down then we go down together
We’ll get away with everything
Let’s show them we are better

Let’s show them we are
Show them we are
Let’s show them we are
Show them we are
Let’s show them we are better
We were staying in Paris
Let’s show them we are better
Let’s show them we are
Show them we are
Let’s show them we are
Show them we are
Let’s show them we are better

If we go down then we go down together
They’ll say you could do anything
They’ll say that I was clever
If we go down then we go down together
We’ll get away with everything
Let’s show them we are better

We were staying in Paris (if we go down)
We were staying in Paris (if we go down)
We were staying in Paris (if we go down)
We were staying in Paris (if we go down)
Let’s show them we are better
We were staying in Paris

Let’s show them we are better
Let’s show them we are better
If we go down
Let’s show them we are better
If we go down
Let’s show them we are better
If we go down
Let’s show them we are better
Let’s show them we are better

As the music industry continues to churn out hits that capture the essence of youth and rebellion, ‘Paris’ by The Chainsmokers stands out not just as a catchy tune, but as a canvas painted with emotions and a narrative that resonates with the wanderlust of the millennial heart. The song is an intricate blend of electronic pop with elements of personal storytelling that charms its way onto our playlist, hinting at a longing for escape and understanding within the complexities of relationships.

On the surface, ‘Paris’ seems to weave a tale of a youthful romance set in the titular city, a backdrop synonymous with love and freedom. However, as we dive deeper into the melody and the verses, it reveals layers of meaning that go beyond its upbeat tempo. In this examination of ‘Paris’ by The Chainsmokers, we will unearth the significance behind the lyrics, the emotional weight carried by its lines, and how it embodies an entire generation’s desire for connection and living ‘better’ amidst the chaos of growing up.

The Allure of Escape: Paris as a Metaphor for Runaways

The opening lines, ‘We were staying in Paris / To get away from your parents,’ immediately establish a sense of escape, a recurring theme throughout the song. It taps into the youthful urge to break free from authority and find solace in a place that promises liberation. The Chainsmokers don’t just use Paris as a setting; they elevate it to a metaphor for freedom, a sanctuary where the protagonists of the song can create their narrative, unbounded by the expectations that suffocate their reality back home.

This escapist fantasy isn’t geographically limited to Paris, but extends to the idealistic realm wherein the protagonists imagine that their relationship troubles can be solved merely by changing their setting. It speaks to the disillusionment with mundane life and the conviction that somewhere else lies the answer to present struggles—an inherently human and particularly youthful hope.

The Catch 22 of Nostalgia and Youthful Indiscretion

In the lines ‘On our own cuttin’ class for the thrill of it / Getting drunk on the past we were livin’ in,’ we see a juxtaposition of carefree joy with a lingering sense of nostalgia. The allure of recalling past exploits while simultaneously rebelling against the present, captivates listeners with a snapshot of what it feels like to be young, reckless, and seeking meaning in every moment. The Chainsmokers encapsulate the spirit of those fleeting ‘golden days’ we often yearn to return to.

However, there’s also an ironic acknowledgment of the impermanence and potentially destructive nature of these memories. As much as the past is glamorized, there’s an underlying admission that living in it might not lead to growth, but rather to a wistful stagnation. This reflects a common coming-of-age tale—a romance with both the thrill and the regret of youth.

A Chorus of Solidarity: ‘If We Go Down, Then We Go Down Together’

The chorus bleeds with the promise of unity in adversity: ‘If we go down then we go down together.’ It’s a battle cry for companionship that’s as deeply rooted in the bond shared by the song’s lovers as it is an anthem for any group of compatriots facing the brink. The unison underscored in these words offers a sense of consolation and camaraderie, celebrating the idea of shared experiences even when they might lead to shared downfall.

Here, The Chainsmokers capture a universal aspect of human relationships—the instinct to team up against the odds. This connects not only two individuals in a complex relationship but also extends to listeners who find solace in the acknowledgment that shared struggles are more bearable and that there’s an inexplicable beauty in the ruins created together.

Finding Pride in Defiance: The Hidden Meanings Behind the Melody

Beneath the pulsing beats and euphoric drops of ‘Paris,’ lies a hidden layer of defiance. It’s a musical embodiment of that defiant spark found within a generation seeking to redefine the norms of success and happiness. As the repeated plea ‘Let’s show them we are better’ resonates, it’s not hard to interpret it as a call to prove oneself against societal expectations and prejudgments.

Furthermore, it operates as a subtle nod to the common misconception that the young are neither clever nor capable. ‘They’ll say that I was clever’ isn’t just a personal victory—it’s a vindication for every individual who has felt underestimated.

Memorable Lines: ‘You look so proud / Standing there with a frown and a cigarette’

There’s a poignant juxtaposition in the lines ‘You look so proud / Standing there with a frown and a cigarette.’ It speaks volumes about the song’s narrative voice, capturing an image of a sullen defiance that is both tragic and dignified. These lines paint a picture of a person caught between the affectations of cool detachment and a burning desire to be seen and admired.

In these words, the ethos of ‘Paris’ boomerangs back to the individual—reminding us that while the city, the memories, and the song itself are collective experiences, the journey through them is deeply personal. It’s an articulation of a youth culture that projects confidence even when riddled with uncertainties and apprehensions.