labour - Paris Paloma

One, two, three

Why are you hanging on so tight

To the rope that I'm hanging from?
Off this island, this was an escape plan (this was an escape plan)
Carefully timed it, so let me go
And dive into the waves below

Who tends the orchards? Who fixes up the gables?

Emotional torture from the head of your high table
Who fetches the water from the rocky mountain spring?
And walk back down again to feel your words and their sharp sting
And I'm getting fucking tired

The capillaries in my eyes are bursting

If our love died, would that be the worst thing?
For somebody I thought was my saviour
You sure make me do a whole lot of labour

The calloused skin on my hands is cracking

If our love ended, would that be a bad thing?
And the silence haunts our bed chamber
You make me do too much labour
You make me do too much labour

Apologies from my tongue, and never yours

Busy lapping from flowing cup and stabbing with your fork
I know you're a smart man (I know you're a smart man), and weaponise
The false incompetence, it's dominance under a guise

If we had a daughter, I'd watch and could not save her

The emotional torture, from the head of your high table
She'd do what you taught her, she'd meet the same cruel fate
So now I've gotta run, so I can undo this mistake
At least I've gotta try
The capillaries in my eyes are bursting
If our love died, would that be the worst thing?
For somebody I thought was my saviour
You sure make me do a whole lot of labour

The calloused skin on my hands is cracking

If our love ends, would that be a bad thing?
And the silence haunts our bed chamber
You make me do too much labour
All day, every day, therapist, mother, maid
Nymph then a virgin, nurse then a servant
Just an appendage, live to attend him
So that he never lifts a finger
24∕7, baby machine
So he can live out his picket fence dreams
It's not an act of love if you make her
You make me do too much labour

All day, every day, therapist, mother, maid

Nymph then virgin, nurse and a servant
Just an appendage, live to attend him
So that he never lifts a finger
24∕7, baby machine
So he can live out his picket fence dreams
It's not an act of love if you make her
You make me do too much labour

The capillaries in my eyes (all day, every day)

Are bursting (therapist, mother, maid)
If our love died (nymph then virgin)
Would that be the worst thing? (Nurse then a servant)
For somebody (just an appendage)
I thought was my saviour (live to attend him)
You sure make me do (so that)
A whole lot of labour (he never lifts a finger)

The calloused skin on my hands (24∕7)

Is cracking (baby machine)
If our love ends (so he can live out)
Would that be a bad thing? (His picket fence dreams)
And the silence (it's not an act of love)
Haunts our bed chamber (if you make her)
You make me do too much labour

"Labour" by Paris Paloma is a powerful song that deeply connects with listeners
through its thoughtful lyrics, strong themes, clever use of language, well-organized
structure and emotional depth. This analysis will explore these elements in detail to
give a full understanding of the song.

The main theme of "labour" focuses on the struggles and unfairness faced by
women, in their daily lives. It highlights both the physical and emotional work that
often goes unnoticed and undervalued in society. The title "Labour" itself refers to
both physical tasks and the emotional effort required in relationships and societal
roles. Paris Paloma uses this theme to shed light on the daily battles for recognition
and respect that many women face.

Paris Paloma uses various lyrical devices to enhance the song's message and
emotional impact. These include:

1. Metaphor: Comparisons that help to understand complex ideas. For

example, "I am not your mother's daughter" suggests breaking free from
traditional roles and expectations. "My body is a landscape" implies that the
protagonist's body is treated like land to be walked on.
2. Imagery: The song paints vivid scenes in the listener's mind, bringing
everyday tasks to life. For instance, lines like "I've been washing all your
clothes" and "I’ve been cooking all your meals" create clear mental images
 of domestic chores, making the listener feel the weight of the labour
described.
3. Repetition: Throughout the song, certain phrases are repeated to emphasize
their significance. Repeating phrases like "labour for your love" emphasizes
the continuous and exhausting nature of the protagonist's work.
4. Alliteration: The song employs alliteration to add a rhythmic quality to the
lyrics. When Paris Paloma sings "Labour and love," the repeated 'l' sound
not only sounds pleasing to the ear but also emphasizes the connection
between labour and affection. One more example of alliteration is "fear and
fight" (alliteration of 'f').
5. Symbolism: Paris Paloma uses symbols to represent broader ideas. The act
of labour symbolizes the broader struggle for equality and recognition.
Domestic chores symbolize the undervalued work mostly performed by
women.
6. Hyperbole: Exaggeration for effect, such as "You take and take until there's
nothing left to give" shows the protagonist's extreme exhaustion.
7. Irony: SThe song employs irony to underscore the disparity between reality
and expectation. Lines like "I am not your savior, just your labourer" carry a
sense of irony, as the protagonist acknowledges their significant
contributions but is not recognized or appreciated for them. This irony
highlights the disconnect between the protagonist's role and the recognition
they receive, adding complexity to the song's exploration of labour and
relationships.
8. Juxtaposition: Contrasting elements are placed side by side to highlight
their differences. By juxtaposing domestic tasks with emotional statements,
Paris Paloma emphasizes the disparity between visible and invisible forms
of labour.
9. Parallelism: The song employs parallel structure to create rhythm and
emphasis. "Washing all your clothes, cooking all your meals" repeats a
similar structure, emphasizing the repetitive nature of the protagonist's tasks
and the relentless cycle of their labour.
10. Anaphora: By repeating words at the beginning of successive phrases,
anaphora adds emphasis and rhythm to the lyrics. "I've been" is repeated to
highlight the continuity and persistence of the protagonist's efforts.
The lyrics of "Labour" are both personal and universal, making them relatable to
many people. They discuss the everyday experiences of women who very often
give a lot without receiving much recognition or support.

The opening lines, "I've been washing all your clothes / And I’ve been cooking all
your meals / For you," set the scene by highlighting common but often overlooked
domestic tasks. As the song continues, it shows growing frustration and
determination. The chorus, "I am not your mother's daughter / I am not your wife's
mother," rejects traditional roles and demands respect and autonomy.

The bridge, with lines like "You take and take until there's nothing left to give,"
sums up the protagonist's feelings of being drained and unappreciated.

The song’s structure helps build tension and emotional impact. It follows a
common pattern of verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus, allowing the themes
and emotions to develop gradually.

● Verses provide specific examples of the protagonist's labour, adding depth to

the narrative.
● Chorus acts as the emotional core, repeating the main message and
reinforcing the song's themes.
● Bridge offers a moment of reflection and intensification before the final
chorus, often containing some of the most impactful lyrics.
● Outro leaves a lasting impression by echoing the themes of the chorus.

"Labour" evokes strong emotions through its honest and raw depiction of the
protagonist's experiences. Paris Paloma's vocal performance, conveying frustration,
determination, and empowerment, enhances the song’s emotional depth. This
delivery, combined with the relatable lyrics, allows listeners to connect deeply with
the protagonist’s journey.

The music and production of "Labour" play a key role in supporting the song’s
themes and emotional impact. The blend of acoustic guitar and electronic elements
creates a dynamic sound that complements the lyrics. The production is polished,
with balanced elements ensuring that Paris Paloma's vocals are prominent. The
song's dynamics, with quieter verses building to powerful choruses, create a sense
of progression and emotional intensity. The memorable melody and well-placed
harmonies add depth and richness to the song.

Conclusion
"Labour" by Paris Paloma is a masterfully crafted song that combines rich lyrical
content, strong themes, and polished production to create a powerful and moving
experience. The song addresses important social issues, particularly the often
invisible labour performed by women, with sensitivity and strength. Through its
clever use of language and emotional delivery, "labour" not only tells a story but
also resonates deeply with listeners, encouraging reflection on the value of unseen
and undervalued work. Paris Paloma’s "labour" is a significant contribution to
contemporary music, highlighting the power of music as a medium for social
commentary and personal expression.