Unpacking the Lyrics of “Misery Business” by Paramore
Introduction
The song “Misery Business” by Paramore has been a hit for over a decade now, and its lyrics have remained a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. The song was released in 2007 as the lead single of their album “Riot!”, and it has been widely regarded as one of the most iconic songs of the emo-pop era. While the melody and catchy chorus have made it a fan-favorite, it’s the lyrics that have really got people talking. In this blog post, we’ll be unpacking the lyrics of “Misery Business” by Paramore to understand the message behind the words.
The Lyrics
The opening lyrics of the song are as follows:
“I’m in the business of misery, let’s take it from the top
She’s got a body like an hourglass, it’s ticking like a clock”
These lyrics set the tone for the rest of the song and give us a glimpse of what the song is about – someone who is in the business of causing misery and is fascinated by a woman’s appearance. The lines are controversial and have been criticized for being misogynistic, which we will discuss later in this post.
The chorus of “Misery Business” goes:
“Whoa, I never meant to brag
But I got him where I want him now
Whoa, it was never my intention to brag
To steal it all away from you now”
In this chorus, the singer acknowledges that their actions might be considered bragging but they didn’t do it intentionally. They also make it clear that they were not trying to steal someone’s significant other but that it just happened that way.
The second verse of the song includes the following lyrics:
“I watched his wildest dreams come true
Not one of them involving you
Just watch my wildest dreams come true
Not one of them involving.”
These lyrics suggest that the singer is feeling a sense of pride for getting what they wanted while someone else has not. It also shows that the singer has no interest in their rivals.
Interpretation
The lyrics of “Misery Business” have been widely interpreted as being about a woman who is in competition with another woman for a man’s attention. However, the song’s meaning appears to go beyond a straightforward love triangle. Instead, it seems to be about empowerment and liberation – the idea that women should be free to pursue what they want without fear of being judged or criticized.
The line “I’m in the business of misery” could be seen as a declaration of independence – someone who has decided to take control of their life instead of allowing themselves to be trapped in a cycle of misery. Additionally, the chorus speaks about getting what you want – something that could apply to anyone wanting to achieve their goals, not just in relationships.
Analysis
Despite being a fan-favorite, “Misery Business” has received its share of criticism for its lyrics. Some people argue that the lyrics are misogynistic, while others claim that they are empowering. The line “She’s got a body like an hourglass, it’s ticking like a clock” has been criticized for promoting objectification and perpetuating beauty standards that are impossible to achieve naturally. At the same time, the song’s chorus has been praised for its message of empowerment.
The controversy surrounding “Misery Business” highlights the importance of conscious lyrics writing. Artists need to be careful about the messages they send out, whether intentional or not. It’s essential to consider the impact that their words may have on listeners and the broader society.
Conclusion
The lyrics of “Misery Business” by Paramore have been a topic of discussion for over a decade. The song’s lyrics have been both praised and criticized for their portrayal of relationships and women. However, it’s essential to realize that the song is not just about a love triangle but is much more about empowerment and liberation. Through the lyrics of “Misery Business,” Paramore delivers a message to their fans, especially young women, to take control of their lives and go for what they want. As with all art forms, however, it’s essential to analyze the intended message and impact on society.
