Forever

Papa Roach's song "Forever" delves into the emotional turmoil of clinging to feelings for someone despite the passage of time. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who has come to a moment of self-realization during a particularly difficult time, understanding that there is something fundamentally wrong with how they are unable to move on from a person who has had a significant impact on their life. The metaphor of a 'helter-skelter romance' suggests a chaotic and unpredictable relationship that has left deep emotional scars.

The imagery of a 'paper man cut into shreds by his own pair of scissors' symbolizes self-inflicted pain and the inability to forgive oneself or another for the hurt caused. This internal conflict is further emphasized by the juxtaposition of addiction and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures ('all these drugs, all these women') against the backdrop of a persistent, unyielding affection ('my feelings for you are forever'). The song captures the essence of a heart that is broken yet refuses to heal, trapped in a cycle of longing and regret.

The repeated lines 'One last kiss before I go' and 'Dry your tears, it is time to let you go' suggest a final attempt at closure, a moment of parting that is both necessary and excruciating. The protagonist is caught between the desire to hold on and the knowledge that it is time to release the past. The song resonates with anyone who has struggled to let go of a deep love or attachment, encapsulating the bittersweet process of saying goodbye to a chapter of life that is over but not forgotten.