Figure 8

Paramore's song 'Figure 8' delves into the emotional turmoil of giving oneself entirely to someone or something, to the point of losing one's identity. The lyrics, rich with metaphor and introspection, express the feeling of being drained by a relationship or situation. The opening lines, 'Drained me dry / Down to the last drop,' set the tone for a narrative of exhaustion and depletion, where the speaker feels exploited, likening themselves to a resource that has been completely tapped.

The chorus, 'All for your sake / Became the very thing that I hate / I lost my way / Spinning in an endless figure 8,' reveals the core of the song's message. The 'endless figure 8' symbolizes a cycle of actions and consequences that the speaker is trapped in, unable to break free from the patterns that have led them to become something they despise. This could be interpreted as a personal struggle or as a commentary on the sacrifices one makes for others, sometimes to the detriment of one's well-being.

The bridge, with its imagery of 'Candlelight / Burning at both ends tonight,' further emphasizes the theme of self-sacrifice and the inevitable burnout that follows. The song's introspective nature is characteristic of Paramore's style, which often explores complex emotional landscapes through a blend of pop-punk and alternative rock. 'Figure 8' is a poignant reflection on the consequences of losing oneself in the pursuit of pleasing others, and the difficult journey towards reclaiming one's identity.