The Meaning Behind The Song: ​labour (extended cut, RAK session) by Paris Paloma

Paris Paloma’s song “labour (extended cut, RAK session)” is a powerful and emotional piece that delves into the complexities of a romantic relationship and the laborious efforts one puts in for love. The lyrics touch upon themes of emotional exhaustion, inequality, and the expectation of performing various roles in a relationship without reciprocation.

In the verse, Paloma speaks of the overwhelming burden felt when someone clings tightly to their partner while they hang on, desperately seeking an escape. The metaphor of an island emphasizes the feeling of isolation and the need for freedom. The speaker questions who tends to the necessary tasks in the relationship, such as fixing, fetching, and laboring, while enduring emotional torture. The weariness and fatigue are palpable in the line “And I’m gettin’ fucking tired.”

The chorus suggests that the strain placed upon the speaker’s love has led to bursting capillaries and calloused skin on their hands. There is a contemplation of whether the end of their love would be the worst thing, highlighting the pain and struggle endured. The haunting silence in the bed chamber symbolizes the lack of communication and emotional connection present in the relationship. The repetitive line “You make me do too much labour” emphasizes the imbalance and unfairness experienced.

In the second verse, the narrator reflects on the apologies made by themselves but never received from their partner. The imagery of “lapping from flowing cup” and “stabbing with your fork” suggests a one-sided dynamic where the partner prioritizes their own needs and disregards the emotional well-being of the speaker. The smartness and false incompetence of the partner further highlight the manipulation and dominance that disguises itself as ignorance.

The pre-chorus introduces the idea of a daughter who would be subjected to the same emotional torture and cruel fate as the speaker. This realization prompts the speaker to run and try to undo their mistake, highlighting the desire to protect the future generation from the same repetitive cycle of labor in relationships.

The bridge vividly portrays the exhaustive cycle of being a therapist, mother, maid, nymph, virgin, nurse, and servant. The speaker describes themselves as merely an appendage, existing solely to cater to their partner’s needs without any reciprocation. The line “It’s not an act of love if you make her” challenges the notion of love being solely about labor and highlights the need for equality and mutual care in relationships.

Paris Paloma’s “labour (extended cut, RAK session)” beautifully captures the emotional journey of someone trapped in a laborious and unequal relationship. The lyrics resonate with many individuals who have experienced emotional exhaustion due to the constant labor they have invested in a love that does not fulfill them. It serves as a reminder of the importance of mutual respect, care, and reciprocity in relationships.

Personally, this song holds a special place in my heart as it speaks to my own experiences of being in a relationship where I constantly felt like I was doing all the labor. The emotional toll it takes when someone you love does not reciprocate your efforts can be soul-crushing. Through this song, Paris Paloma perfectly expresses the frustrations, weariness, and longing for a love that is balanced and equal.

In conclusion, “labour (extended cut, RAK session)” by Paris Paloma is a poignant exploration of the labor and emotional exhaustion experienced in an imbalanced love relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the toll it takes on an individual and highlight the need for mutual care and reciprocity. Through personal experiences and relatable themes, this song resonates with listeners who have faced similar challenges in their own relationships.