Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of someone trying desperately to emulate an idealized image, specifically an "princess" or "queen," but realizing they can't achieve it. This pursuit is fueled by observing others who seem "so friendly and harmonious," creating a sense of longing and isolation. The narrator admits to being "used to being alone from the start," suggesting a long-standing feeling of not belonging or fitting in, even before this specific aspiration.
The central tension arises from the narrator's struggle with authenticity versus imitation. They question the very existence of "fakes" and "originals," proposing that the "correct answer everyone knows" might just be "the first lie someone told." This casts doubt on societal norms and perceived truths, suggesting that what is accepted as real is often constructed or fabricated.
A striking craft element is the repeated refrain about the "wings that can fly in the sky" and "this love that makes one numb." The narrator emphasizes that "there isn't that much difference" between these things, yet the contrast between effortless flight and numbing love highlights a disconnect. It implies that while external capabilities or even intense emotions might exist, their perceived value or impact is not as straightforward as it seems, especially when compared to the unattainable ideal.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their poignant exploration of self-doubt and the elusive nature of belonging. The imagery of "pretty flowers" and a "prince" alongside the narrator's inability to become a "princess" creates a vivid sense of being an outsider looking in. The concluding lines, "Because there are originals, / Do you call them fakes? / The beautiful sea is salty, isn't it? / Beautiful things are made of tears, aren't they?" powerfully suggest that perceived imperfections or sorrows are intrinsic to beauty and reality, a truth the narrator is beginning to grasp.
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