👥 Assignment: Now watch the video a second time and read the lyrics in parallel. Then, work in pairs. Discuss which central phrase or central theme the song deals with and what their meaning could be.

Lyrics of "Labour" by Paris Paloma

Why are you hanging on so tight
To the rope that I′m hanging from?
Off this island, this was an escape plan (this was an escape plan)
Carefully timed it, so let me go
And dive into the waves below
Who tends the orchards? Who fixes up the gables?
Emotional torture from the head of your high table
Who fetches the water from the rocky mountain spring?
And walk back down again to feel your words
And I'm getting fucking tired

The capillaries in my eyes are bursting
If our love died, would that be the worst thing?
For somebody I thought was my saviour
You sure make me do a whole lot of labour
The calloused skin on my hands is cracking
If our love ends, would that be a bad thing?
And the silence haunts our bed chamber
You make me do too much labour
You make me do too much labour

Apologies from my tongue, and never yours
Busy lapping from flowing cup and stabbing with your fork
I know you′re a smart man (I know you're a smart man)
The false incompetence, it's dominance under a guise
If we had a daughter, I′d watch and could not save her
The emotional torture from the head of your high table
She′d do what you taught her
She'd meet the same cruel fate
So now I′ve gotta run, so I can undo this mistake

The capillaries in my eyes are bursting
If our love died, would that be the worst thing?
For somebody I thought was my saviour
You sure make me do a whole lot of labour
The calloused skin on my hands is cracking
If our love ends, would that be a bad thing?
And the silence haunts our bed chamber
You make me do too much labour

All day, every day, therapist, mother, maid
Nymph, then a virgin, nurse, then a servant
Just an appendage, live to attend him
So that he never lifts a finger
So he can live out his picket-fence dreams
It′s not an act of love if you make her
You make me do too much labour
All day, every day, therapist, mother, maid
Nymph, then virgin, nurse, then a servant
Just an appendage, live to attend him
So that he never lifts a finger
So he can live out his picket-fence dreams
It's not an act of love if you make her
You make me do too much labour

The capillaries in my eyes (all day, every day)
Are bursting (therapist, mother, maid)
If our love died (nymph, then virgin)
Would that be the worst thing? (Nurse, then a servant)
For somebody (just an appendage)
I thought was my saviour (live to attend him)
You sure make me do (so that)
A whole lot of labour (he never lifts a finger)
The calloused skin on my hands (24/7)
Is cracking (baby machine)
If our love ends (so he can live out)
Would that be a bad thing? (His picket-fence dreams)
And the silence (it′s not an act of love)
Haunts our bed chamber (if you make her)
You make me do too much labour

Analyzing the Themes and Imagery in Paris Paloma's "Labour"

Imagery of 'the capillaries in my eyes are bursting'

The imagery of "the capillaries in my eyes are bursting" symbolizes the intense emotional and physical strain experienced by the protagonist. It conveys the feeling of being overwhelmed and exhausted by the demands and pressures of the relationship. This vivid depiction of physical distress highlights the detrimental impact of maintaining an unequal and oppressive partnership, emphasizing the unsustainable nature of the protagonist's circumstances.

Lyrics 'therapist, mother, maid' and Deeper Meanings

The lyrics "therapist, mother, maid" reflect the multifaceted roles women are often expected to fulfill within relationships, highlighting the emotional labor, caregiving, and domestic responsibilities that are disproportionately placed upon them. This triad underscores the societal expectations for women to be nurturing, supportive, and accommodating, often at the expense of their own needs and desires. The protagonist's role is portrayed as one of servitude and self-sacrifice, revealing the imbalance and exploitation inherent in such dynamics.

Significance of 'It's not an act of love if you make her'

The phrase "It's not an act of love if you make her" serves as a powerful critique of coercive relationships where affection is conditional and manipulative. It emphasizes that genuine love should not involve compulsion or obligation, but rather mutual respect and freedom. This statement challenges the notion of love being a transactional or controlling force, advocating for relationships built on equality and autonomy instead.

'You sure make me do a whole lot of labour' and the Central Theme

The lyric "You sure make me do a whole lot of labour" encapsulates the central theme of the song, which is the exploitation and undervaluation of women's labor, both emotional and physical, in relationships. It highlights the burden placed upon women to maintain and nurture partnerships, often without reciprocation or acknowledgment. This line underscores the societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality and the expectation for women to bear disproportionate responsibilities.

'Busy lapping from flowing cup and stabbing with your fork' and Power Dynamics

The imagery of "busy lapping from flowing cup and stabbing with your fork" conveys a critical message about power dynamics and the exploitation inherent in patriarchal structures. It illustrates how one party indulges in resources and privileges while simultaneously inflicting harm or control on another. This metaphorical depiction highlights the imbalance and hypocrisy within such dynamics, where one benefits at the expense of the other's well-being, reflecting the broader societal critique embedded in the song.

These analyses reveal the depth and complexity of Paris Paloma's "Labour," which uses poignant imagery and lyrics to challenge traditional gender roles, highlight systemic inequalities, and advocate for a reimagining of love and partnership based on equality and mutual respect.