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Fiona Apple — Paper Bag
Album: When the Pawn...
Avg rating:
7.3

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1187









Released: 1999
Length: 3:37
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I was staring at the sky
Just looking for a star
To pray on or wish on
Or something like that
I was having a sweet fix
Of a daydream of a boy
Whose reality, I knew,
Was a hopeless to be had
But then the dove of hope
Began its downward slope
And I believed for a moment that
My chances were
Approaching to be grabbed
But as it came down near,
So did a weary tear
I thought it was a bird,
But it was just a paper bag

Hunger hurts,
And I want him so bad, oh it kills
'Cause I know I'm a mess he don't wanna clean up
I got to fold 'cause these hands are too shaky to hold
Hunger hurts but starvin' works
When it costs too much to love

And I went crazy again today
Looking for a strand to climb
Looking for a little hope
Baby said he couldn't stay
Wouldn't put his lips to mine
A fail to kiss is a fail to cope
I said, "Honey, I don't feel so good,
Don't feel justified.
Come on put a little love here in my void"
He said "It's all in your head"
And I said "So's everything"
But he didn't get it
I thought he was a man
But he was just a little boy

Hunger hurts, and I want him
So bad, oh it kills
'Cause I know I'm a mess he don't wanna clean up
I got to fold 'cause these hands are too shaky to hold
Hunger hurts, but starving works
When it costs... too much to love

Hunger hurts, but I want him so bad, oh it kills
'Cause I know I am a mess that he don't wanna clean up
I got to fold because these hands are just too shaky to hold
Hunger hurts, but starving works me
When it costs... too much to love

Hunger hurts, but I want him so bad, oh it kills me
Because I know that I'm a mess that he don't wanna clean up
I got to fold because these hands are just too shaky to hold
Hunger hurts, but starving, it works
When it costs too much to love
Comments (133)add comment
The broken flower routine gets old quick.
Posted 5 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
 FourFortyEight wrote:

... and you're all just little girls.  We're all too big for our britches.  
 

Yup.
Posted 5 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
Meh. While one of her better pieces perhaps, still, that's not saying much.
Posted 6 years ago by Clyde_Bedow    [ Reply ]
Never gave her enough credit. Love this! The groove is really catchy. So I'm dancin! 
Posted 8 years ago by Mythmyth    [ Reply ]
 musickat wrote:


Don't you know..... they are all just little boys.....

 
... and you're all just little girls.  We're all too big for our britches.  
Posted 8 years ago by FourFortyEight    [ Reply ]
 annie_fannie wrote:
"I thought he was a man, but he was just a little boy."

Oh yeah, been right there with ya sister....

 

Don't you know..... they are all just little boys.....
Posted 11 years ago by musickat    [ Reply ]
 gandalfbmg wrote:
Well, it appears that this album (and by extension this song as it's best track) indeed will go down as the peak of her creative output... I had such high hopes for her return, but it doesn't hold a candle to this...

 
Sad. She had so much potential…
Posted 11 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
Well, it appears that this album (and by extension this song as it's best track) indeed will go down as the peak of her creative output... I had such high hopes for her return, but it doesn't hold a candle to this...
Posted 11 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
 Mandible wrote:

He said it's all in your head
I said so is everything
But he didn't get it

 

I always liked that lyric.  It's true.
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
The sad thing is, I bet she has 'fans.': 2.
Posted 12 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard this in a long, long time. I'm really enjoying it too. I raise my glass to Fiona Apple. Anyone else want a drink?
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
this is what Tori Amos would be like if she was likeable...
and less depressing...
Posted 12 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
What a well-turned song! It's been in my Radio Paradise Favorites playlist almost since Day One and seems to improve with every hearing.

Posted 12 years ago by Carl    [ Reply ]
"I thought he was a man, but he was just a little boy."

Oh yeah, been right there with ya sister....
Posted 13 years ago by annie_fannie    [ Reply ]
 JGM wrote:
Yikes - for all the (mostly deserved) slagging Eddie Vedder takes here, this woman has all those faults and more - untrained, unrefined voice, goaty vibrato, no sense of interpretation.   Yes, I know, everybody is supposed to love Fiona above all other indie queens, but I haven't drunk that particular kool-aid. 
 
Don't forget to let us all know when your CD drops, okay?

Posted 13 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]

Gosh, Procliviites, I dont' think anyone suggested they were superior, just of a different bent regarding this particular artist.

As for Kool-Aid flavours that I have imbibed, I confess to being under the influence of:
Leonard Lemon Cohen,

Warren Whiskey Zevon

Neil Sour Lime Young

Shane Guiness MacGowan
I guess we all have our favorite voices that may be classically trained!

 Proclivities wrote:


I guess you're just eminently superior to everyone who disagrees with you.  Which Kool-Aid did you drink?
 

Posted 13 years ago by Dahnyul    [ Reply ]
 JGM wrote:
Yikes - for all the (mostly deserved) slagging Eddie Vedder takes here, this woman has all those faults and more - untrained, unrefined voice, goaty vibrato, no sense of interpretation.   Yes, I know, everybody is supposed to love Fiona above all other indie queens, but I haven't drunk that particular kool-aid. 
 
I guess you're just eminently superior to everyone who disagrees with you.  Which Kool-Aid did you drink?  Since when are vocal training and refinement required in rock music, anyhow?
Posted 13 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I'm totally addicted to her voice, velvety but feels like a scratch... I could listen to her all day long. Love it.
Posted 13 years ago by SillyForever    [ Reply ]
Ahhh it is the best effort from my favorite talented and beautiful idiot! Sing Fiona, no talk.{#Lol} 8
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Always love Fiona!
Posted 13 years ago by efaulkjr    [ Reply ]
heatsand68 wrote:
How could you not love that big voice coming out of that tiny body. Great tone & interesting quality.
She always sounded so knowing with her phrasing. Brilliant, and hard to reconcile with her youth.


Posted 13 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]

He said it's all in your head
I said so is everything
But he didn't get it


Posted 13 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
<kiss> to the youth... keep going.
Posted 13 years ago by muse_Kidd    [ Reply ]
Yikes - for all the (mostly deserved) slagging Eddie Vedder takes here, this woman has all those faults and more - untrained, unrefined voice, goaty vibrato, no sense of interpretation.   Yes, I know, everybody is supposed to love Fiona above all other indie queens, but I haven't drunk that particular kool-aid. 
Posted 14 years ago by JGM    [ Reply ]
 topherg87 wrote:
for some reason i resisted liking this lady for longer than i would like to admit. this was one of the first songs that i heard that made me reconsider. glad i did! big fan now
 
Nicely put!  I could agree more but I won't....{#Wave}
Posted 14 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
for some reason i resisted liking this lady for longer than i would like to admit. this was one of the first songs that i heard that made me reconsider. glad i did! big fan now
Posted 14 years ago by topherg87    [ Reply ]
Fiona Apple - Paper Bag
Portishead - Sour Times
RJD2 - Smoke & Mirrors

Bill, it is saturday morning 10.45 here, and you are definitely setting a perfect soundtrack for that: mellow, happy with life, without ignoring the melancholy and sharp edges that are there.... Thanks!
Posted 14 years ago by grbn    [ Reply ]
How could you not love that big voice coming out of that tiny body. Great tone & interesting quality.
Posted 14 years ago by heatsand68    [ Reply ]
Like all 90s twit singers, her time is long over, never to reappear, except perhaps at the local state fair grounds.
Posted 14 years ago by drife    [ Reply ]
She's written a lot of great songs, but I think this one is just *perfect*.  10.
Posted 14 years ago by strawtarget    [ Reply ]
This song has one of my all time favourite videos (with the kids in the bar).
Can't seem to find it at Youtube... {#Crashcomp}

A 10 song from a 10 album, anyway.

Posted 14 years ago by rtwingo    [ Reply ]
 Mandible wrote:
Does anyone know what Fiona is doing now? She disappeared. Makes me so SAD!
 
I was just about to write the same thing, except for the SAD part.

Posted 15 years ago by countyman    [ Reply ]
 Bridieboo wrote:
Love this song!!  I'd love to hear 'Carrion' as well.
 
I approve this message

Posted 15 years ago by Jared    [ Reply ]
Bit of a trainwreck of a mix into this
Posted 15 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
Does anyone know what Fiona is doing now? She disappeared. Makes me so SAD!
Posted 15 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
He (almost) did it again...
Posted 15 years ago by von_Hayek    [ Reply ]
 Danny_G wrote:
Fiona Apple - Paper Bag
Portishead - Sour Times
RJD2 - Smoke & Mirrors
Massive Attack - Protection

Great set!
 
i guess Bill really likes this set. Fourth time he has played it in a year!

Posted 15 years ago by backasjac    [ Reply ]
 chordcloud wrote:
  Search Youtube or Fiona's Sony-run website for the video as well - I think it's spledid, too.
 
The video is *awesome*.

Posted 15 years ago by strawtarget    [ Reply ]
Fiona Apple - Paper Bag
Portishead - Sour Times
RJD2 - Smoke & Mirrors
Massive Attack - Protection

Great set!
Posted 15 years ago by Danny_G    [ Reply ]
Love this song!!  I'd love to hear 'Carrion' as well.
Posted 15 years ago by Bridieboo    [ Reply ]
Even though I'm way past it, evil me is gonna come out and dedicate this one to you, J. 

{#Twisted}

It's just kinda funny how perfect this song is.


Posted 15 years ago by agnes    [ Reply ]
This is the first time I've heard this new song from Fiona, and I am just thrilled!  Keep rockin' the great stuff.
Posted 16 years ago by vjvair    [ Reply ]
I think this is her best song, fantastic Bacharach sound with her soulful voice; great lyric
Posted 16 years ago by kittyFP    [ Reply ]
"Criminal" is her other "best" song. Not played?
Posted 16 years ago by jcjoh    [ Reply ]
Josephine wrote:
One of Fiona's best imo. lyrics,melody,instrumentation. all there!
Couldn't agree more. Search Youtube or Fiona's Sony-run website for the video as well - I think it's spledid, too.
Posted 16 years ago by chordcloud    [ Reply ]
Apple...corr
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
doctec wrote:
11:52 am - Fiona Apple - Paper Bag 11:48 am - Portishead - Sour Times 11:43 am - RJD2 - Smoke & Mirrors 11:36 am - Massive Attack - Protection Top-notch set!!!!!
Just got it replayed today, and still as excelent as ever...
Posted 16 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
evil sound. is this a cowgirl or something?
Posted 16 years ago by milchschnitte    [ Reply ]
11:52 am - Fiona Apple - Paper Bag 11:48 am - Portishead - Sour Times 11:43 am - RJD2 - Smoke & Mirrors 11:36 am - Massive Attack - Protection Top-notch set!!!!!
Posted 16 years ago by doctec    [ Reply ]
Jeezus. This should be my theme song.
Posted 16 years ago by agnes    [ Reply ]
MissAmy wrote:
Me too!
On the Bound is mine. www.cubaninlondon.blogspot.com
Posted 17 years ago by cubaninlondon    [ Reply ]
hippiechick wrote:
"A Mistake" is my theme song.
Me too!
Posted 17 years ago by MissAmy    [ Reply ]
".....and I went crazy today, looking for a strand to climb, looking for a little hope" This has to be my ultimate favorite Fiona Apple song.
Posted 17 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
I would like some apple pie that I would eat at the Y.
Posted 17 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
reminds me of an angry fairy, I love it. 9
Posted 17 years ago by BigTimber    [ Reply ]
"He said it's all in your head, and I said so is everything, but he didn't get it..." Love it! Keep em coming!
Posted 17 years ago by Daniel_Pittenger    [ Reply ]
from a paper bag. Celebrating Friday.
Posted 18 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
Great song on a great cd. "A Mistake" is my theme song.
Posted 18 years ago by hippiechick    [ Reply ]
MORE FIONA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 18 years ago by mrs_amjohnson    [ Reply ]
Michelle Shocked?
Posted 18 years ago by El_Penguino    [ Reply ]
thewiseking wrote:
hey, if she married the guy from coldplay, they could have had a kid and named it apple apple
or martin martin, although that doesn't really require the fiona apple part.
Posted 18 years ago by queenjill    [ Reply ]
This is far and away Fiona's best song ever... Just my opinion of course :)
Posted 18 years ago by himay333    [ Reply ]
cobalt789 wrote:
I agree. This has to be a different version; does not sound like the version that I know.
On the other hand, I think I may be all wet. The power of suggestion at work? I somehow had the impression this was from her latest album.
Posted 18 years ago by lester    [ Reply ]
Is this redone? A "remix" or rework or whatever? Sounds different. More of an underpinning, throaty thread running through it. My imagination?
Posted 18 years ago by lester    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by Danny_G    [ Reply ]
I love this song.
Posted 19 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
She's so underrated by many.
Posted 19 years ago by pixidrizzl    [ Reply ]
Boy, she looks like Minnie Driver on that cover! 7.
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
hey, if she married the guy from coldplay, they could have had a kid and named it apple apple
Posted 19 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
Thanks, RP, for introducing me to Fiona. All I knew of her before were the opinions of others.
Posted 19 years ago by betterdaze    [ Reply ]
She's so amazing. I am so impressed by her whenever I hear her. YAY, they are finally freeing her! :sunny.gif: fhw
Posted 19 years ago by mrrmt    [ Reply ]
Posted 19 years ago by Tritter    [ Reply ]
I thought he was a man, but he was just a little boy... I saw this video on the telly one random night approximately 6 years ago...it was the first of only two times I saw this video...and I fell in love instantly. It remains one of my top 5 music videos of all time (if you haven't seen it, track it down). Before hearing this song that night, I had only heard "Criminal" (which I loved) and "Never is a Promise". But this song spurred me to make an impulse buy, and what a buy it was. This album never grows old. I still love to crank it loud, and sing along (and dance around my house if no one is about). I cannot wait to pick up Extraordinary Machine (almost two years after it was originally slated to be released; Sony bastards). Please play more, Bill! Much love!
Posted 19 years ago by brighteyedblasphemer    [ Reply ]
Fiona's too pretty to need a paper bag. Ok, sorry. Likeable tune from Ms. Fiona Apple Maggart, anyway. Off an album whose name, I kid you not, is When the Pawn Hits the Conflicts He Thinks Like a King What He Knows Throws the Blows When He Goes to the Fight and He'll Win the Whole Thing 'Fore He Enters the Ring There's No Body to Batter When Your Mind Is Your Might So When You Go Solo, You Hold Your Own Hand and Remember That Depth Is the Greatest of Heights and if You Know Where You Stand, Then You Know Where to Land and if You Fall It Won't Matter, 'Cuz You'll Know That You're Right.
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Fiona's too young to sound like Musack!
Posted 19 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
gandalfbmg wrote:
Damn Sony. Can't have anything nice!
Similar thing happened to local artist Sara Hickman (who's extra wonderful, by the way). She asked all her fans to send in $5 each (or whatever they could), and she bought back the rights to the album, and released it on her own.
Posted 19 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
She's really talented, no matter what way you slice it. What a natural. I love the clean production on the voice- i.e. they didn't f*** with the vocals too much.
Posted 19 years ago by DownHomeGirl    [ Reply ]
Fiona. So hot right now. As always.
Posted 19 years ago by puppykicker    [ Reply ]
This song is HANDS DOWN my favorite of Fiona's. Don't get me wrong, I like her, but can only take her in small doses- except this song. I could listen to this one over and over and over. Love the end. THANK YOU!!
Posted 19 years ago by ChicagoEmily    [ Reply ]
psycholynx wrote:
Fiona and Jack Johnson should do duets together, they have similar voices and similar styles.
hey!! that's a great idea! i love both artists
Posted 19 years ago by bebe    [ Reply ]
Fiona and Jack Johnson should do duets together, they have similar voices and similar styles.
Posted 19 years ago by psycholynx    [ Reply ]
Beez wrote:
(click here) Free Fiona!
Damn Sony. Can't have anything nice!
Posted 19 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
bubble_headed_beach_blond wrote:
hmmm ... perhaps the acid has kicked in?
More like Being for The Benefit of Mr Kite?
Posted 19 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
Nice trombone bit at the end!
Posted 19 years ago by tiger_town_trumpet    [ Reply ]
root canal....
Posted 19 years ago by krocdoc    [ Reply ]
resonator wrote:
So is she the godmother of Gwynneth Paltrow's daughter?
?? It'd be a shame if her and Chris Martin were hanging out together... I wouldn't want him to infect her music...
Posted 19 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
So is she the godmother of Gwynneth Paltrow's daughter?
Posted 19 years ago by resonator    [ Reply ]
Trustocity wrote:
I adore Beatles-ripoffs. I'm not kidding! Any homage is a good homage. I hear "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" when I hear this.
hmmm ... perhaps the acid has kicked in?
Posted 19 years ago by bubble_headed_beach_blond    [ Reply ]
Beez wrote:
(click here) Free Fiona!
Yes, please!
Posted 19 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
An amazing talent ... shame for the disappearance... Rachel Yamagata (although not bad) is a poor substitute.
Posted 19 years ago by skooney    [ Reply ]
(click here) Free Fiona!
Posted 19 years ago by Beez    [ Reply ]
I adore Beatles-ripoffs. I'm not kidding! Any homage is a good homage. I hear "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" when I hear this. Fiona? Can you hear this? We miss you! Drink some black coffee and finish that third album.
Posted 19 years ago by Trustocity    [ Reply ]
Will we see a new album from her? If so, when?
Posted 19 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
This is my first posting (newbie) but I must say that I still love this album. I've read that she's working on a new one and I wait with baited breath.
Posted 20 years ago by ottergeek    [ Reply ]
This is such a different sound than what's on her first album. This puts me in a good mood. "Tidal" is good melancholy music. I don't have this CD, but I love this song, and I like the fact that it was followed up by the Beatles!
Posted 20 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
Nice mellow brass...
Posted 20 years ago by ntoll    [ Reply ]
still love her intensity...
Posted 20 years ago by Tritter    [ Reply ]
Love her, love her music. This is a favorite.
Posted 20 years ago by Mairy    [ Reply ]
Funny I thought the song before was her, but it was Portishead. Now she comes right after. Apparently I'm not the only one who thinks that :)
Posted 20 years ago by Nuance    [ Reply ]
misterlee wrote:
HATE her, like her music.
Why you HATE her ? I remember being a bit of an Arse at some awards ceremony but I think I put it down to angry youth. Is she still out there? -Adrian
Posted 20 years ago by stubbsz    [ Reply ]
This album is FANTASTIC.
Posted 20 years ago by pixidrizzl    [ Reply ]
steveinmaine wrote:
I haven't seen anybody here mention this, but I find Fiona Apple's music very Beatle-like. There's something about the melody that takes be to the Sgt. Pepper era. I like it.
An answer to your comment...Fixing a hole after Fiona...Nice job DJ
Posted 20 years ago by masterhead    [ Reply ]
I haven't seen anybody here mention this, but I find Fiona Apple's music very Beatle-like. There's something about the melody that takes be to the Sgt. Pepper era. I like it.
Posted 20 years ago by steveinmaine    [ Reply ]
Love Fiona...hope to get a new album someday...
Posted 20 years ago by archrrone    [ Reply ]
Love those Burt Bacharac horns!
Posted 20 years ago by drH    [ Reply ]
She could sing the Yellow Pages of the phonebook with that voice and still KILL!
Posted 20 years ago by MtnSinger    [ Reply ]
the flippin lyrics are phenomenal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More Fiona please.....please?
Posted 20 years ago by Tritter    [ Reply ]
She is simply an amazing artist. What a voice and what great songs. More of Miss Apple anytime you like Bill. :D
Posted 20 years ago by Heathen    [ Reply ]
great song. this song makes me smile to the nth degree.
Posted 21 years ago by PattonFever    [ Reply ]
HATE her, like her music.
Posted 21 years ago by misterlee    [ Reply ]
kelli wrote:
i wonder what happened to fiona.....she seems to have disappeared. this is one of my favorite songs from the early days of RP.
Sources say her 3rd album will be out first quarter 2004. She is collaborating with Jon Brion again on this album. (Same as "When the pawn...") I can't wait... Here's the link for more info: (click here)
Posted 21 years ago by DaWiz    [ Reply ]
mmm, what a sexy voice.
Posted 21 years ago by shaggenstein    [ Reply ]
Lupin_III wrote:
If I threw a nationally-broadcast tantrum on a bad award show on a music network, would I start singing like this as a result?
Why don't you give it a shot and let us know huh?
Posted 21 years ago by DaWiz    [ Reply ]
I love this song for so many reasons...however, ever since I saw the music video for it, I have to say it is just incredible...if you haven't seen the vid for this, I really recommend you check it out - the imagery and things are so perfect for the song... MTV has it in its archive on its website, although I don't know how good the quality is: (click here)
Posted 21 years ago by rossruns    [ Reply ]
Even more than her funky phrasing and twisty little voice, I love the understated horns and percussion on this song. Whoever arranged it did a simply masterful job.
Posted 21 years ago by Joyfulchristine    [ Reply ]
No 1\'s!!! who hoo! Please, please, please don\'t somebody just give it one now because I said this. Fiona, when are you leaving that pretentious jerk PT Anderson and coming to me??
Posted 21 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
She is indeed a prodigy. One hopes she will hang in there. The music business is brutal.
Posted 21 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
This chick rules! (pimp)
Posted 21 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
I can only think that with more life experience she will continue to blossom... (Apple...blossom...get it?) Great stuff!
Posted 21 years ago by mksothrpeoplrich    [ Reply ]
I haven\'t heard this CD for a while. I use to listen to it all the time. I was never a Fiona fan until this CD, and then it just clicked. I got tickets to one of her shows and really enjoyed her show. She\'s so bouncy and mousey in person. It\'s really funny. She had a pretty bad cold during the show, but put on a spectacular performance. I hope that we see more from her in the future.
Posted 21 years ago by zborgerd    [ Reply ]