About this song
Paradise
By Coldplay
Updated
What “Paradise” means
"Paradise" is about longing, disappointment, and the need to escape pain through imagination. The song tells the story of a girl who once expected life to give her everything, but reality disappoints her, so she turns inward and dreams of a better place—her own "paradise." The emotional tone is bittersweet: it mixes sadness, hope, and a sense of freedom, especially in the repeated idea that dreams can lift her above hardship. For English learners, the song is useful because it uses simple, memorable language and strong imagery to express a very human feeling: wanting a life that is kinder than the one you have.
About Coldplay
Coldplay is a British rock band formed in London in 1997. Their music is often described as alternative rock and pop rock, and the band is known worldwide for hit songs, strong live performances, and long career success.
"Paradise" was released on September 12, 2011, and it appears on Coldplay’s album Mylo Xyloto. The song is about escape, hope, and dreaming of a better world, and its music video became very popular, reaching 100 million views on YouTube by April 2012.
Line by line
Lines worth knowing
“"expected the world"”
This means she hoped for everything life could offer. It is a common expression of big dreams and youthful optimism.
“"it flew away"”
This image suggests that her hopes disappeared quickly and could not be held onto. The phrase is poetic because it makes disappointment feel like something alive and moving.
“"ran away in her sleep"”
This line suggests escape through dreaming rather than physically leaving. It shows how dreams can become a refuge when real life feels painful.
“"dream of paradise"”
Paradise means an ideal, perfect place. In the song, it represents hope, comfort, and the world she wishes she could reach.
“"life goes on"”
This is a simple but important phrase meaning that time continues even after hardship. It gives the song a realistic, resigned feeling.
“"every time she closed her eyes"”
This repeats the idea that her escape happens in dreams. For learners, it is a useful phrase because it shows how English uses repetition to create rhythm and emotion.
Play the song above for the full karaoke-synced lyrics with line-by-line translation.
Keep listening
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