Paradise by Sophie and the Giants

By Korie Houston

“I’m working overtime

Tired of my 9 to 5. 

Tonight, I’ll lose myself in the lights”

It’s the holiday season, and I’m sure so many of us are feeling the collective burnout and just want to let loose. For some this season feels like chaos and for others a time for celebration.

“I’ll take you to my paradise”

Sophie and The Giants in collaboration with Purple Disco Machine created a dance floor anthem that makes me just want to find the warmth on the dance floor and let people in. Not in me but just an escape into the world I see. To address my own statement, this season feels like chaos to me.

“I’m gonna lose composure

Night’s not over. Til it’s raining glitter, alright”

I’ve had so many crash outs and experiences within the community this year and I am truly exhausted. My pieces I write typically are about hope and love. The truth is sometimes I just want to shift the narrative. To live in truth is to admit it’s hard to always be vulnerable. So how do I wanna make the night shine? 

“I’m technicolor dreaming

I dance in the spotlight

I know you wanna get closer

Underneath the neon lights”

The lyrics of this song are reminiscent of the final countdown of ringing in a new year. Though I’m sure we’ve all experienced it from a messy night out, for me it’s the climax of letting it all go. I always say new year, same you. But what changes can we make in love and life that can actually stick?

“Don’t stop til I say it’s over. Just want a touch of emotion. Let me get lost in a moment.”

There’s a certain level of control we exercise as we dance through life. The reality is we can’t control every circumstance around us, but for the ones we can we need to own it. Far too often I’ve let myself get caught up in the thrill of chasing a moment instead of just letting things be what they are. So what have we learned?

“Sliding through the silhouettes

Doing things that we’ll forget

Screaming out “I will survive””

For me, I’m a lover through and through. Whether it comes across crazy, clingy, or cautious, I don’t care. I’ve spent years changing my self and life to fit the narratives of people who haven’t earned the space I created. Music has a way of connecting the melodies to our life experiences. So as we close out another year, I want to feel like I’m living for my own Paradise and not losing myself to another person’s fantasies.