Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Dirty Paws” by Of Monsters and Men
Of Monsters and Men’s “Dirty Paws” is a captivating folk-rock song that speaks to themes of youthful innocence, love, and the desires of simplest form of freedoms. The narrator in the song is a young child who is infatuated with the idea of running away from the monotony of daily life and embracing his carefree innocence.
Throughout the verses he speaks of his dreams to travel the seas, ones that are blocked by his ever-watching parents who he deems as monsters. He longs for the freedom to simply have a carefree existence without the burden of societal expectations. The chorus then furthers this message with the lyrics “All they want from us is to play along, and sing their dirty songs.” The mantra of this chorus speaks to a generational theme of abandoning traditions and striving for freedom, all the while enforcing the idea of resisting the social norms that entraps them.
The production of this track helps capture the sentiment of the narrator’s desires. With a simple yet whimsical instrumental that emphasizes nearly ever stanza, it’s almost as if the lighthearted and fun melody of this song is a representation of the carefree life the narrator seeks.
The closing of the song has the narrator wishing “to paint this moment into our minds and see it when we’re blind” which speaks of the courage to seize these moments of innocence and to irrefutably seize your definition of freedom despite societal standards.
In conclusion, “Dirty Paws” is a relatable anthem of common desires to seize the life you want and to not be confined by traditional views. With the nostalgic message of youthful innocence and its simplistic production, this song has quickly become an audience favorite that will be treasured for many years.