Joel James Live, the ‘backwards-singing guy’ on social media who recently blew the minds of the audience on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, is set to play on heartstrings once again with his latest single, “Paper People”. This release comes on the heels of his run from a social media novelty to an internationally recognised talent, all independently without the backing of a manager or label.

“Paper People” is a song that paints a colourful picture of the human experience, focusing on the delicate balance between hope and struggle. It uses the metaphor of paper people living in a paper world, constantly facing the threat of being destroyed by “the rain”. The rain represents the challenges and greed that life throws at us, the things and the people that can easily tear us down. But rather than succumbing to these hardships, the paper people find strength in their vulnerability, rebuilding themselves stronger and better each time the rain passes.

The song is intimate and raw, featuring an acoustic guitar in DADGAD tuning that gives it a unique, folky feel, reminiscent of Jimmy Page’s acoustic compositions. The piano adds a nostalgic touch, being a free antique piano Joel found on Facebook, it holds a simple yet clangy riff that works from minor to major as the song progresses. The vocals carry a duality of emotion—soft, almost whisper-like harmonies in the verses that convey the fragility of the paper people, contrasted with a more determined and powerful delivery in the choruses, echoing the resilience and hope that shines through despite the rain.

Overall, “Paper People” is a bittersweet reflection on life’s inevitable struggles, but it carries an underlying message of hope and the idea that through every storm, we have the opportunity to rebuild and grow stronger.