You ever hear a song that just gets you? That’s Labour Paris Paloma lyrics. It’s not just a catchy tune—it’s a story of struggle, pain, and truth.
Released in March 2023, this indie folk ballad exploded on TikTok, racking up millions of streams.
Why?
Because it speaks to something universal: the weight of unfair expectations.
The lyrics dig into the emotional and physical toll women often carry in relationships and society.
It’s like Paris Paloma took a microscope to the human heart and exposed its cracks.
This section breaks down why the song feels so personal and why it’s become a feminist anthem.
The song’s raw emotion comes from its focus on gender inequality.
Paloma sings about women doing endless work—emotional, physical, mental—while their partners do little.
It’s a call-out to the patriarchy, but it’s not preachy. It’s real. It’s relatable.
You feel the exhaustion in her voice, like she’s lived it.
And maybe you have too.
The song’s power lies in its ability to make you nod and say, “Yeah, I’ve been there.”
The Story Behind Labour – How It Came to Be
Let’s talk about how Labour was born.
Paris Paloma, a singer-songwriter from Derbyshire, England, wrote this track at 23.
She didn’t just wake up and decide to make a hit.
She combined two separate songs she’d been working on, blending them into one powerful piece.
Produced by Justin Glasco in Los Angeles, Labour was recorded with backup singers Natalie Duque, Nolyn Ducich, and Annabel Lee.
Their voices add a haunting, almost tribal energy to the track.
Released on March 24, 2023, it hit Spotify and YouTube like a storm, with 1 million streams in just 24 hours.
Paloma’s background in fine art and history shapes her music.
She’s inspired by gothic literature and Greek mythology, like Madeline Miller’s Circe.
This gives Labour a poetic, almost ancient feel, like a story passed down through generations.
She posted a snippet on TikTok before the release, and it went viral.
Women started sharing their own stories of sexism and unfair treatment, using the song as a backdrop.
That’s when Paloma knew she’d struck a nerve.
Breaking Down the Lyrics of Labour
Let’s dive into the Labour Paris Paloma lyrics and unpack what they mean.
Each line is packed with emotion and double meanings.
I’m going line by line to make it clear, like explaining it to a friend.
This isn’t just a song—it’s a cry for change.
Verse 1: The Weight of Holding On
“Why are you hangin’ on / So tight / To the rope that I’m hangin’ from?”
These opening lines hit like a brick.
Paloma’s talking about feeling trapped in a relationship.
Her partner’s clinging to her, but it’s not love—it’s control.
She calls it an “escape plan,” like she’s been plotting to break free.
The imagery of a rope and an island feels like she’s dangling over a cliff, desperate to let go.
It’s about wanting freedom but being held back by someone who needs her to stay.
“Who tends the orchards? / Who fixes up the gables?”
Here, Paloma lists the endless tasks women are expected to do.
Orchards and gables are old-school images of hard, manual work.
She’s pointing out how women often carry the load—physically and emotionally—while their partners sit back.
The “sharp sting” of words shows the emotional abuse that comes with it.
She’s tired.
You can hear it.
And she’s not alone.
Chorus: The Breaking Point
“The capillaries in my eyes are bursting / If our love died, would that be the worst thing?”
This is the heart of Labour.
Paloma’s exhausted, her body literally breaking under the strain.
She’s questioning if ending the relationship would be worse than staying in it.
That’s heavy.
It’s like she’s saying, “I’m so worn out, maybe leaving is better than this pain.”
The line “For somebody I thought was my saviour / You sure make me do a whole lot of labour” is a gut-punch.
She trusted this person to save her, but they’re the one piling on the work.
The chorus also mentions “calloused skin” and “silence haunts our bed chamber.”
These are vivid images.
Calloused hands show physical toil.
The silent bedroom hints at emotional distance, maybe even neglect.
It’s a relationship where love feels one-sided, and she’s carrying all the weight.
Bridge: The Roles Women Are Forced Into
“All day, every day, therapist, mother, maid / Nymph, then a virgin, nurse, then a servant.”
This part is where Labour becomes a feminist anthem.
Paloma lists the roles women are expected to play: therapist for his emotions, mother to his needs, maid to his messes.
The “nymph, virgin, nurse, servant” line is brutal.
It shows how women are objectified, reduced to stereotypes, and expected to serve without complaint.
The phrase “24/7 baby machine” is especially raw—it calls out the pressure to bear children, like that’s all a woman’s worth.
“It’s not an act of love if you make her / You make me do too much labour.”
This line sums it up.
Forcing someone to carry all this weight isn’t love—it’s exploitation.
Paloma’s calling it out, loud and clear.
Verse 2: Gaslighting and Weaponized Incompetence
“Apologies from my tongue / Never yours.”
Here, Paloma dives into the emotional manipulation.
She’s always saying sorry, even when it’s not her fault.
Her partner, meanwhile, never takes responsibility.
The line “I know you’re a smart man / And weaponise / The false incompetence” is a mic-drop.
She’s talking about men who pretend they can’t do basic tasks—like cooking or cleaning—to make women do them instead.
It’s called weaponized incompetence, and it’s a real thing.
It’s not just lazy—it’s a power play.
“If we had a daughter / I’d watch and could not save her.”
This line breaks your heart.
Paloma imagines her daughter trapped in the same cycle of abuse and labor.
She’s scared for the next generation, but she’s also determined to break free.
“So now I’ve gotta run / So I can undo this mistake.”
It’s a declaration of strength—she’s done being a victim.
The Deeper Meaning of Labour
So, what’s Labour really about?
It’s about the invisible work women do every day.
Not just chores like cooking or cleaning, but the emotional work—keeping everyone happy, managing feelings, swallowing their own pain.
The title Labour has a double meaning: physical work and childbirth.
Both are expected of women, often without thanks.
Paloma’s calling out the patriarchy—the system that says women should serve men, no questions asked.
It’s about gender inequality, emotional abuse, and the courage to say, “Enough.”
The song also taps into something called “feminine rage.”
This is the anger women feel when they’re pushed too far, ignored, or undervalued.
Paloma channels this rage into a powerful cry for change.
She’s not just singing for herself—she’s singing for every woman who’s felt this way.
That’s why it’s resonated with millions on TikTok and beyond.
Why Labour Became a Feminist Anthem
Labour isn’t just a song—it’s a movement.
It’s been called a “feminist battle cry” for a reason.
Here’s why it’s struck such a chord:
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Viral on TikTok: Before its release, snippets of Labour went viral on TikTok.
Women used it to share stories of sexism, domestic violence, and unfair expectations.
The song became a voice for their pain. -
Massive Streams: It hit 1 million streams on Spotify in 24 hours and now has over 160 million streams.
The music video has over 45 million YouTube views. -
Global Impact: Women worldwide, from Egypt to the U.S., relate to its message.
In 2024, Romanian protesters used it to rally against a politician who opposed abortion rights. -
Re-recorded Power: In 2024, Paloma released Labour (the cacophony), a version with hundreds of women’s voices, including children.
It’s a reminder that these struggles span generations.
The song’s raw honesty makes it universal.
It’s not just about one woman’s story—it’s about all women, across time and cultures.
That’s why it’s been streamed millions of times and used in over 40,000 TikTok videos.
Interesting Facts About Labour and Paris Paloma
Let’s sprinkle in some cool tidbits to keep you hooked:
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Inspired by Literature: Paloma drew from Circe by Madeline Miller, a book about a powerful woman in Greek mythology.
The song’s poetic vibe comes from her love of gothic literature. -
Art Background: Paloma studied fine art and history, which you can see in her vivid lyrics and music videos.
The Labour video shows her eating a pomegranate, symbolizing rebellion and power. -
Real-Life Connection: One fan commented, “Married 28 years. This song is a true story.”
It shows how deeply the lyrics hit home for some. -
Chart Success: Labour reached the Top 30 in the UK charts and made it onto Billboard charts.
Not bad for an indie artist
These facts show how Labour isn’t just a song—it’s a cultural moment.
It’s art, history, and raw emotion rolled into one.
How Labour Reflects Real-Life Struggles
The lyrics of Labour aren’t just poetic—they’re real.
Here’s how they connect to everyday life:
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Gender-Based Violence: In 2021, Indonesia’s Komnas Perempuan found 50% of women at one hospital suffered domestic violence.
Paloma’s lyrics about “never lifting a finger” hint at this abuse. -
Unpaid Labor: Women globally do 2.6 times more unpaid household work than men, according to the UN.
Labour calls this out with lines like “therapist, mother, maid.” -
Mental Load: The “emotional torture” Paloma sings about is the mental burden of managing a household.
It’s the invisible work of remembering everyone’s needs but your own. -
Breaking the Cycle: The line “So now I’ve gotta run” is about escaping toxic relationships.
It’s a call to action for women to prioritize themselves.
These stats and realities make Labour more than a song—it’s a mirror to society’s flaws.
How to Use Labour Lyrics in Your Life
Want to feel the power of Labour in your own way?
Here’s how:
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Journal Your Feelings: Write down how the lyrics make you feel.
Are you carrying too much?
Use the song as a prompt to reflect. -
Share Your Story: Post a TikTok with Labour as the soundtrack.
Share your experience with unfair expectations or breaking free. -
Support Other Women: The song’s about unity.
Lift up the women in your life, like Paloma does in her knitting song. -
Learn More: Read books like Circe or Rage Becomes Her to dig deeper into the themes of feminine strength and anger.
Labour isn’t just a song to listen to—it’s a call to feel, act, and change.
Why Labour Matters in 2025
It’s 2025, and Labour is still relevant. Why?
Because the fight for equality isn’t over.
Women are still expected to do more—more chores, more emotional work, more everything.
Paloma’s song reminds us to keep pushing back.
It’s a rally cry for women to stand up, speak out, and break free from unfair burdens.
The fact that it’s been used in protests, like in Romania in 2024, shows its power.
The song also speaks to younger generations.
The Labour (the cacophony) version, with kids’ voices, shows how these issues start early.
It’s a reminder to teach girls they don’t have to carry the world.
And to teach boys to share the load.
FAQs
Is “Labour” a feminist song?
Yes, “Labour” by Paris Paloma is widely recognized as a feminist anthem. The lyrics highlight the emotional and domestic burdens often placed on women in heterosexual relationships, especially without recognition or reciprocity. It resonated strongly with audiences on platforms like TikTok for its raw portrayal of gendered labor and inequality.
Is Paris Paloma a feminist?
Yes, Paris Paloma identifies with feminist themes in her music and public statements. She has expressed that “Labour” was written to voice the frustration and exhaustion women feel in unequal emotional and domestic dynamics, aligning with feminist values.
What nationality is Paris Paloma?
Paris Paloma is British. She is a singer-songwriter from Derbyshire, England, and has gained global recognition for her emotionally powerful, feminist-inspired songs.
What is the song that goes “You make me do too much labor”?
The lyric “You make me do too much labor” is from the viral song “Labour” by Paris Paloma. Released in 2023, the track became a breakout feminist anthem on TikTok and other streaming platforms.
Is Taylor Swift a feminist?
Yes, Taylor Swift has openly embraced feminism in recent years. While earlier in her career she avoided the label, she now speaks out on gender inequality, industry sexism, and female empowerment in her songs and public statements.
What type of song is “Woman”?
Assuming you’re referring to “Woman” by Doja Cat, it is a pop/R&B song with Afrobeat influences that celebrates female empowerment, femininity, and strength. It’s often interpreted as feminist, highlighting the roles women play in society and relationships.
Conclusion: Why Labour Will Stay With You
Labour lyrics by Paris Paloma isn’t just a song—it’s a wake-up call.
It’s about the weight women carry, the pain they endure, and the strength they find to break free.
The Labour Paris Paloma lyrics are raw, poetic, and real, speaking to anyone who’s felt overworked or undervalued.
Whether you’re nodding along to the chorus or shouting the bridge with other women, this song hits deep.
It’s a feminist anthem, a story of resilience, and a reminder that you’re not alone.
So, next time you hear it, listen closely.
Let it inspire you to stand up, speak out, and maybe even run.
