"Ain't it Fun" - Paramore

This is Paramore:

And this is also Paramore:

Uh... when your hair gets lighter, do your songs get lighter too? Is that a thing?

Obviously something's working with their mood change, because they've scored their first Top 10 hit ever with their new pop rock single, "Ain't it Fun".

Now, Paramore's shift into a more pop-friendly style has angered some Paramore fans, who prefer the dark, brash sound that they were known for with songs like "Ignorance" and "Decode". Me, personally? Yeah, I can't help but long for their edgier sound, but I can enjoy their poppier sound too. Especially when they're countered with sarcastic lyrics like these:

Ain't it fun living in the real world
Ain't it good being all alone

Yeah, don't let the upbeat sound fool you; this is a mean, biting song. And I love it.

It's a breakup song. Specifically, Hayley Williams breaking up with the guy, for this reason: he is cartoonishly high-maintenance.

Where you're from
You might be the one who's running things
Well, you can ring anybody's bell to get what you want

Yeah, one of those people. More importantly, Hayley thinks that this guy will have a tough time dealing with the breakup, because of his high-maintenance personality. And she relishes the thought, because she knows what it's like to feel hurt after a breakup, and wants to make sure others feel the same way.

You see, it's easy to ignore trouble
When you're living in a bubble

This guy has not had a single painful thing happen to him in his life, and that just won't stand for Hayley. She's going to make sure this breakup stings.

Don't go crying to your mama 
Cause you're on your own in the real world

But I also think the song evokes a little more than just well-deserved bitchiness. It's also a wake-up call to the guy: "Hey, shit happens." On its surface, it just seems rather mean. But I also think it's kind of a "tough love" thing. This is the real world, and you have to deal with the problems you get, rather than relying on someone else. Also, I looove that gospel choir in the background.

So, you know what? Despite Paramore's sudden change of style in 2013, I still love this song. It's got so much going for it. It's fun, but smart. It's edgy, but lighthearted. And it gives enough reason for Paramore fans to remain Paramore fans. Yes, their style has changed, but their edge is still there. Just look into the lyrics. Ain't it fun to have a positive attitude? Yes, yes it is.