Released: 2007
“Misery Business” by Paramore is a fiery anthem of romantic rivalry and personal triumph that revs up with a gritty pop-punk edge. This is a tale of a love triangle where the protagonist snatches victory from the perceived antagonist with no small amount of gloat and self-aware bravado. It’s a raw and candid exploration of jealousy, empowerment, and the elation of coming out on top.
The opening lines plunge us right into the thick of things – we’re in the world of misery, and we’re starting from the top. The protagonist gives us a snapshot of a girl who might appear flawless (“She’s got a body like an hourglass”), but there’s a sense of foreboding. Like a clock, time is running out, and there’s an imminent end to whatever game is being played here. The “he” mentioned appears to be caught in a love triangle, where our narrator was patiently waiting in the wings for eight months before their moment to shine.
The hook flips the script from the misery of waiting to the sweet taste of success. The protagonist is unapologetically boasting, even if they claim not to mean to brag. Stealing the guy away feels like a victory, and while it was never the plan to gloat, they can’t help but relish the satisfaction. It’s a complex interplay of guilt, pride, and vindication that they know the listener can relate to—if they were in the same shoes, they’d feel just as euphoric.
The second verse captures the jaded perspective on second chances and human nature’s resistance to change, delivering a bite with the line “Once a whore, you’re nothing more.” This is a sharp jab, almost like fighting words, thrown at the other girl. The protagonist dismisses the idea of forgiveness and keeps on the offensive, using “whore” in a colloquial sense to express strong disdain for the other woman’s actions. It’s a refusal to play the game by the perceived rules of innocence and manipulation that others exploit, setting themselves apart with a defiant “I refuse.”
As the song moves toward resolution, the protagonist witnesses their own desires coming to fruition, directly contrasting with the other girl’s unmet dreams. The pleasure in watching personal ambitions met—particularly when they don’t involve the rival—is palpable. It’s about being the main character in one’s own story, not just a supporting role in someone else’s drama.
The final repetition of the chorus solidifies the song’s message—success and happiness can sometimes come through the misfortune of others, and that’s rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a vindictive joy that the protagonist admits feels exhilarating. “Misery Business” is an adrenaline-fueled track that captures the essence of teenage competition and the conflicting emotions that come with getting what you want in the messiest way possible.
