The High-Energy Anthem of Lover
Paper Rings captures a retro, rockabilly spirit that distinguishes it from the rest of Taylor Swift's 2019 album, Lover. Driven by a fast-paced drum beat and guitar riffs, the song demands energy, precise diction, and excellent breath control. Unlike her ballad work, this track is about attitude and rhythmic precision.
To sing this well, you need to be comfortable in your lower chest register (down to E3) while maintaining enough brightness to pop out of the mix during the chorus. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breath
The verses move incredibly fast. Our analysis shows users often run out of air before the pre-chorus. Plan your breaths at the punctuation marks in the lyrics to maintain the energy.
Phase 1: The Verses (Low & Fast)
The song starts with "The moon is high like your friends were the night that we first met." This sits low (E3-A3). The challenge here isn't the notes, but the speed.
The Trap: Singers often mumble the lyrics because they are too relaxed in the low range. You must use "speech-level" singing with crisp consonant articulation. Think of it as percussive singing.
Phase 2: The Pre-Chorus & Chorus
The energy lifts significantly here. As you move into "Kiss me once 'cause you know I had a long night," the melody climbs. You need to switch to a brighter, forward placement.
- Pre-Chorus Build: Don't shout. Use a "twangy" vocal quality to cut through without straining.
- The Chorus ("I like shiny things"): This is the most melodic part. The notes reach up to C#5. Keep it light and bouncy. If you drag the tempo here, the song loses its fun factor.
Phase 3: The Bridge Chant
The bridge ("I want to drive away with you...") is almost spoken or chanted rather than sung melodically. This is a common stylistic choice in pop-punk and new wave.
Focus on the rhythm. You are essentially acting as a percussion instrument here. The AI Coach monitors your timing strictly in this section—being even slightly behind the beat will lower your score.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core melody hits a C#5 in the chorus. There are ad-libs and harmonies that go higher, but the main vocal line stays within a comfortable mix range.
Yes. The range is very accessible, especially for Altos and Mezzos. The main challenge is the speed of the lyrics, making it a great song to practice diction.
Don't press your chin down. Keep your head level and speak the lyrics forward into your "mask" (the front of your face) rather than letting the sound fall back into your throat.
