Where the heck do I begin?
I feel this song jolt through me like an electric charge, words can’t even begin to capture the power, the intensity, the hypnotic state this song puts me in.
And this video is just icing on the cake. I was picturing something more literal… you know, David sunning himself on a waterfall, hesitant about jumping over… oh wait. 😉
But this approach is so evocative, like dropping in on someone’s fever dream… those tossing and turning nights when endless disaster scenarios loop through your mind. Only with ballerinas.
Seriously though, the dark shadows and dust filtering through the decaying house with Sir David Archuleta all in black, raging at… himself… so powerful and we can all relate, am I right??
A few moments stood out for me… when the dancers link arms and make a chain blocking the door… whoah, that really hit me… and at the end when more light is coming in and David looks up like he is DONE with feeling paralyzed. YOU GO, DAVID!!!!!
The song itself knocked me sideways when I first heard it live in Boston… I could not believe how it rocks out so powerfully… it’s such a “punch your arms in the air, roll every window in the car down and soar across the highway” song… did NOT see that coming from David, tbh.
Can a song have testosterone? Because I think this one does. For real. I had this feeling right from the beginning that guys would go for this song… because it rocks out, because it has “muscle” and “grit.” [I hate resorting to gender stereotypes but more guys turn up at Imagine Dragons and Mumford and Sons concerts than at Shawn Mendes or Justin Bieber shows… please don’t throw tomatoes, I do not make the rules, my friends!]
And I have noticed so many more guys commenting on and sharing the song than usually happens. Am I imagining things?? Have you guys noticed that too? [If I’m way off base, please let me know!]
But I digress…
Now that the studio version is here, it is just undeniable… inevitable… earworm-able. That driving beat and the way the song builds to an impossible crescendo that makes your heart want to beat right out of your chest… and THOSE VOCALS!!!!
… the way the refrain repeats like a meditative chant…and THOSE VOCALS!!!
… the way the subtle sound of chains clangs near he end of the song, genius! Oh, and did I mention THOSE VOCALS?!!!!
Specifically that alkdjflkjkfjakfjfkjfklfj run at the 2:39 mark (yes, I did replay it a few times 🙂 ) comes at you like a thousand velvet arrows piercing your very soul!!!
OTT, I know, but RIGHT???!!!!
The lyrics really hit me where I live (I know I’m not alone in that)… and it just helps so much to know you’re not alone with these struggles, doesn’t it?
“I wake up to another day, another chance to get out of my own way” wow, get out of my brain, Archuleta!
This song needs to be on radio so more people can be devastated by its beauty. Only fair, I say. I have it on repeat on Spotify, I have shared it like crazy, gifted on iTunes… I just wish there was more we could do!!
HOW ABOUT YOU GUYS??? Thoughts? Impressions? Gush-tastic comments? Please please share, I’m dying to hear them!!
p.s.
My fave comment on the YouTube so far! 🙂 🙂 🙂
p.p.s.
Love these behind-the-scenes shots from Emily Morris, production assistant on the video shoot! More here.
p.p.s.s.
Love how he blows a kiss at the end of this … [fun fact: at the Toronto VIP event, when David left the room and waved at everyone, for some reason, by reflex (I do this with family & friends), I made the same gesture and blew him a big kiss… AND WAS INSTANTLY MORTIFIED! I was like, “why did I DO that?? what the heck was I thinking??” … so anyways, seeing him throw us all one, makes me feel a tad better, lol. This is the end of my TEDTalk. 🙂 ]
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1q8hQEFz0_/
*******
AAAAAAAAND * big finish * … In this Chicago Tribune interview, David lists Toronto as one of his top-five favourite cities!!!!!! I can’t take much more of this amazingness from him… LIES!!! … bring it on! hahahahaha
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
Bringing these comments over from the end of the last thread… because I can! 🙂 :
Dee:
Watched David’s new music video on various screens like my phone, laptop, bedroom 32 inch TV screen, big family room 60 inch screen trying to get a better look at David. He didn’t disappoint when at the end HE showed the angst and frustration he said the song is about with the explosion of his dancing & vocalization. WOW!
I wonder whose idea it was to use ballerinas to express fear, anger, frustration, chains & chaos? They were good but not what I would have chosen to express those emotions as I’ve always thought of ballerina dances as calming, beautiful & serene. But then, what do I know?
I’m hoping this is a start of the new direction David is hoping & aiming for. It’s looking good so far!
On another note, I have been going back to his early songs and wouldn’t be disappointed if he were to release or re-release some of the songs that never made his albums because he thought the message in the lyrics were “too mature” or “not him” at the time. Some of those songs were really good & he’s a grown man now who has shown us more of him than we ever thought we would see. But again, what do I know? Just my opinion. 😉
Janey79:
the ending is so POWERFUL
Emmegirl14:
Whoa whoa! Love the video, the song sounds amaaaazing!
He looks so mature, quite manly I say. (That was with a British accent😝)
My favorite part is the last 70 seconds, David movin, groovin’ 😁❤️❤️❤️
So nice to “see” you DEE!
The first time I watched it …………..Huh
The 2nd time…………..Hmmmmmmmmm
The 3rd time ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Oooooooooooo
The 4th time ……………..Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Now I can’t stop watching it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“…those tossing and turning nights when endless disaster scenario loops play through your mind. Only with ballerinas.” there’s always at least one (but usually many) LOL lines for me…that was today’s, Deb. Haha…if ONLY my sleepless demons wore tu-tus, Ok, I am supposed to be getting something else done right now…but had to read this in my inbox, NOW! So…I’m still digesting Paralyzed video…love the mood, his look, the house, the metaphoric approach…but ok…let’s get to the point…2:39 run!! So mature this song. So different than anything else he’s done. Showing that artistry that we always all could see him capable of, but is freeing up more and more as he evolves and matures. Am I making any sense?
Just everything you say here…squeeing along with y’all on every point! Also, I reflected back to the first time I heard it on last tour, Northampton…hard to beat the shock and awe of that for me…palpable throughout the room…as it was a new musical sucker punch we all aren’t surprised he’s capable of and yet totally surprised by. He’s always been the master of “didn’t see THAT coming” and he loves doing it to us. Keep it comin’, D!
In other notes: Yay for “Toronto!”…he’s said that from way back, ya remember? Many years ago, post-Idol…and now that he’s so well-traveled, nice to know you’re still on his list! 🙂
“Anonymous” is you, Amy, lol… your comment went into spam for some reason, glad I could retrieve it! “new musical sucker punch” yes, yes, yes!!!! perfect description!!… and I am gobsmacked he included Toronto, tbh, especially since the interview was for the Chicago Tribune so he really should’ve said Chicago! lol (Jonerz, if you are reading this, my sincere apologies! hahaha)
Dang! Just wrote my Paralyzed impressions…but didn’t post…I think it disappeared…got that same “error” Deb?
If it doesn’t show up, will try to recreate later. Meantime…I cut it by half as it started to get too long and wanted to relay this story your post reminded me of…
…On that blowing kiss/mortified story…lol…we get it. But…it’s all ok, now girl! I love that he’s blowing us kisses and saying “Much love, David”..so warm, sincere. Back to your mortified thing… reminded me of something I never let my pal (rhymes with Amy) forget (I don’t think she’ll kill me for sharing)…2011, Christmas show Stroudsburg, post-show waiting by the bus…turns out he had done an impromptu VIP after the show, and by the time he left they were rushing him to the bus…she being much more extroverted than I (who backed away), tried to move toward him…he lit up and called out “Oh, hey Amy!!” She knee-jerked reacted, throwing her arms around him in a hug…and it was just golden David…looking a tad shell-shocked….later we dissected it as you did your “kiss” and came to similar conclusion…Ames said…”it’s like he just feels like a relative or old friend, I’d just naturally do the same to, so I just reacted!” Once he called out her name….in all fairness, and understandably…she lost it. I still LOVE to tease her about it, and mostly give her props for being remembered. On another sweet David note…as they whisked him away, she said, for her girls, who had waited and it was their first show…”David I wanted you to meet my girls!”…he was 10 steps ahead…they were pushing him into the bus…he stopped, did a 180…walked back and took time with the girls (I have the SWEETEST pic of them, but would need permission to post. ❤ ❤ ❤
It reads to me like you found the PERFECT words to describe the awesomeness of Paralyzed Deb!! Thank you again for a perfect review! 🔥❤️🙌💯❗️
aww thank you, Shirley!!! 😘
Annnd I just thought…I may have told that story before, lol…never gets old to ME though. 🙂 While I wait to see if my other post reappears… just let me squee…2:39! So Lovely.
He’s always been capable of this evolving artistry that shocked us with something so different in Paralyzed (during tour, the shock waves that would go through each audience was palpable!) Beyond that VOICE (that voice, that voice, never a footnote)…is his natural musicality. …and now, more than ever, as he lives life on his terms, and grows and feels freer as a person, he is freer to create. He’s just so musical. He has the instrument, technical training, soulful reflective personality, all at his disposal to keep making beautiful music. This, I believe is just the beginning…or…a new beginning…or a continuing magical mystery tour….lovin’ the ride.
OMG. I gotta admit I have worked to become less obsessed with all things Archuleta. And, life events in the past few years have made that a tad easier because time to indulge my magnificent obsession just wasn’t there.
So I am on Instagram liking and commenting like an insanely proud relative on my kids’, grandkids’, nephew’s (who is trying out for American Ninja Warrior😜), etc posts and I see the Paralyzed video announcement.
Well, unfortunately my ODD went underground rather than dissipated because I am as mesmerized, mystified and as..maybe more…obsessed that in 2008. I need therapy!! Lol.
Gah, have to go back and rewatch for the goo-gillionth time. 😊❤😘
Love, hugs and kisses to all at Snowangelz.
..the power of the Archulator.<3 I believe ODD can go into remission, but is ultimately not curable. "goo-gillionth" 🙂
😊🎉
omigosh, {{{{{{{{{❤️Ms. Kiz❤️}}}}} have missed you!!!! Welcome back to Hotel ODD, you can check out but you’ll never leave! hahaha
Yep, I never left…nice to be back in my room!
(((((((Kizzi))))))
👋👋👋
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeppppppp!!! Ref. 😘
I have found this to be true Deb….you can check out temporarily but never really leave Hotel ODD!
Fantastic write up on this song and video in only ways that you so remarkably can relay in all its glory!
Have to say the first time I heard a video snippet of Paralyzed I thought….that sounds really good.
Then when I heard the full song and watched the video, I thought….wow, what a powerful and inspiring song and video! It drew me in like the force of the wind. Had to watch and listen over and over. It’s beautiful, magnetic, creative, raw and authentic. With David at the helm in a song like this, I don’t think anyone could quite empower this song like he does.
One of the things I love about David (in addition to his incredible vocals) is his uniqueness, vulnerability and genuine thought, feeling and personal experience he puts in to his songs. This song is a prime example (and a little different) and what a powerful, moving song it is and so well done!
Loved reading everyone’s comments here and this post is all kinds of greatness!
Love your impressions, Pepper; well said! And yes…(disclaimer: am I biased as an uber-fan? or is it pretty accurate in the “real world” too?)…but, I believe his music is so personal, his style so his own…only he can deliver these songs with the same impact, and we KNOW with the “appropriate” vocals. Anyhoo…I digress into Achuramble…but loved reading yours and all other impressions here. Been a good week for squeeing. 🙂
Oh and the fact that one of David’s favourite cities is Toronto is awesome! You never know, he could by a home here one day and be your neighbour TOfan, haha.
hahaha well he visits his neighbours to do insta live posts, so count me in! 😂
🙂
waiting to hear this for the 1st time LIVE at a few of his Christmas concerts… Road Trip coming up 🙂
{{{{{❤️Awestruck❤️}}}}}!!!! omigosh it’s like old home week!
Ditto!!!!!
((((hug))))
Hugs back to you both!
Awestruck!!! ❤😊
Just listened through earbuds…..
aMAzing!!!
(and I heard the chains!)
glad they’re real! lol
Emmegirl14 👋👋👋
Killer harmonies! (Apparently this guy was on Idol?)
https://www.instagram.com/tv/B1xE2Z6FdQk/?igshid=1vdeojp5dlkxg
Just wow!
Oh wow!! ❤ ❤ ❤ nuf said.
Logan Johnson is from Boise and was a contestant on the last season of Idol. He came to David’s concert in Boise (April) and mentioned in local interviews that he was a big David fan and that David was an inspiration for him personally. Logan participated with David at the Boise Youth Spectacular. Rumors floated around that this was at David’s invitation–not confirmed but certainly sounds like David. (Big photo of them on the “idoloonies” Facebook page.)
That DOES sound like David! So cool he’s from Boise!! I creeped his insta (shocker, I know 😂) and it looks like he’s also friends with Ashley Hess, would be cool if they (or just David) did a cover with her.
I’m gobsmacked by everything about this song!
((((TOfan)))) you are the very BEST at getting to the heart of things. TBH I don’t know what I’d do without your ability to put into words exactly what I’m feeling and thinking! You have the same gift as David and I appreciate you BOTH A LOT! I think this is the first vid of David’s that I am totally mesmerized by and want to keep watching over and over ….. it just hits all the right spots for me!
You can guess how I felt reading that David named Toronto as one of his top 5 cities???!!!! That must mean he’ll come back??
Eeeeeeeee
I’ve hesitated on commenting on Paralyzed knowing that I can’t do this momentous occasion justice but since that hasn’t stopped me before, here goes in my usual stream of consciousness:
I think what I am most impressed by are all the details that came together to launch this song is precisely what the song is about – David is investing in his career and moving forward on all the social platforms with such a professional look and attitude. It speaks to how serious he is about his music and message. Coupled with the song, I’m feeling a total commitment on his part to move forward with his career now that he has spent the time and energy on finding out who he is as a person and knowing he can combine a singing career along with his core beliefs. The good boy with a twist is on his way!
About the video. Saying I’m impressed is an understatement. This effort slays. I especially love the ending. David has never looked more confident and powerful. His stance speaks to his confidence and his new found strength.
Paralyzed, the song. ngl, I can’t wait to hear an acoustic version. Yes, I will be asking for one at a vip, haha. The bones of the song are so, so good. The vocal layering is by now, a signature of David’s songs and I love how well received it is, especially by those outside the fan base. I’ve read comments to the producer mentioning some added effects so that requires a few more listens on my part.
I think Kari deserves a shout out as well. She has stood by him through thick and thin and I honestly believe without her by his side, David would be singing a different tune. The trust between them is a thing of beauty and wonderful to witness. He is so lucky to have her in his corner.
The end.
❤️❤️❤️
(“His stance speaks to his confidence and his new found strength”…..yes, yes, yes!)
Weird I know, but I really like movement of his jacket in that last segment.
Oh man, now I have to go watch it again to check that out, Emme. 😂
Bummer, I know😉
omg you’re right, he’s got that jacket flying!
Go check out David’s insta live you guys!!! He looks so happy!!!! And so much singing!!! And he’s so happyyyyyy!!!! 😍😍😍😍😍 And he answered my question about releasing Pense someday (he can’t because he doesn’t own it 😢 but he said he could always re-record it! 🙌🏼)… I always miss these things so yay!!!
*Nunca Pense
i love everything about this insta-live, especially the way jazzy prompts him to show us his fridge lol.
And he also did a separate 15 minute FB Live too!!!! DOING LAUNDRY AND MORE SINGING AND LIFE IS SO GOOD RN!!!!
*chooka chooka
There is one grateful, happy camper 😊
(I sat there with a silly grin on my face throughout)
Same!! 😊😊😊
And now he’s zip lining!
Still “Paralyzed.” 😊❤🎉🙃
Got a feeling fall tour is gonna be kind of epic.
Agree!!!