My Paper Heart

Album: The All-American Rejects (2002)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about a guy who broke up with his girlfriend and realizes that even though he feels like he can't live without her, he doesn't want her to use him. It was one of six songs (including "Swing, Swing") lead singer Tyson Ritter and guitarist Nick Wheeler wrote in about a month after signing to Doghouse Records in 2002. Many of these songs were inspired by a difficult breakup Ritter went through. Soon after the album came out, the group got the rock star treatment from DreamWorks, who flew them to Los Angeles, wined and dined them, and signed them to a deal. DreamWorks picked up distribution of the album in January 2003.

Comments: 4

  • Nate from Crystal Lake, Ilyo, tyson ritter is the lead sing, right? he looks just like one of my friends... lol
  • Martha from New York, NyAwesome song. Got me through some bad times.
  • Becca from Philly, PaTyson Ritter is the hotest man aliveee. :]
  • Brooke from Berea, OhI thought it was about a guy who had his heart broken by a girl, and is still trying to get over her, but is having a difficult time doing so.

    Brooke, USA
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Janet Jackson

Janet JacksonFact or Fiction

Was Janet secretly married at 18? Did she gain 60 pounds for a movie role that went to Mariah Carey? See what you know about Ms. Jackson.

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.

Tony Joe White

Tony Joe WhiteSongwriter Interviews

The writer of "Rainy Night in Georgia" and "Polk Salad Annie" explains how he cooks up his Louisiana swamp rock.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.