Music critics reviewing the song noted that "The Only Exception" was a different musical theme for the band.
It has been the most successful single from Brand New Eyes, having topped the United Kingdom Rock Chart and peaked at No. 13 and No. 17 in New Zealand and Australia respectively. The single has become the band's third top forty hit to date on the Billboard Hot 10.
The song's lyrics pertain to the protagonist not believing that love exists and trying to live without it, mainly to avoid rejection, but eventually realizing that it does exist, describing the person as being their "only exception". Other themes include trying to pursue a relationship, as well as trying to make a relationship last, which can be seen in the lyrics, "I know you're leaving in the morning, when you wake up/Leave me with some kind of proof it's not a dream".
It's about how the protagonist was always scared to love because she saw how her parents were negatively effected by it, but because of someone special, she is learning to open herself up to it.
The music video for "The Only Exception" was generally well received by music critics. Kyle Anderson, a writer for MTV, commented that the music video is "by far the most visually interesting and complex clip the group has ever produced. Anderson further stated that "despite the complexity of the video, the whole process was remarkably efficient".
Story behind the song 'The Only Exception' detailed by Hayley Williams:
"Before I get started on this one, let me just point out the fact that the acronym for this song is 'TOE.' All right. Josh and I wanted something short and sweet that would break up the record. He sent me some music and I was immediately inspired. After showing the guys, everyone loved it so much that they told us we had to finish it. So we did. This is the first love song I've ever written. And even if I've tried in the past, this is the first one that I'm really proud of. I like that I was able to express the fact that I have always been really afraid of love - and I still am at times - but the excitement and the hope that it exists is still very evident in the lyrics. So it's not like I'm a total cynic! Love is a good thing, kids."
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The music video is on the right side. Hope you guys like it so far.
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The Paramore Book
Randomfeatures of the book; ♫ facts about the band | ♫ interpretations about their songs | ♫ meanings behind their music videos so if you're a fan of paramore and would love to know them and their music better, then you found the right book. enjoy. x
