A Paper Boat

[Verse] 
A paper boat sails through the puddle, 
Under skies of silver and gray. 
Someone throws a stone with trouble — 
Down it sinks and drifts away. 
Could’ve been worse, the storm might take it, 
Wash it down where the dark drains play.

[Chorus] 
Oh, happiness — a fragile dream, 
Like a paper boat in a fleeting stream. 
One small stone and the light is gone, 
Still the river of time flows on.

[Bridge] 
Some will claim that joy has vanished, 
Some will call it fate’s demand. 
Few will fold the dreams they cherish, 
Many cast the stones by hand. 
Hearts that float against the tide 
Are rarer far than those that hide.

[Chorus — reprise] 
Oh, happiness — a fragile dream, 
Like a paper boat in a fading gleam. 
Once it’s struck, it sails no more, 
Yet it whispers from the shore.



Genre: Progressive rock / Art rock ballad 
Mood: Nostalgic, introspective, emotional 
Tempo: ~90 BPM 
Instruments: Electric and acoustic guitars, warm bass, analog synth pads, soft drums, light Mellotron texture, occasional piano arpeggios 
Vocal style: Expressive male vocal (melodic, slightly melancholic tone, similar to Steven Wilson or David Gilmour) 
Atmosphere: Rainy, thoughtful, cinematic – begins softly, builds in the bridge, then fades into calm resolution. 
Theme: Fragility of happiness, metaphor of a paper boat floating through life’s storms.