Ayra Starr and Theodora have released a new single, Ms. Paper, built around financial independence, self-assurance, and luxury.
The song frames money as a source of freedom and identity. Its protagonist is described as glamorous and playful, with control over her romantic and social life. References to high-end taste and carefree enjoyment appear throughout the verses and chorus.
Lyrical themes#
The track opens with a chorus delivered by Theodora and Ayra Starr:
Turn me on like gasolina
I make money, bae, I’ll call you later
Moi, c’est Miss Kitoko ou Miss Paper
Mister Money, Mister Money, come see Missus Paper
The first verse reinforces self-sufficiency and enjoyment, dismissing anything that disrupts the mood:
Money, money, Mister loser don’t kill my vibe
Money, money, Missus Paper, we be having fun
Money, money, as long I got you, I should be fine
I love you bad, don’t go and kill my vibe
Song structure and lyrics#
Ayra Starr’s pre-chorus mixes French phrases with playful metaphors:
He from France, they say “Oui, oui,” I say “Ouh là là”
Baby got that spicy for sure, call me sriracha
We can take this back to your spot, back to the casa
We can light this shit up for sure like gasolina
In the second verse, Ayra Starr and Theodora trade lines that emphasize paper over everything, with imagery of white nails and counting green bills. Theodora’s pre-chorus adds a Congolese reference and a nod to designer Yohji Yamamoto, while demanding “20,000 small knives” for her stacks of cash.
The chorus repeats, and the song closes with Ayra Starr’s outro:
Turn me on like gasolina
I make money, bae, I’ll call you later
