Polly Paulusma – Scissors In My Pocket

Polly Paulusma – Scissors In My Pocket

Intimate, literate, and quietly powerful, Scissors In My Pocket is the debut album from British singer-songwriter Polly Paulusma, a record that captures the purity of acoustic songwriting with remarkable emotional clarity and understated production.

Released in 2004, the album sits firmly within the early-2000s resurgence of introspective British folk, yet stands out for its delicate arrangements and deeply personal lyrical tone. Built primarily around acoustic guitar, subtle percussion, and warm, organic production, it allows Paulusma’s storytelling to remain front and centre throughout.

Tracks like “She Moves In Secret Ways” and “Carry Me Home” showcase her ability to balance vulnerability with melodic strength, while “Dark Side” and “Mea Culpa” introduce richer textures and understated production flourishes that broaden the album’s emotional palette. Elsewhere, “Over the Hill” and “Anywhere From Here” lean into quiet, reflective songwriting that feels both intimate and cinematic.

The album’s pacing is gentle but purposeful, with moments like “Perfect 4/4” highlighting Paulusma’s attention to rhythmic nuance and structure, while closing track “Something to Remember Me By” brings the record to a soft, contemplative finish.

A beautifully crafted debut, Scissors In My Pocket remains a compelling example of modern British folk at its most personal and affecting.

Tracklist:

1. Dark Side
2. I Was Made To Love You
3. One Day
4. She Moves In Secret Ways
5. Over The Hill
6. Carry Me Home
7. Mea Culpa
8. Give It Back
9. Anywhere From Here
10. Perfect 4/4
11. Something To Remember Me By