Overview
- Deceptive contrast: “Pumped Up Kicks” has a catchy, upbeat indie-pop sound that starkly contrasts with its very dark lyrics. This creates a disturbing juxtaposition that makes the song so memorable.
- Theme: The song explores the mind of a troubled youth named Robert who contemplates a school shooting. It touches on themes of mental illness, social isolation, violence, and the potential for darkness within seemingly ordinary people.
- Perspective: It’s crucial to understand that the song is written from the disturbed perspective of the shooter and does NOT glorify his actions.
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Foster the People: Pumped Up Kicks Lyrics
Robert’s got a quick hand
He’ll look around the room, but won’t tell you his plan
He’s got a rolled cigarette
Hanging out his mouth, he’s a cowboy kid, yeah
He found a six-shooter gun
In his dad’s closet, and with a box of fun things
I don’t even know what
But he’s coming for you, yeah, he’s coming for you
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run faster than my bullet
Daddy works a long day
He’d be coming home late, yeah, he’s coming home late
And he’s bringing me a surprise
‘Cause dinner’s in the kitchen, and it’s packed in ice
I’ve waited for a long time
Yeah, the sleight of my hand is now a quick pull trigger
I reason with my cigarette
Then say, “Your hair’s on fire, you must have lost your wits, yeah”
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run faster than my bullet
Run, run, run, run
R-r-r-run, run, run, run
R-r-r-run, run, run, run
R-r-r-run
Run, run
Run, run, run
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run faster than my bullet.
Controversy
“Pumped Up Kicks” was highly controversial due to its release coinciding with an increase in school shootings. Some people criticized it for potentially glorifying violence, while others defended it as a way to start a conversation about a serious issue.
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Mark Foster’s comments (Frontman of Foster the People)
Mark Foster explained that he wrote the song to raise awareness about the complex issues that can lead to violence and to encourage a deeper understanding of mental health struggles.
Important Considerations
- Trigger warning: The song’s themes are extremely sensitive and potentially triggering for those who have experienced or been affected by gun violence.
- Mental health focus: It’s important to focus discussions around the song towards the underlying issues of mental health and the need for support systems rather than the act of violence itself.
