Stressed Out Analysis

The lyrics of “Stressed Out” appear to address the common grass is always greener mentality—how we tend to glorify that which we do not have, or in this case that which is now lost to us—which gives the song a universal appeal. This examination is done using the example of an adolescent’s craving for the blissful simplicity of childhood. Using various techniques, the video cleverly reveals that the focus of the song isn’t exploring this mentality, but rather the daunting obstacles one faces while defining his identity.

At that time, we often reflect on simpler times—when what you could be or do was limited only by your imagination, unhindered by realities like maintaining a stable income or meeting family and cultural expectations. Although

I wish I had a better voice that sang some better words. I wish I found some chords in an order that is new. I wish I didn't have to rhyme every time I sang. I was told when I get older all my fears would shrink, but now I’m insecure and I care what people think. My name’s Blurryface and I care what you think.” His posture and facial expression add more dimension to the words. He looks passive and unenthused. Outward impassivity or apathy is a defense or coping mechanism against uncertainty. As the song progresses we discover he’s presently at a fork in the

because the visuals bring them to the foreground. For example, the hook line: “wish we could turn back time, to the good ole days, when our mamas sang us to sleep, but now we’re stressed out.” According to Vernallis, “the hook line helps us focus on the narrative trajectory” (Vernallis 7). Although the appeal of this song is presumably universal— we all wish we could capture incandescent moments, a particular verse acknowledges the personal aspect of it too: “a certain smell will take me back to when I was young… I’d make a candle out of it if I ever found it. Presumably, there exists for all of us a memory trigger whether that be: a scent, object, image or sound from childhood that lets us escape for a moment harsh reality and glimpse that carefree spirit again, but the next line: “Try to sell it, never sell out of it, I’d probably only sell one. It’d be to my brother… it would remind us of when nothing really mattered.” Addresses the fact that hidden trigger is different for every