Pumped Up Kick Interpretation

Most works of art, whether it be a book, a song, or a movie, lead up to an apparent focal point of meaning or truth. Those moments can be categorized in many different ways; action, climax, peak and so on. One piece of work that sticks out to me not only as a catchy song, but also as packed full of meaning is “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People. The song discusses touches on depression, violence and supposed negligence, which are all huge problems in our society.

Even with it’s dark lyrics, the song itself is very upbeat and is clearly a hit radio song. It ruled the radio waves for a long while and even won the Billboard Music Award for Top Rock Song. I had heard it many, many times before realizing just what the song was about. A lot of music listeners today expect or almost even demand a catchy chorus or melody and don’t consider

The next line talks about him looking around the room and at those around him and planning his attack. Robert isn’t planning on telling anyone about what he’s planning on doing; he doesn’t want his plot spoiled. There isn’t anybody who would ever find out, either because of his lonely nature. The last line reaffirms that fact; he’s a cowboy kid who wants to work alone and doesn’t mind the solitude.

Yeah he found a six-shooter gun

In his dad's closet, In a box of fun things

I don’t even know what

But he’s coming for you, Yeah he’s coming for you

The cowboy references continue as Robert finds an old gun in his dad’s closet. The next line leads me to think that his dad is a bad parent and is likely negligent, which ultimately plays a role in Robert’s destructive thinking and violent behavior. His father either doesn’t realize or doesn’t care that his son knows where he keeps his