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Stressed Out

​twenty one pilots

"Stressed Out" by twenty one pilots is a song about the anxieties and pressures of growing up, feeling trapped in a cycle of working for money and losing sight of dreams. Let's break down the lyrics:

Verse 1: The song starts with Tyler Joseph (the vocalist) expressing a desire for originality and authenticity in his art. He wishes for unique sounds and words, a yearning for creative expression. However, he also confesses to feeling the pressure of societal expectations, reflected in his line about needing to rhyme every time he sings. He reveals the societal expectation that fears would shrink with age, but instead, he finds himself insecure and anxious about external validation.

Pre-Chorus: The introduction of "Blurryface," Tyler's alter ego, adds a layer of self-consciousness and insecurity. Blurryface represents Tyler's anxieties and fears, highlighting his vulnerability and his struggle with how the world perceives him.

Chorus: The chorus is the heart of the song. It expresses a longing for the carefree days of childhood, when life was simpler and anxieties weren't present. The song's title, "Stressed Out," is introduced, highlighting the contrast between the nostalgic past and the current state of worry and pressure.

Verse 2: Tyler uses a vivid olfactory image to trigger memories of his youth. He remembers the simple pleasures of childhood, like playing with his brother and their carefree existence. He contrasts this with the realities of adulthood - student loans and the need to make money - highlighting the anxieties of financial responsibility.

Bridge: This section dives deeper into the loss of innocence and the crushing weight of societal expectations. Tyler contrasts the carefree nature of childhood play with the harsh realities of adulthood, where dreams are often dismissed and financial stability becomes the primary focus.

Outro: The song ends with a powerful repetition of the lines "We used to play pretend," and "Wake up, you need to make money." These lines encapsulate the central theme of the song - the conflict between the innocent dreams of childhood and the harsh realities of adulthood.

Overall, "Stressed Out" is a poignant reflection on the struggles of growing up, finding your place in the world, and balancing societal expectations with personal dreams. It captures the universal experience of feeling overwhelmed, nostalgic for simpler times, and yearning for a life that embraces both creativity and financial security.

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