its about a disturbed kid going on a killing spree (no shit).
1st verse: he is just about to start shooting, and is hanging around with a shifty look and a revolver and no one suspects a thing. and the cowboy stuff means he's having fun with the idea of how cool it will be (probably to hae that power). cowboys are also lone figures which is important. but the line "and i dont even know what" any ideas? also the fact that hes called "Robert", is that name significant?
Chorus: pumped up kicks are probably like Nike airs and stuff, which probably means all the trendy popular kids, and hes going to shoot them. by telling them to run (even if not literaly) he is playing with them and enjoying this, because you cant run faster than bullets.
second verse: it says "daddy works a long day" which i think has an ironic innocense in assuming hes working that whole time. i think whats actually happening when dad's coming home late and bringing a surprise is he's coming home late drunk and beating him. dinner on ice is neglection. dinner reference + "ive been waiting a long time" suggests that he is at the dinnertable waiting for his dad to walk in. on top of that i think it also means he has been waiting along time for the opportunity of revenge. now reasoning with the cigarette is entertaining himself while he waits. the cigarette is probably acting as his concience he personifies it but also dismisses its opinion "And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits"
if you think i got it right let me know and if anyone can help me with that first verse a bit that would be nice
Wow! I think that you certainly nailed it! What you said makes perfect sense. I'd like to know more -- for example, is this based on certain true events?
Wow! I think that you certainly nailed it! What you said makes perfect sense. I'd like to know more -- for example, is this based on certain true events?
I think you're right. I think the part about the first verse "and I don't even know what" isn't really meaningful--to me, it just sounds like the narrator's trying to say "I don't even know what [you should do], but he's coming for you." I don't necessarily think the song is non-fiction, so I would guess the name is just a name chosen for the character.
I think you're right. I think the part about the first verse "and I don't even know what" isn't really meaningful--to me, it just sounds like the narrator's trying to say "I don't even know what [you should do], but he's coming for you." I don't necessarily think the song is non-fiction, so I would guess the name is just a name chosen for the character.
I do think the second verse goes a little bit more into the abusive father, though; I think "I've been waiting a long time" is definitely about revenge; he's been beaten his whole life and he's finally getting even. "It's packed on ice" is referring to the ice pack he's going to have to put on his face after his dad hits him. I'm not really sure about "your hair's on fire"--I like the idea that it's about the cigarette, and he's just a little nuts.
I think the song is from the perspective of an outsider first and then from the character's perspective; I don't think it's the character putting himself in the third person...
I totally believe this song is about shooting up classmates, but I think the part about "Dinner is packed on ice" means that his father's "Dinner" is most likely a case of beer, packed in ice to stay nice and chilly fresh. The rest of your interpretation I agree with dude!
I totally believe this song is about shooting up classmates, but I think the part about "Dinner is packed on ice" means that his father's "Dinner" is most likely a case of beer, packed in ice to stay nice and chilly fresh. The rest of your interpretation I agree with dude!
I think the line "I don't even know what" is just referring to the box of things he's found. Like, it's a box of fun things and I don't even know what, as in a lot of random stuff.
I think the line "I don't even know what" is just referring to the box of things he's found. Like, it's a box of fun things and I don't even know what, as in a lot of random stuff.
The line "and i dont even know what" might be trying to convey that the kid sees a box of his dads "fun things", like maybe drugs or condoms or other sexual things and of course the gun. The kid is too young to know what the other stuff is used for but he does recognize what the gun is used for, killing. The cowboy thing is just the kid thinking is needs to bring justice to his situation. His going to right all the wrongs in his life just like in cowboy movie, with a shootout....
The line "and i dont even know what" might be trying to convey that the kid sees a box of his dads "fun things", like maybe drugs or condoms or other sexual things and of course the gun. The kid is too young to know what the other stuff is used for but he does recognize what the gun is used for, killing. The cowboy thing is just the kid thinking is needs to bring justice to his situation. His going to right all the wrongs in his life just like in cowboy movie, with a shootout. This leads me to think the kid around 10, before puberty.
I agree you're pretty spot on. It's weird because I went to a school where this was a real problem but this song kind of makes it easier to deal with because it gives you both views; not just the victims families but the families of the shooters. I know to those who dealt with this kind of situation this song can be very upsetting but at the same time I appreciate it.
I agree you're pretty spot on. It's weird because I went to a school where this was a real problem but this song kind of makes it easier to deal with because it gives you both views; not just the victims families but the families of the shooters. I know to those who dealt with this kind of situation this song can be very upsetting but at the same time I appreciate it.
I agree you're pretty spot on. It's weird because I went to a school where this was a real problem but this song kind of makes it easier to deal with because it gives you both views; not just the victims families but the families of the shooters. I know to those who dealt with this kind of situation this song can be very upsetting but at the same time I appreciate it.
I agree you're pretty spot on. It's weird because I went to a school where this was a real problem but this song kind of makes it easier to deal with because it gives you both views; not just the victims families but the families of the shooters. I know to those who dealt with this kind of situation this song can be very upsetting but at the same time I appreciate it.
This kid is definitely disturbed and plotting revenge, imagining himself as a cowboy, I think we all mostly agree. Cowboys not only tote six-shooters, they roll their own cigarettes, whistle, and wear dusters (not mentioned in the song, but now inseperable from teenage outcasts).
This kid is definitely disturbed and plotting revenge, imagining himself as a cowboy, I think we all mostly agree. Cowboys not only tote six-shooters, they roll their own cigarettes, whistle, and wear dusters (not mentioned in the song, but now inseperable from teenage outcasts).
I don't think the cigarette is a joint; in this day and age they would probably just come out and say so.
I don't think the cigarette is a joint; in this day and age they would probably just come out and say so.
Could be Robert's Dad abuses him, or just doesn't notice or care that his son is being victimized, so is just as bad. This kid could be mentally ill with no one taking the time to notice, could simply be a social outcast for one of the meaningless reasons kids torment each other. Schizophrenia would cause someone to be paranoid and plot revenge against anyone for something real or imagined, it causes hallucinations and talking to oneself, and high school would be a typical time for it to first turn up.
I think the dinner packed in ice is a very clever reference to revenge, a dish best served cold!
I like this song because it provides some food for thought and some food for groovin'!
i believe that the part "And say your hair's on fire, You must have lost your wits" means that his hot headedness took away from his reasoning at the moment. however not sure about who he's talking about. it could be his father, or him.
i believe that the part "And say your hair's on fire, You must have lost your wits" means that his hot headedness took away from his reasoning at the moment. however not sure about who he's talking about. it could be his father, or him.
also, i think he's a "cowboy kid" just refers to the fact that he smokes Malboro Red Cigarrettes. Malboro Man was a cowboy. and the part where he's reasoning with his cigarrette was just him trying to maybe talk some sense into himself or understand what he's about to do and his "hair's on fire" as he becomes hot headed and lose his "wits" or the ability to be understanding
also, i think he's a "cowboy kid" just refers to the fact that he smokes Malboro Red Cigarrettes. Malboro Man was a cowboy. and the part where he's reasoning with his cigarrette was just him trying to maybe talk some sense into himself or understand what he's about to do and his "hair's on fire" as he becomes hot headed and lose his "wits" or the ability to be understanding
"The Guinness Book of World Records once named Robert Duvall the most versatile actor in the world: He's worked in every genre, in masterpieces ranging from To Kill A Mockingbird to The Godfather. But the Academy Award-winner's most indelible contribution is to the Western. Early in his career, he appeared on TV series Shane and Cimarron Strip and during his nearly five decades onscreen, he's returned to those cowboy parts time and again."
"The Guinness Book of World Records once named Robert Duvall the most versatile actor in the world: He's worked in every genre, in masterpieces ranging from To Kill A Mockingbird to The Godfather. But the Academy Award-winner's most indelible contribution is to the Western. Early in his career, he appeared on TV series Shane and Cimarron Strip and during his nearly five decades onscreen, he's returned to those cowboy parts time and again."
I think, not only is the second verse saying his dad is abusive (which is the "surprise" he has for the kid) but the verse "Yeah, the slight of my hand is now a quick pull trigger I reason with my cigarette" is him waiting with his gun to turn it around on him and kill him. One of the Columbine shooters killed his parents, I believe (or one of those crazy school shooters did) before he went to school and started killing other kids. Very intuitive of you to pick up on all this- I believe you're even right...
I think, not only is the second verse saying his dad is abusive (which is the "surprise" he has for the kid) but the verse "Yeah, the slight of my hand is now a quick pull trigger I reason with my cigarette" is him waiting with his gun to turn it around on him and kill him. One of the Columbine shooters killed his parents, I believe (or one of those crazy school shooters did) before he went to school and started killing other kids. Very intuitive of you to pick up on all this- I believe you're even right about the cigarette referring to his conscience or to his self-reflection (the thing everyone tends to do when they smoke). I got the same exact interpretation from it the first time I heard the song.
Oh wait, my bad. LOL! You did pick up on the possibility that he might be planning to shoot his dad. I have this terrible habit of not being able to finish reading the very last bit of someone else's post, before I get so excited I have to reply. D'oh! I do the same thing with $5 dollar footlongs from Subway. Can never quite finish the last little bit.
Oh wait, my bad. LOL! You did pick up on the possibility that he might be planning to shoot his dad. I have this terrible habit of not being able to finish reading the very last bit of someone else's post, before I get so excited I have to reply. D'oh! I do the same thing with $5 dollar footlongs from Subway. Can never quite finish the last little bit.
I don't know if someone already did this or not and if so, I sincerely apologize. I don't have time to read ALL the posts but lyricaljoy you were rt on the money.
I don't know if someone already did this or not and if so, I sincerely apologize. I don't have time to read ALL the posts but lyricaljoy you were rt on the money.
" What is 'Pumped Up Kicks' about?
" What is 'Pumped Up Kicks' about?
'Pumped Up Kicks' is about a kid that basically is losing his mind and is plotting revenge. He's an outcast. I feel like the youth in our culture are becoming more and more isolated. It's kind of an epidemic. Instead of writing about victims and some tragedy, I wanted to get into the killer's mind, like Truman Capote did in 'In Cold Blood.' I love to write about characters. That's my style. I really like to get inside the heads of other people and try to walk in their shoes."
I think you're right, lyricaljoy!
I also think that "Robert" is the name of the kid, and he starts off by telling the story in a kind of third-person view.
I think you're right, lyricaljoy!
I also think that "Robert" is the name of the kid, and he starts off by telling the story in a kind of third-person view.
Well.I thought it was a light-hearted song,with no meaning to bad things what so ever.Now. I don't like this song that much anymore.I didn't know much of the words,hence why I'm here.I had thought about singing it for a community thing.i'm pretty sure that I won't now.I most likely won't listen to it again.I thought it was just one of those kind of weird songs.But it reminds me of an 80's song called "i don't like mondays" Which is about a girl who went on a killing spree at her school when asked why she said she didn't like mondays,this...
Well.I thought it was a light-hearted song,with no meaning to bad things what so ever.Now. I don't like this song that much anymore.I didn't know much of the words,hence why I'm here.I had thought about singing it for a community thing.i'm pretty sure that I won't now.I most likely won't listen to it again.I thought it was just one of those kind of weird songs.But it reminds me of an 80's song called "i don't like mondays" Which is about a girl who went on a killing spree at her school when asked why she said she didn't like mondays,this made it more exciting. In case you didn't guess,she was killing on a monday.
Daddy works a long day
He be coming home late, yeah, he's coming home late
And he's bringing me a surprise
Because dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice
I've waited for a long time
Daddy works a long day
He be coming home late, yeah, he's coming home late
And he's bringing me a surprise
Because dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice
I've waited for a long time
Maybe Dad's not there....and maybe was never there.
Maybe Dad's not there....and maybe was never there.
It shows how some kids without good, strong parenting and being brought up by TV will turn them loose. Also bullying can push people to the breaking point, in ones mind or in other ways.
It shows how some kids without good, strong parenting and being brought up by TV will turn them loose. Also bullying can push people to the breaking point, in ones mind or in other ways.
The name Robert definitely draws a connection between this teenage killer and Robert A. Hawkins, a 19 year old who killed nine people in a mall shooting in 2007 in Nebraska. Interesting that Foster the People uses this comparison, a mall would likely be were all the pumped up kicks come from. The allusion to a rolled cigarette hanging from his lips also draws comparisons to the on screen rebellions persona of James Dean, a similar persona with which another teenage killer, Charles Starkweather, was obsessed with. Now to tie the whole thing together for any conspiracy theorists, both of...
The name Robert definitely draws a connection between this teenage killer and Robert A. Hawkins, a 19 year old who killed nine people in a mall shooting in 2007 in Nebraska. Interesting that Foster the People uses this comparison, a mall would likely be were all the pumped up kicks come from. The allusion to a rolled cigarette hanging from his lips also draws comparisons to the on screen rebellions persona of James Dean, a similar persona with which another teenage killer, Charles Starkweather, was obsessed with. Now to tie the whole thing together for any conspiracy theorists, both of the killers I've related the song to came from Nebraska, and were some of the deadliest occasions in Nebraskan recent history, even thought they happened 50 years apart.
*Refer to any of many pictures of James Dean with a hand rolled cigarette.
"Kids are just getting younger and younger and losing their minds and going on killing sprees. It really was bothering me, and I was trying to figure out why that was happening more and more. I wanted to tell that story and get inside the head of a kid going crazy," he said. "The song's about isolation, being an outcast, and seeing the world through the character's eyes. It's not about him actually physically going and doing anything, it's about his mental state. -Foster the People
"Kids are just getting younger and younger and losing their minds and going on killing sprees. It really was bothering me, and I was trying to figure out why that was happening more and more. I wanted to tell that story and get inside the head of a kid going crazy," he said. "The song's about isolation, being an outcast, and seeing the world through the character's eyes. It's not about him actually physically going and doing anything, it's about his mental state. -Foster the People
I have to say, you're pretty much on the dot. The only thing is that I think you're wrong about the cowboy thing. He has a revolver, and in many old cowboy movies they have guns. Maybe 'Robert' is at a costume party with a bunch of the 'trendy popular kids'
I have to say, you're pretty much on the dot. The only thing is that I think you're wrong about the cowboy thing. He has a revolver, and in many old cowboy movies they have guns. Maybe 'Robert' is at a costume party with a bunch of the 'trendy popular kids'
I think the "I don't even know what" means he probably not only found his dad's gun but his stash of porn and the like. He took the gun but as for the rest of it... "I don't even know what [he did with it]"
I think the "I don't even know what" means he probably not only found his dad's gun but his stash of porn and the like. He took the gun but as for the rest of it... "I don't even know what [he did with it]"
As for the the "pumped up kicks" I think it's a term for name brand clothes the ones this kid doesn't get to wear and therefore is an outcast (bullied) add to that what you said about being abused by his father, it all adds up.
As for the the "pumped up kicks" I think it's a term for name brand clothes the ones this kid doesn't get to wear and therefore is an outcast (bullied) add to that what you said about being abused by his father, it all adds up.
"he's bringing me a surprise" could mean that his dad also sexually abused him as well as beating him.
"they say your hair's on fire" it could mean that his dad had a hot temper and was always angry.
This song is actually about the copycat killings of a young man that went into a mall and began shooting.
This song is actually about the copycat killings of a young man that went into a mall and began shooting.
Being a veteran from Iraq, the irony of most situations, you find humor that most people dont find. Like the amount of bullets and the amount of kills/wounded. Most people's accuracy rate is not even 10%. Columbine was somewhere around 4% and Virginia Tech was around 6%.
Being a veteran from Iraq, the irony of most situations, you find humor that most people dont find. Like the amount of bullets and the amount of kills/wounded. Most people's accuracy rate is not even 10%. Columbine was somewhere around 4% and Virginia Tech was around 6%.
and i dont know what is metatfor for the mulastation from his father, he has been waiting to kill him,reasoning with his cigertte is his other personality
hopes this helps
and i dont know what is metatfor for the mulastation from his father, he has been waiting to kill him,reasoning with his cigertte is his other personality
hopes this helps
this song is about the columbine shooting....when the two kids went around shooting at people at their school then killing themselves look up an interview it says it....
this song is about the columbine shooting....when the two kids went around shooting at people at their school then killing themselves look up an interview it says it....
I agree with all that you said, and i think i might have an idea of who Robert is. In 1967 the movie In Cold Blood came out based on the book by Truman Capote about two murderers that brutally shoot the Clutter family of 4 over about $40. Robert Blake is the actor that played Perry Smith, and Smith was a pretty messed up guy. His father abused his mother and all the children, including him. Perry's father was an alcoholic and then so was his mother. Then when his mother died when he was just 13, he was...
I agree with all that you said, and i think i might have an idea of who Robert is. In 1967 the movie In Cold Blood came out based on the book by Truman Capote about two murderers that brutally shoot the Clutter family of 4 over about $40. Robert Blake is the actor that played Perry Smith, and Smith was a pretty messed up guy. His father abused his mother and all the children, including him. Perry's father was an alcoholic and then so was his mother. Then when his mother died when he was just 13, he was sent to an orphanage where the nuns would abuse him for chronic bed-wetting (a common trait among serial killers). Anyway, the point is, Mark Foster really liked In Cold Blood, so I'm guessing Robert Blake is "Robert". Hope this helped, let me know your thoughts!
It seems this song has been pretty well analyzed. The one aspect I haven't seen explored is the possibility that this might have a darker edge to it than even the homicidal teen rampage. This might have a hint of 'generational' serial killer phenomena. Back in 2001, there was the father/son team of serial shooters in the Washington DC area. Darker still, is the line:
It seems this song has been pretty well analyzed. The one aspect I haven't seen explored is the possibility that this might have a darker edge to it than even the homicidal teen rampage. This might have a hint of 'generational' serial killer phenomena. Back in 2001, there was the father/son team of serial shooters in the Washington DC area. Darker still, is the line:
"Because dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice"
"Because dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice"
Even if you make dinner for a neglectful parent/spouse, "packing it in ice" doesn't make much sense...unless, it is some kind of fresh meat that you don't want to spoil and start decomposing. Could be one of the victims and either Robert has discovered something very disturbing about his father (maybe some of the other "fun things" he found in the box with the gun - 'trophies' of his father's victims perhaps) - or he has now completely broken with reality his Daddy is indeed back from home and is the one packed in ice. Just sayin'
The line "and I don't even know what" would be a continuation of the previous line. I take it to read, yea, his dad has a box full of fun things and other things I couldn't even name.
The line "and I don't even know what" would be a continuation of the previous line. I take it to read, yea, his dad has a box full of fun things and other things I couldn't even name.
i feel like when he says "he's a cowboy kid yeah" is referring to his rolled cigarette. a cowboy is a Marlboro cigarette. thats just my opinon at leat.. he almost nicknamed robert as the "cowboy kid" and it has a double meaning because cowboys smoked marlboro cigs and also owned guns... what do you guys think??
i feel like when he says "he's a cowboy kid yeah" is referring to his rolled cigarette. a cowboy is a Marlboro cigarette. thats just my opinon at leat.. he almost nicknamed robert as the "cowboy kid" and it has a double meaning because cowboys smoked marlboro cigs and also owned guns... what do you guys think??
it is a true story about a poor boy named robbert.who grow up in a broken home with a dad who beat him. he didnt kill his dad. he went to the mall and shot everyone with Nike airs, which probably means all the trendy popular kids. then he shot and left a note to his dad that said "1 day ill be famous."
it is a true story about a poor boy named robbert.who grow up in a broken home with a dad who beat him. he didnt kill his dad. he went to the mall and shot everyone with Nike airs, which probably means all the trendy popular kids. then he shot and left a note to his dad that said "1 day ill be famous."
You would think for a sound that sounds so upbeat and catchy it would be about somthing diffrent and not about a homicidal teenager. the way the lyrics are it sounds like its about a school shooting i think the "idon't even know what" in the song has to do with the things in the box maybe he doesn't exactly know what is in the box or in the closet.
You would think for a sound that sounds so upbeat and catchy it would be about somthing diffrent and not about a homicidal teenager. the way the lyrics are it sounds like its about a school shooting i think the "idon't even know what" in the song has to do with the things in the box maybe he doesn't exactly know what is in the box or in the closet.
For the most part, I do believe you are spot on. Here's some of my take on it. This part..."Yeah, he found a six-shooter gun
In his dad's closet hidden in a box of fun things
And I don't even know what
But he's coming for you, yeah, he's coming for you"
He found his dads gun, in a box along with other stuff that you have fun with, but he's keeping it to himself, it's his secret.
For the most part, I do believe you are spot on. Here's some of my take on it. This part..."Yeah, he found a six-shooter gun
In his dad's closet hidden in a box of fun things
And I don't even know what
But he's coming for you, yeah, he's coming for you"
He found his dads gun, in a box along with other stuff that you have fun with, but he's keeping it to himself, it's his secret.
This next part I find interesting...
This next part I find interesting...
I reason with my cigarette
And say your hair's on fire
You must have lost your wits, yeah
I don't think it's a tobacco cigarette, but a cannabis cigarette, a.k.a joint. since the first verse speaks of a "rolled cigarette."
I was told by my friend who also likes this song that "dinner's packed in ice" referrs to Beer, liquior, wisky, etc. But I do not know which is right. But the rest of the meanings really helped me understand the song and I thank you for that. Good Job.(:
I was told by my friend who also likes this song that "dinner's packed in ice" referrs to Beer, liquior, wisky, etc. But I do not know which is right. But the rest of the meanings really helped me understand the song and I thank you for that. Good Job.(:
I completely agree with lyricaljoy. I just wanted to add that the band said in an interview that this song is spacifiacally about the Columbine shooting. It is a very good written song that keeps the tragity in our memory but I can't stand to listen to it anymore. Im live in Colorado Springs(Where Columbine High School is) And I am constinly reminded of the event and even typing this right now is leaving me shaking, when I listen to this song I start to cry. This song is a good reminder to this event.
I completely agree with lyricaljoy. I just wanted to add that the band said in an interview that this song is spacifiacally about the Columbine shooting. It is a very good written song that keeps the tragity in our memory but I can't stand to listen to it anymore. Im live in Colorado Springs(Where Columbine High School is) And I am constinly reminded of the event and even typing this right now is leaving me shaking, when I listen to this song I start to cry. This song is a good reminder to this event.
Lyrical joy, the verse "dinner on ice" means that his hungry mans dinner is still in the freezer. Its not an actual dinner. maybe that why his dads going to beat him when he finds out.
Lyrical joy, the verse "dinner on ice" means that his hungry mans dinner is still in the freezer. Its not an actual dinner. maybe that why his dads going to beat him when he finds out.
When adolescence do things like shooting ppl, they tend to identify with other people who have done things similar to what they are about to do. I think he may be referring to Robert Steinhauser who shot and killed 16 people in Erfurt. Its called the Erfurt Massacre.
When adolescence do things like shooting ppl, they tend to identify with other people who have done things similar to what they are about to do. I think he may be referring to Robert Steinhauser who shot and killed 16 people in Erfurt. Its called the Erfurt Massacre.
Actually this song is about Robert Hawkins of the Westroads Mall shooting in Omaha. Robert was long estranged from his parents and lived with friends. The people he chose to open fire on were mostly middle-aged people over 40's with only Maggie Web (24) remotely close to his age (19). Robert also was a loner, which the cowboy characteristics refer to (six shooter, cigarette, etc).
Actually this song is about Robert Hawkins of the Westroads Mall shooting in Omaha. Robert was long estranged from his parents and lived with friends. The people he chose to open fire on were mostly middle-aged people over 40's with only Maggie Web (24) remotely close to his age (19). Robert also was a loner, which the cowboy characteristics refer to (six shooter, cigarette, etc).
I think this could have two references:
I don't know what else he found when he found the gun
In his Dad's closet with the gun
or I could mean I don't know what kind of gun, but I know it's a six shooter.
I think this could have two references:
I don't know what else he found when he found the gun
In his Dad's closet with the gun
or I could mean I don't know what kind of gun, but I know it's a six shooter.
after i read your comment i looked at the lyrics again.
i love these lyrics, so simple and direct. i don't think he is about to shoot yet.
its all still in his mind. he is sitting at home, smoking a cigarette, he has just found his dads old gun "in a box of fun things And I don't even know what"
he is innocent, young, very deeply hurt and so angry! he holds the gun in his hand and finally feels powerful, he imagines being at school the next day.
after i read your comment i looked at the lyrics again.
i love these lyrics, so simple and direct. i don't think he is about to shoot yet.
its all still in his mind. he is sitting at home, smoking a cigarette, he has just found his dads old gun "in a box of fun things And I don't even know what"
he is innocent, young, very deeply hurt and so angry! he holds the gun in his hand and finally feels powerful, he imagines being at school the next day.
1st verse is in 3rd person and future. he sees himself in the scene:
"He'll (he will) look around the room, He won't tell you his plan"
this cool cowboy kid with his cigarette and his gun sees
"all other kids with the pumped up kicks" running from him now!
in the 2nd verse he is back at home, looking at his cigarette , talking
"Daddy works a long day
He be coming home late, yeah, he's coming home late
And he's bringing me a surprise"
he knows he is going to get beaten
"Because dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice"
he was supposed to take the frozen dinners out and he isn't going to.
he has waited for a long time for this,
to stand up to his dad. now he is ready.
"I reason with my cigarette
And say your hair's on fire
You must have lost your wits, yeah"
i love this, in all innocence he projects himself onto his burning cigarette
and says what he knows is true.
"your hair's on fire and you must have lost your wits, yeah"
for those who think this song sets a bad example kids, i disagree.
this is not a song that glamorizes guns, violence or abusive behavior (as some do).
this is a song about the overwhelming pain of a young boy. about what he is feeling and what he is thinking about doing. it doesn't make it seem cool to shoot up your class. it makes it look tragic.
i don't think its just about a single event either. its about all of them.
and its about anyone in this situation.
i imagine most of us have felt overwhelmed and powerless at some point in our lives and fantasized about making it different, or covered it up very well!
if anything i think this song could make someone that feels like this boy,
feel less isolated by seeing that they are not alone in it.
and hopefully choose a better path than some have chosen in the past.
I sat in class reading this with the biggest smile on my face. Totally changed my mind about the song. I knew the killing part but all the other details really helped. :)
I sat in class reading this with the biggest smile on my face. Totally changed my mind about the song. I knew the killing part but all the other details really helped. :)
How about this for the meaning of-:"And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits"
I think he has shot someone in the head, and you could imagine the rest.
The dinner packed in ice may be that it has come from proceeds from sales of ice. or still has to be defrosted from the freezer. Would the fun things be drug apparartus or adult toys?
A lovely catchy light hearted tune that ironically conveys so much tragedy in Roberts life and the events which will unfold because of his bullets being faster that the kids in the pumped up...
How about this for the meaning of-:"And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits"
I think he has shot someone in the head, and you could imagine the rest.
The dinner packed in ice may be that it has come from proceeds from sales of ice. or still has to be defrosted from the freezer. Would the fun things be drug apparartus or adult toys?
A lovely catchy light hearted tune that ironically conveys so much tragedy in Roberts life and the events which will unfold because of his bullets being faster that the kids in the pumped up kicks...
ACTUALLY,
The lyrics to "Pumped Up Kicks" are written from the perspective of a troubled and delusional youth with homicidal thoughts. The lines in the chorus warn potential victims to "outrun my gun" and that they "better run, better run, faster than my bullet". Foster said, "I was trying to get inside the head of an isolated, psychotic kid." He wrote the lyrics in order to "bring awareness" to the issue of gun violence amongst youth, which he feels is an epidemic perpetuated by "lack of family, lack of love, and isolation". The song's title refers to shoes that the narrator's...
ACTUALLY,
The lyrics to "Pumped Up Kicks" are written from the perspective of a troubled and delusional youth with homicidal thoughts. The lines in the chorus warn potential victims to "outrun my gun" and that they "better run, better run, faster than my bullet". Foster said, "I was trying to get inside the head of an isolated, psychotic kid." He wrote the lyrics in order to "bring awareness" to the issue of gun violence amongst youth, which he feels is an epidemic perpetuated by "lack of family, lack of love, and isolation". The song's title refers to shoes that the narrator's peers wear as a status symbol. The issue of youth violence is a matter close to the group. Foster was bullied in high school, while bassist Cubbie Fink has a cousin who survived the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. Fink said of his cousin's experience, "She was actually in the library when everything went down, so I actually flew out to be with her the day after it happened and experienced the trauma surrounding it and saw how affected she was by it. She is as close as a sister, so obviously, it affected me deeply. So to be able to have a song to create a platform to talk about this stuff has been good for us."
Contrasting with the dark lyrics of the song, the music, which was written first, is upbeat. Foster said, "It's a 'fuck you' song to the hipsters in a way–but it's a song the hipsters are going to want to dance to." Jeffery Berg of Frontier Psychiatrist said, "I was so engrossed with the cheery melody of its chorus that it took me a few listens to discover that the lyrics suggest dark, Columbine revenge."
Due to the opening lyrics, "Robert's got a quick hand," many have speculated that the song is a reference to Robert Hawkins, perpetrator of Omaha's Westroads Mall shooting. The band's publicist refutes this with "This is completely false. The character name in the song is just a coincidence." For play on the television channels MTV and MTVu, the words "gun" and "bullet" were removed from the song's chorus. Foster believes many have misinterpreted the song's meaning, and he has written letters to his record label and called radio stations to complain. He explained, "The song is not about condoning violence at all. It's the complete opposite. The song is an amazing platform to have a conversation with your kids about something that shouldn't be ignored, to talk about it in a loving way."
Researching, not like a dumb ass, goes a long way.
Acually i beleive he being ritalral when he says dinner in the frige in ice.meaning a deeper meaning of his dad useing all his money for drugs and now their poor and can not afforde good food
Acually i beleive he being ritalral when he says dinner in the frige in ice.meaning a deeper meaning of his dad useing all his money for drugs and now their poor and can not afforde good food
You got all of it right but the song is true foster the people are singing about somthing that happened in 1980s a guy walk into scool with a shot gun that he found in his dads closet and killed everyone in the classroom he got home waited for his dad to come in and shot him and himself
You got all of it right but the song is true foster the people are singing about somthing that happened in 1980s a guy walk into scool with a shot gun that he found in his dads closet and killed everyone in the classroom he got home waited for his dad to come in and shot him and himself
boozooz I like your finding, it's very informative. And a good read, although I would like to add that interpretating the song in your own ways is not "dumb".
boozooz I like your finding, it's very informative. And a good read, although I would like to add that interpretating the song in your own ways is not "dumb".
'And I don't even know what,'
I think this is a culture reference to the way teenagers would say 'I know it sounds ridiculous'. They'll say 'what even' to agree back, too, and such, so it could be like that.
Examplary conversation;
'And I don't even know what,'
I think this is a culture reference to the way teenagers would say 'I know it sounds ridiculous'. They'll say 'what even' to agree back, too, and such, so it could be like that.
Examplary conversation;
"Y'know Jennie?"
"Yeah?"
"Her, and Brad, last night, and I don't even..."
"What even..."
"I know, right?"
"Yeah man."
"Yeah"
"Y'know Jennie?"
"Yeah?"
"Her, and Brad, last night, and I don't even..."
"What even..."
"I know, right?"
"Yeah man."
"Yeah"
@lyricaljoy
"The line "and i dont even know what" might be trying to convey that the kid sees a box of his dads "fun things", like maybe drugs or condoms or other sexual things and of course the gun. The kid is too young to know what the other stuff is used for but he does recognize what the gun is used for, killing."
In my opinion he knows what those things (or at least what are they for) are and he thinks they are "fun" (if you think a gun is fun...)...
@lyricaljoy
"The line "and i dont even know what" might be trying to convey that the kid sees a box of his dads "fun things", like maybe drugs or condoms or other sexual things and of course the gun. The kid is too young to know what the other stuff is used for but he does recognize what the gun is used for, killing."
In my opinion he knows what those things (or at least what are they for) are and he thinks they are "fun" (if you think a gun is fun...)
@lyricaljoy the name 'Robert' is an allusion to Robert Wayne Gladden, Jr. He was a school shooter in Maryland, Baltimore who after being severely bullied shot up the school with a shotgun. He was also drinking vodka at the time.
@lyricaljoy the name 'Robert' is an allusion to Robert Wayne Gladden, Jr. He was a school shooter in Maryland, Baltimore who after being severely bullied shot up the school with a shotgun. He was also drinking vodka at the time.
its about a disturbed kid going on a killing spree (no shit).
1st verse: he is just about to start shooting, and is hanging around with a shifty look and a revolver and no one suspects a thing. and the cowboy stuff means he's having fun with the idea of how cool it will be (probably to hae that power). cowboys are also lone figures which is important. but the line "and i dont even know what" any ideas? also the fact that hes called "Robert", is that name significant?
Chorus: pumped up kicks are probably like Nike airs and stuff, which probably means all the trendy popular kids, and hes going to shoot them. by telling them to run (even if not literaly) he is playing with them and enjoying this, because you cant run faster than bullets.
second verse: it says "daddy works a long day" which i think has an ironic innocense in assuming hes working that whole time. i think whats actually happening when dad's coming home late and bringing a surprise is he's coming home late drunk and beating him. dinner on ice is neglection. dinner reference + "ive been waiting a long time" suggests that he is at the dinnertable waiting for his dad to walk in. on top of that i think it also means he has been waiting along time for the opportunity of revenge. now reasoning with the cigarette is entertaining himself while he waits. the cigarette is probably acting as his concience he personifies it but also dismisses its opinion "And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits"
if you think i got it right let me know and if anyone can help me with that first verse a bit that would be nice
I think the Von Maur shooting was a kid named robby, and the people that shop there are rich kids with pumped up kicks.
I think the Von Maur shooting was a kid named robby, and the people that shop there are rich kids with pumped up kicks.
Wow! I think that you certainly nailed it! What you said makes perfect sense. I'd like to know more -- for example, is this based on certain true events?
Wow! I think that you certainly nailed it! What you said makes perfect sense. I'd like to know more -- for example, is this based on certain true events?
I think you're right. I think the part about the first verse "and I don't even know what" isn't really meaningful--to me, it just sounds like the narrator's trying to say "I don't even know what [you should do], but he's coming for you." I don't necessarily think the song is non-fiction, so I would guess the name is just a name chosen for the character.
I think you're right. I think the part about the first verse "and I don't even know what" isn't really meaningful--to me, it just sounds like the narrator's trying to say "I don't even know what [you should do], but he's coming for you." I don't necessarily think the song is non-fiction, so I would guess the name is just a name chosen for the character.
I do think the second verse goes a little bit more into the abusive father, though; I think "I've been waiting a long time" is definitely about revenge; he's been beaten his whole life and he's finally getting even. "It's packed on ice" is referring to the ice pack he's going to have to put on his face after his dad hits him. I'm not really sure about "your hair's on fire"--I like the idea that it's about the cigarette, and he's just a little nuts.
I think the song is from the perspective of an outsider first and then from the character's perspective; I don't think it's the character putting himself in the third person...
I totally believe this song is about shooting up classmates, but I think the part about "Dinner is packed on ice" means that his father's "Dinner" is most likely a case of beer, packed in ice to stay nice and chilly fresh. The rest of your interpretation I agree with dude!
I totally believe this song is about shooting up classmates, but I think the part about "Dinner is packed on ice" means that his father's "Dinner" is most likely a case of beer, packed in ice to stay nice and chilly fresh. The rest of your interpretation I agree with dude!
I think the line "I don't even know what" is just referring to the box of things he's found. Like, it's a box of fun things and I don't even know what, as in a lot of random stuff.
I think the line "I don't even know what" is just referring to the box of things he's found. Like, it's a box of fun things and I don't even know what, as in a lot of random stuff.
The line "and i dont even know what" might be trying to convey that the kid sees a box of his dads "fun things", like maybe drugs or condoms or other sexual things and of course the gun. The kid is too young to know what the other stuff is used for but he does recognize what the gun is used for, killing. The cowboy thing is just the kid thinking is needs to bring justice to his situation. His going to right all the wrongs in his life just like in cowboy movie, with a shootout....
The line "and i dont even know what" might be trying to convey that the kid sees a box of his dads "fun things", like maybe drugs or condoms or other sexual things and of course the gun. The kid is too young to know what the other stuff is used for but he does recognize what the gun is used for, killing. The cowboy thing is just the kid thinking is needs to bring justice to his situation. His going to right all the wrongs in his life just like in cowboy movie, with a shootout. This leads me to think the kid around 10, before puberty.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnenden_school_shooting
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnenden_school_shooting
subzerodeluxe, that incident has nothing to do with a boy named Robert.
subzerodeluxe, that incident has nothing to do with a boy named Robert.
Agree lyricaljoy.... For me the box is Pandora's Box and the whatever is the not actually drugs or tactile things but the actions attached to the gun.
Agree lyricaljoy.... For me the box is Pandora's Box and the whatever is the not actually drugs or tactile things but the actions attached to the gun.
I agree you're pretty spot on. It's weird because I went to a school where this was a real problem but this song kind of makes it easier to deal with because it gives you both views; not just the victims families but the families of the shooters. I know to those who dealt with this kind of situation this song can be very upsetting but at the same time I appreciate it.
I agree you're pretty spot on. It's weird because I went to a school where this was a real problem but this song kind of makes it easier to deal with because it gives you both views; not just the victims families but the families of the shooters. I know to those who dealt with this kind of situation this song can be very upsetting but at the same time I appreciate it.
I agree you're pretty spot on. It's weird because I went to a school where this was a real problem but this song kind of makes it easier to deal with because it gives you both views; not just the victims families but the families of the shooters. I know to those who dealt with this kind of situation this song can be very upsetting but at the same time I appreciate it.
I agree you're pretty spot on. It's weird because I went to a school where this was a real problem but this song kind of makes it easier to deal with because it gives you both views; not just the victims families but the families of the shooters. I know to those who dealt with this kind of situation this song can be very upsetting but at the same time I appreciate it.
I don't agree. Totally about child abuse. =(
I don't agree. Totally about child abuse. =(
this song is about the Von Maur shooting. That woul d explain the use of the name Robert because the shooter's name was Robert Hawkings
this song is about the Von Maur shooting. That woul d explain the use of the name Robert because the shooter's name was Robert Hawkings
bmullen728 is spot on. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_A._Hawkins
bmullen728 is spot on. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_A._Hawkins
This kid is definitely disturbed and plotting revenge, imagining himself as a cowboy, I think we all mostly agree. Cowboys not only tote six-shooters, they roll their own cigarettes, whistle, and wear dusters (not mentioned in the song, but now inseperable from teenage outcasts).
This kid is definitely disturbed and plotting revenge, imagining himself as a cowboy, I think we all mostly agree. Cowboys not only tote six-shooters, they roll their own cigarettes, whistle, and wear dusters (not mentioned in the song, but now inseperable from teenage outcasts).
I don't think the cigarette is a joint; in this day and age they would probably just come out and say so.
I don't think the cigarette is a joint; in this day and age they would probably just come out and say so.
Could be Robert's Dad abuses him, or just doesn't notice or care that his son is being victimized, so is just as bad. This kid could be mentally ill with no one taking the time to notice, could simply be a social outcast for one of the meaningless reasons kids torment each other. Schizophrenia would cause someone to be paranoid and plot revenge against anyone for something real or imagined, it causes hallucinations and talking to oneself, and high school would be a typical time for it to first turn up.
I think the dinner packed in ice is a very clever reference to revenge, a dish best served cold!
I like this song because it provides some food for thought and some food for groovin'!
i believe that the part "And say your hair's on fire, You must have lost your wits" means that his hot headedness took away from his reasoning at the moment. however not sure about who he's talking about. it could be his father, or him.
i believe that the part "And say your hair's on fire, You must have lost your wits" means that his hot headedness took away from his reasoning at the moment. however not sure about who he's talking about. it could be his father, or him.
also, i think he's a "cowboy kid" just refers to the fact that he smokes Malboro Red Cigarrettes. Malboro Man was a cowboy. and the part where he's reasoning with his cigarrette was just him trying to maybe talk some sense into himself or understand what he's about to do and his "hair's on fire" as he becomes hot headed and lose his "wits" or the ability to be understanding
also, i think he's a "cowboy kid" just refers to the fact that he smokes Malboro Red Cigarrettes. Malboro Man was a cowboy. and the part where he's reasoning with his cigarrette was just him trying to maybe talk some sense into himself or understand what he's about to do and his "hair's on fire" as he becomes hot headed and lose his "wits" or the ability to be understanding
I think your interpretation is right, but "pumped up kicks" haven't really been popular for like 15 years :/
I think your interpretation is right, but "pumped up kicks" haven't really been popular for like 15 years :/
Robert Duvall was Hollywood's last great cowboy.
Robert Duvall was Hollywood's last great cowboy.
"The Guinness Book of World Records once named Robert Duvall the most versatile actor in the world: He's worked in every genre, in masterpieces ranging from To Kill A Mockingbird to The Godfather. But the Academy Award-winner's most indelible contribution is to the Western. Early in his career, he appeared on TV series Shane and Cimarron Strip and during his nearly five decades onscreen, he's returned to those cowboy parts time and again."
"The Guinness Book of World Records once named Robert Duvall the most versatile actor in the world: He's worked in every genre, in masterpieces ranging from To Kill A Mockingbird to The Godfather. But the Academy Award-winner's most indelible contribution is to the Western. Early in his career, he appeared on TV series Shane and Cimarron Strip and during his nearly five decades onscreen, he's returned to those cowboy parts time and again."
blogs.amctv.com/photo-galleries/robert-duvall-photos/introduction.php
blogs.amctv.com/photo-galleries/robert-duvall-photos/introduction.php
wireupdate.com/wires/13873/assistant-principle-dies-in-omaha-ne-high-school-shooting/ this is the sifnifagence of robert
wireupdate.com/wires/13873/assistant-principle-dies-in-omaha-ne-high-school-shooting/ this is the sifnifagence of robert
I think, not only is the second verse saying his dad is abusive (which is the "surprise" he has for the kid) but the verse "Yeah, the slight of my hand is now a quick pull trigger I reason with my cigarette" is him waiting with his gun to turn it around on him and kill him. One of the Columbine shooters killed his parents, I believe (or one of those crazy school shooters did) before he went to school and started killing other kids. Very intuitive of you to pick up on all this- I believe you're even right...
I think, not only is the second verse saying his dad is abusive (which is the "surprise" he has for the kid) but the verse "Yeah, the slight of my hand is now a quick pull trigger I reason with my cigarette" is him waiting with his gun to turn it around on him and kill him. One of the Columbine shooters killed his parents, I believe (or one of those crazy school shooters did) before he went to school and started killing other kids. Very intuitive of you to pick up on all this- I believe you're even right about the cigarette referring to his conscience or to his self-reflection (the thing everyone tends to do when they smoke). I got the same exact interpretation from it the first time I heard the song.
Oh wait, my bad. LOL! You did pick up on the possibility that he might be planning to shoot his dad. I have this terrible habit of not being able to finish reading the very last bit of someone else's post, before I get so excited I have to reply. D'oh! I do the same thing with $5 dollar footlongs from Subway. Can never quite finish the last little bit.
Oh wait, my bad. LOL! You did pick up on the possibility that he might be planning to shoot his dad. I have this terrible habit of not being able to finish reading the very last bit of someone else's post, before I get so excited I have to reply. D'oh! I do the same thing with $5 dollar footlongs from Subway. Can never quite finish the last little bit.
Awesome song, so disturbing in such a subtle way and
Awesome song, so disturbing in such a subtle way and
lyrical your interpretation is chilling
lyrical your interpretation is chilling
Yeah, specifically I think it's about the Westroads Mall shooting rampage by Robert Hawkins in Omaha Nebraska, December 5, 2007
Yeah, specifically I think it's about the Westroads Mall shooting rampage by Robert Hawkins in Omaha Nebraska, December 5, 2007
I don't know if someone already did this or not and if so, I sincerely apologize. I don't have time to read ALL the posts but lyricaljoy you were rt on the money.
I don't know if someone already did this or not and if so, I sincerely apologize. I don't have time to read ALL the posts but lyricaljoy you were rt on the money.
" What is 'Pumped Up Kicks' about?
" What is 'Pumped Up Kicks' about?
'Pumped Up Kicks' is about a kid that basically is losing his mind and is plotting revenge. He's an outcast. I feel like the youth in our culture are becoming more and more isolated. It's kind of an epidemic. Instead of writing about victims and some tragedy, I wanted to get into the killer's mind, like Truman Capote did in 'In Cold Blood.' I love to write about characters. That's my style. I really like to get inside the heads of other people and try to walk in their shoes."
this website has an interview with the band...spinner.com/2011/03/04/foster-the-people-sxsw-top-100/
I think you're right, lyricaljoy! I also think that "Robert" is the name of the kid, and he starts off by telling the story in a kind of third-person view.
I think you're right, lyricaljoy! I also think that "Robert" is the name of the kid, and he starts off by telling the story in a kind of third-person view.
its Robert Butler who got a gun from his dads closet who is a police chief and took it to school. not the westroad mall rampage
its Robert Butler who got a gun from his dads closet who is a police chief and took it to school. not the westroad mall rampage
Well.I thought it was a light-hearted song,with no meaning to bad things what so ever.Now. I don't like this song that much anymore.I didn't know much of the words,hence why I'm here.I had thought about singing it for a community thing.i'm pretty sure that I won't now.I most likely won't listen to it again.I thought it was just one of those kind of weird songs.But it reminds me of an 80's song called "i don't like mondays" Which is about a girl who went on a killing spree at her school when asked why she said she didn't like mondays,this...
Well.I thought it was a light-hearted song,with no meaning to bad things what so ever.Now. I don't like this song that much anymore.I didn't know much of the words,hence why I'm here.I had thought about singing it for a community thing.i'm pretty sure that I won't now.I most likely won't listen to it again.I thought it was just one of those kind of weird songs.But it reminds me of an 80's song called "i don't like mondays" Which is about a girl who went on a killing spree at her school when asked why she said she didn't like mondays,this made it more exciting. In case you didn't guess,she was killing on a monday.
I've changed my mind.It's too good of a song to not listen to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've changed my mind.It's too good of a song to not listen to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Daddy works a long day He be coming home late, yeah, he's coming home late And he's bringing me a surprise Because dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice I've waited for a long time
Daddy works a long day He be coming home late, yeah, he's coming home late And he's bringing me a surprise Because dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice I've waited for a long time
Maybe Dad's not there....and maybe was never there.
Maybe Dad's not there....and maybe was never there.
It shows how some kids without good, strong parenting and being brought up by TV will turn them loose. Also bullying can push people to the breaking point, in ones mind or in other ways.
It shows how some kids without good, strong parenting and being brought up by TV will turn them loose. Also bullying can push people to the breaking point, in ones mind or in other ways.
Great song!
Great song!
when he says that his dad has box of fun things means the box has the gun
when he says that his dad has box of fun things means the box has the gun
when he says that his dad has box of fun things means the box has the gun
when he says that his dad has box of fun things means the box has the gun
oh wow... i thought he threw the cig at someone, and their hair caught fire... youre much more logical... good work, you ^-^
oh wow... i thought he threw the cig at someone, and their hair caught fire... youre much more logical... good work, you ^-^
The name Robert definitely draws a connection between this teenage killer and Robert A. Hawkins, a 19 year old who killed nine people in a mall shooting in 2007 in Nebraska. Interesting that Foster the People uses this comparison, a mall would likely be were all the pumped up kicks come from. The allusion to a rolled cigarette hanging from his lips also draws comparisons to the on screen rebellions persona of James Dean, a similar persona with which another teenage killer, Charles Starkweather, was obsessed with. Now to tie the whole thing together for any conspiracy theorists, both of...
The name Robert definitely draws a connection between this teenage killer and Robert A. Hawkins, a 19 year old who killed nine people in a mall shooting in 2007 in Nebraska. Interesting that Foster the People uses this comparison, a mall would likely be were all the pumped up kicks come from. The allusion to a rolled cigarette hanging from his lips also draws comparisons to the on screen rebellions persona of James Dean, a similar persona with which another teenage killer, Charles Starkweather, was obsessed with. Now to tie the whole thing together for any conspiracy theorists, both of the killers I've related the song to came from Nebraska, and were some of the deadliest occasions in Nebraskan recent history, even thought they happened 50 years apart.
*Refer to any of many pictures of James Dean with a hand rolled cigarette.
"Kids are just getting younger and younger and losing their minds and going on killing sprees. It really was bothering me, and I was trying to figure out why that was happening more and more. I wanted to tell that story and get inside the head of a kid going crazy," he said. "The song's about isolation, being an outcast, and seeing the world through the character's eyes. It's not about him actually physically going and doing anything, it's about his mental state. -Foster the People
"Kids are just getting younger and younger and losing their minds and going on killing sprees. It really was bothering me, and I was trying to figure out why that was happening more and more. I wanted to tell that story and get inside the head of a kid going crazy," he said. "The song's about isolation, being an outcast, and seeing the world through the character's eyes. It's not about him actually physically going and doing anything, it's about his mental state. -Foster the People
I have to say, you're pretty much on the dot. The only thing is that I think you're wrong about the cowboy thing. He has a revolver, and in many old cowboy movies they have guns. Maybe 'Robert' is at a costume party with a bunch of the 'trendy popular kids'
I have to say, you're pretty much on the dot. The only thing is that I think you're wrong about the cowboy thing. He has a revolver, and in many old cowboy movies they have guns. Maybe 'Robert' is at a costume party with a bunch of the 'trendy popular kids'
I think the "I don't even know what" means he probably not only found his dad's gun but his stash of porn and the like. He took the gun but as for the rest of it... "I don't even know what [he did with it]"
I think the "I don't even know what" means he probably not only found his dad's gun but his stash of porn and the like. He took the gun but as for the rest of it... "I don't even know what [he did with it]"
As for the the "pumped up kicks" I think it's a term for name brand clothes the ones this kid doesn't get to wear and therefore is an outcast (bullied) add to that what you said about being abused by his father, it all adds up.
As for the the "pumped up kicks" I think it's a term for name brand clothes the ones this kid doesn't get to wear and therefore is an outcast (bullied) add to that what you said about being abused by his father, it all adds up.
"he's bringing me a surprise" could mean that his dad also sexually abused him as well as beating him.
"they say your hair's on fire" it could mean that his dad had a hot temper and was always angry.
This song is actually about the copycat killings of a young man that went into a mall and began shooting.
This song is actually about the copycat killings of a young man that went into a mall and began shooting.
Being a veteran from Iraq, the irony of most situations, you find humor that most people dont find. Like the amount of bullets and the amount of kills/wounded. Most people's accuracy rate is not even 10%. Columbine was somewhere around 4% and Virginia Tech was around 6%.
Being a veteran from Iraq, the irony of most situations, you find humor that most people dont find. Like the amount of bullets and the amount of kills/wounded. Most people's accuracy rate is not even 10%. Columbine was somewhere around 4% and Virginia Tech was around 6%.
and i dont know what is metatfor for the mulastation from his father, he has been waiting to kill him,reasoning with his cigertte is his other personality hopes this helps
and i dont know what is metatfor for the mulastation from his father, he has been waiting to kill him,reasoning with his cigertte is his other personality hopes this helps
The name of the shooter in the song is Robert, which is the name of the boy who went on a shooting spree at the Westroads in Omaha, NE.
The name of the shooter in the song is Robert, which is the name of the boy who went on a shooting spree at the Westroads in Omaha, NE.
this song is about the columbine shooting....when the two kids went around shooting at people at their school then killing themselves look up an interview it says it....
this song is about the columbine shooting....when the two kids went around shooting at people at their school then killing themselves look up an interview it says it....
I agree with all that you said, and i think i might have an idea of who Robert is. In 1967 the movie In Cold Blood came out based on the book by Truman Capote about two murderers that brutally shoot the Clutter family of 4 over about $40. Robert Blake is the actor that played Perry Smith, and Smith was a pretty messed up guy. His father abused his mother and all the children, including him. Perry's father was an alcoholic and then so was his mother. Then when his mother died when he was just 13, he was...
I agree with all that you said, and i think i might have an idea of who Robert is. In 1967 the movie In Cold Blood came out based on the book by Truman Capote about two murderers that brutally shoot the Clutter family of 4 over about $40. Robert Blake is the actor that played Perry Smith, and Smith was a pretty messed up guy. His father abused his mother and all the children, including him. Perry's father was an alcoholic and then so was his mother. Then when his mother died when he was just 13, he was sent to an orphanage where the nuns would abuse him for chronic bed-wetting (a common trait among serial killers). Anyway, the point is, Mark Foster really liked In Cold Blood, so I'm guessing Robert Blake is "Robert". Hope this helped, let me know your thoughts!
Does anyone remember the 1979 song from the Boomtown Rats, "I don't like Mondays"....
Does anyone remember the 1979 song from the Boomtown Rats, "I don't like Mondays"....
lyrical... Could this song be about the kid killing his Dad? It's a hard one to figure out. Cool tune though! Love it!
lyrical... Could this song be about the kid killing his Dad? It's a hard one to figure out. Cool tune though! Love it!
It seems this song has been pretty well analyzed. The one aspect I haven't seen explored is the possibility that this might have a darker edge to it than even the homicidal teen rampage. This might have a hint of 'generational' serial killer phenomena. Back in 2001, there was the father/son team of serial shooters in the Washington DC area. Darker still, is the line:
It seems this song has been pretty well analyzed. The one aspect I haven't seen explored is the possibility that this might have a darker edge to it than even the homicidal teen rampage. This might have a hint of 'generational' serial killer phenomena. Back in 2001, there was the father/son team of serial shooters in the Washington DC area. Darker still, is the line:
"Because dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice"
"Because dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice"
Even if you make dinner for a neglectful parent/spouse, "packing it in ice" doesn't make much sense...unless, it is some kind of fresh meat that you don't want to spoil and start decomposing. Could be one of the victims and either Robert has discovered something very disturbing about his father (maybe some of the other "fun things" he found in the box with the gun - 'trophies' of his father's victims perhaps) - or he has now completely broken with reality his Daddy is indeed back from home and is the one packed in ice. Just sayin'
The line "and I don't even know what" would be a continuation of the previous line. I take it to read, yea, his dad has a box full of fun things and other things I couldn't even name.
The line "and I don't even know what" would be a continuation of the previous line. I take it to read, yea, his dad has a box full of fun things and other things I couldn't even name.
Sounds like you have thought it through very intricately. Not sure how right on you are. But if I rated it on a scale of 1-10 I'd give it an 11.
Sounds like you have thought it through very intricately. Not sure how right on you are. But if I rated it on a scale of 1-10 I'd give it an 11.
thanks lyricaljoy. i know understand!
thanks lyricaljoy. i know understand!
Is it possible that robert refers to Robert Ford... the man that killed Billy the Kid.. especially with the reference to the old style of gun
Is it possible that robert refers to Robert Ford... the man that killed Billy the Kid.. especially with the reference to the old style of gun
i feel like when he says "he's a cowboy kid yeah" is referring to his rolled cigarette. a cowboy is a Marlboro cigarette. thats just my opinon at leat.. he almost nicknamed robert as the "cowboy kid" and it has a double meaning because cowboys smoked marlboro cigs and also owned guns... what do you guys think??
i feel like when he says "he's a cowboy kid yeah" is referring to his rolled cigarette. a cowboy is a Marlboro cigarette. thats just my opinon at leat.. he almost nicknamed robert as the "cowboy kid" and it has a double meaning because cowboys smoked marlboro cigs and also owned guns... what do you guys think??
it is a true story about a poor boy named robbert.who grow up in a broken home with a dad who beat him. he didnt kill his dad. he went to the mall and shot everyone with Nike airs, which probably means all the trendy popular kids. then he shot and left a note to his dad that said "1 day ill be famous."
it is a true story about a poor boy named robbert.who grow up in a broken home with a dad who beat him. he didnt kill his dad. he went to the mall and shot everyone with Nike airs, which probably means all the trendy popular kids. then he shot and left a note to his dad that said "1 day ill be famous."
You would think for a sound that sounds so upbeat and catchy it would be about somthing diffrent and not about a homicidal teenager. the way the lyrics are it sounds like its about a school shooting i think the "idon't even know what" in the song has to do with the things in the box maybe he doesn't exactly know what is in the box or in the closet.
You would think for a sound that sounds so upbeat and catchy it would be about somthing diffrent and not about a homicidal teenager. the way the lyrics are it sounds like its about a school shooting i think the "idon't even know what" in the song has to do with the things in the box maybe he doesn't exactly know what is in the box or in the closet.
I agree 100%
I agree 100%
For the most part, I do believe you are spot on. Here's some of my take on it. This part..."Yeah, he found a six-shooter gun In his dad's closet hidden in a box of fun things And I don't even know what But he's coming for you, yeah, he's coming for you" He found his dads gun, in a box along with other stuff that you have fun with, but he's keeping it to himself, it's his secret.
For the most part, I do believe you are spot on. Here's some of my take on it. This part..."Yeah, he found a six-shooter gun In his dad's closet hidden in a box of fun things And I don't even know what But he's coming for you, yeah, he's coming for you" He found his dads gun, in a box along with other stuff that you have fun with, but he's keeping it to himself, it's his secret.
This next part I find interesting...
This next part I find interesting...
I reason with my cigarette And say your hair's on fire You must have lost your wits, yeah
I don't think it's a tobacco cigarette, but a cannabis cigarette, a.k.a joint. since the first verse speaks of a "rolled cigarette."
You definitely nailed it! Gave me chills reading your post and listening to the song. Awesome! Thanks!!
You definitely nailed it! Gave me chills reading your post and listening to the song. Awesome! Thanks!!
I was told by my friend who also likes this song that "dinner's packed in ice" referrs to Beer, liquior, wisky, etc. But I do not know which is right. But the rest of the meanings really helped me understand the song and I thank you for that. Good Job.(:
I was told by my friend who also likes this song that "dinner's packed in ice" referrs to Beer, liquior, wisky, etc. But I do not know which is right. But the rest of the meanings really helped me understand the song and I thank you for that. Good Job.(:
I completely agree with lyricaljoy. I just wanted to add that the band said in an interview that this song is spacifiacally about the Columbine shooting. It is a very good written song that keeps the tragity in our memory but I can't stand to listen to it anymore. Im live in Colorado Springs(Where Columbine High School is) And I am constinly reminded of the event and even typing this right now is leaving me shaking, when I listen to this song I start to cry. This song is a good reminder to this event.
I completely agree with lyricaljoy. I just wanted to add that the band said in an interview that this song is spacifiacally about the Columbine shooting. It is a very good written song that keeps the tragity in our memory but I can't stand to listen to it anymore. Im live in Colorado Springs(Where Columbine High School is) And I am constinly reminded of the event and even typing this right now is leaving me shaking, when I listen to this song I start to cry. This song is a good reminder to this event.
Lyrical joy, the verse "dinner on ice" means that his hungry mans dinner is still in the freezer. Its not an actual dinner. maybe that why his dads going to beat him when he finds out.
Lyrical joy, the verse "dinner on ice" means that his hungry mans dinner is still in the freezer. Its not an actual dinner. maybe that why his dads going to beat him when he finds out.
When adolescence do things like shooting ppl, they tend to identify with other people who have done things similar to what they are about to do. I think he may be referring to Robert Steinhauser who shot and killed 16 people in Erfurt. Its called the Erfurt Massacre.
When adolescence do things like shooting ppl, they tend to identify with other people who have done things similar to what they are about to do. I think he may be referring to Robert Steinhauser who shot and killed 16 people in Erfurt. Its called the Erfurt Massacre.
Actually this song is about Robert Hawkins of the Westroads Mall shooting in Omaha. Robert was long estranged from his parents and lived with friends. The people he chose to open fire on were mostly middle-aged people over 40's with only Maggie Web (24) remotely close to his age (19). Robert also was a loner, which the cowboy characteristics refer to (six shooter, cigarette, etc).
Actually this song is about Robert Hawkins of the Westroads Mall shooting in Omaha. Robert was long estranged from his parents and lived with friends. The people he chose to open fire on were mostly middle-aged people over 40's with only Maggie Web (24) remotely close to his age (19). Robert also was a loner, which the cowboy characteristics refer to (six shooter, cigarette, etc).
go to this link it will explain everything. dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1344543/Millard-South-High-School-shooting-Student-Robert-Butlers-Facebook-suicide-note.html
go to this link it will explain everything. dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1344543/Millard-South-High-School-shooting-Student-Robert-Butlers-Facebook-suicide-note.html
This song could be about the Columbine Shooting.
This song could be about the Columbine Shooting.
"and I don't even know what"
"and I don't even know what"
I think this could have two references: I don't know what else he found when he found the gun In his Dad's closet with the gun or I could mean I don't know what kind of gun, but I know it's a six shooter.
I think this could have two references: I don't know what else he found when he found the gun In his Dad's closet with the gun or I could mean I don't know what kind of gun, but I know it's a six shooter.
nice job lyricaljoy,
nice job lyricaljoy,
after i read your comment i looked at the lyrics again. i love these lyrics, so simple and direct. i don't think he is about to shoot yet. its all still in his mind. he is sitting at home, smoking a cigarette, he has just found his dads old gun "in a box of fun things And I don't even know what" he is innocent, young, very deeply hurt and so angry! he holds the gun in his hand and finally feels powerful, he imagines being at school the next day.
after i read your comment i looked at the lyrics again. i love these lyrics, so simple and direct. i don't think he is about to shoot yet. its all still in his mind. he is sitting at home, smoking a cigarette, he has just found his dads old gun "in a box of fun things And I don't even know what" he is innocent, young, very deeply hurt and so angry! he holds the gun in his hand and finally feels powerful, he imagines being at school the next day.
1st verse is in 3rd person and future. he sees himself in the scene:
"He'll (he will) look around the room, He won't tell you his plan"
this cool cowboy kid with his cigarette and his gun sees "all other kids with the pumped up kicks" running from him now!
in the 2nd verse he is back at home, looking at his cigarette , talking "Daddy works a long day He be coming home late, yeah, he's coming home late And he's bringing me a surprise"
he knows he is going to get beaten "Because dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice" he was supposed to take the frozen dinners out and he isn't going to.
he has waited for a long time for this, to stand up to his dad. now he is ready.
"I reason with my cigarette And say your hair's on fire You must have lost your wits, yeah"
i love this, in all innocence he projects himself onto his burning cigarette and says what he knows is true. "your hair's on fire and you must have lost your wits, yeah"
for those who think this song sets a bad example kids, i disagree. this is not a song that glamorizes guns, violence or abusive behavior (as some do). this is a song about the overwhelming pain of a young boy. about what he is feeling and what he is thinking about doing. it doesn't make it seem cool to shoot up your class. it makes it look tragic. i don't think its just about a single event either. its about all of them. and its about anyone in this situation. i imagine most of us have felt overwhelmed and powerless at some point in our lives and fantasized about making it different, or covered it up very well!
if anything i think this song could make someone that feels like this boy,
feel less isolated by seeing that they are not alone in it. and hopefully choose a better path than some have chosen in the past.
I sat in class reading this with the biggest smile on my face. Totally changed my mind about the song. I knew the killing part but all the other details really helped. :)
I sat in class reading this with the biggest smile on my face. Totally changed my mind about the song. I knew the killing part but all the other details really helped. :)
How about this for the meaning of-:"And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits" I think he has shot someone in the head, and you could imagine the rest. The dinner packed in ice may be that it has come from proceeds from sales of ice. or still has to be defrosted from the freezer. Would the fun things be drug apparartus or adult toys? A lovely catchy light hearted tune that ironically conveys so much tragedy in Roberts life and the events which will unfold because of his bullets being faster that the kids in the pumped up...
How about this for the meaning of-:"And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits" I think he has shot someone in the head, and you could imagine the rest. The dinner packed in ice may be that it has come from proceeds from sales of ice. or still has to be defrosted from the freezer. Would the fun things be drug apparartus or adult toys? A lovely catchy light hearted tune that ironically conveys so much tragedy in Roberts life and the events which will unfold because of his bullets being faster that the kids in the pumped up kicks...
ACTUALLY, The lyrics to "Pumped Up Kicks" are written from the perspective of a troubled and delusional youth with homicidal thoughts. The lines in the chorus warn potential victims to "outrun my gun" and that they "better run, better run, faster than my bullet". Foster said, "I was trying to get inside the head of an isolated, psychotic kid." He wrote the lyrics in order to "bring awareness" to the issue of gun violence amongst youth, which he feels is an epidemic perpetuated by "lack of family, lack of love, and isolation". The song's title refers to shoes that the narrator's...
ACTUALLY, The lyrics to "Pumped Up Kicks" are written from the perspective of a troubled and delusional youth with homicidal thoughts. The lines in the chorus warn potential victims to "outrun my gun" and that they "better run, better run, faster than my bullet". Foster said, "I was trying to get inside the head of an isolated, psychotic kid." He wrote the lyrics in order to "bring awareness" to the issue of gun violence amongst youth, which he feels is an epidemic perpetuated by "lack of family, lack of love, and isolation". The song's title refers to shoes that the narrator's peers wear as a status symbol. The issue of youth violence is a matter close to the group. Foster was bullied in high school, while bassist Cubbie Fink has a cousin who survived the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. Fink said of his cousin's experience, "She was actually in the library when everything went down, so I actually flew out to be with her the day after it happened and experienced the trauma surrounding it and saw how affected she was by it. She is as close as a sister, so obviously, it affected me deeply. So to be able to have a song to create a platform to talk about this stuff has been good for us."
Contrasting with the dark lyrics of the song, the music, which was written first, is upbeat. Foster said, "It's a 'fuck you' song to the hipsters in a way–but it's a song the hipsters are going to want to dance to." Jeffery Berg of Frontier Psychiatrist said, "I was so engrossed with the cheery melody of its chorus that it took me a few listens to discover that the lyrics suggest dark, Columbine revenge."
Due to the opening lyrics, "Robert's got a quick hand," many have speculated that the song is a reference to Robert Hawkins, perpetrator of Omaha's Westroads Mall shooting. The band's publicist refutes this with "This is completely false. The character name in the song is just a coincidence." For play on the television channels MTV and MTVu, the words "gun" and "bullet" were removed from the song's chorus. Foster believes many have misinterpreted the song's meaning, and he has written letters to his record label and called radio stations to complain. He explained, "The song is not about condoning violence at all. It's the complete opposite. The song is an amazing platform to have a conversation with your kids about something that shouldn't be ignored, to talk about it in a loving way."
Researching, not like a dumb ass, goes a long way.
Acually i beleive he being ritalral when he says dinner in the frige in ice.meaning a deeper meaning of his dad useing all his money for drugs and now their poor and can not afforde good food
Acually i beleive he being ritalral when he says dinner in the frige in ice.meaning a deeper meaning of his dad useing all his money for drugs and now their poor and can not afforde good food
You got all of it right but the song is true foster the people are singing about somthing that happened in 1980s a guy walk into scool with a shot gun that he found in his dads closet and killed everyone in the classroom he got home waited for his dad to come in and shot him and himself
You got all of it right but the song is true foster the people are singing about somthing that happened in 1980s a guy walk into scool with a shot gun that he found in his dads closet and killed everyone in the classroom he got home waited for his dad to come in and shot him and himself
It's about the kid who shot up the Columbine School in April, 1995
It's about the kid who shot up the Columbine School in April, 1995
boozooz I like your finding, it's very informative. And a good read, although I would like to add that interpretating the song in your own ways is not "dumb".
boozooz I like your finding, it's very informative. And a good read, although I would like to add that interpretating the song in your own ways is not "dumb".
'And I don't even know what,' I think this is a culture reference to the way teenagers would say 'I know it sounds ridiculous'. They'll say 'what even' to agree back, too, and such, so it could be like that. Examplary conversation;
'And I don't even know what,' I think this is a culture reference to the way teenagers would say 'I know it sounds ridiculous'. They'll say 'what even' to agree back, too, and such, so it could be like that. Examplary conversation;
"Y'know Jennie?" "Yeah?" "Her, and Brad, last night, and I don't even..." "What even..." "I know, right?" "Yeah man." "Yeah"
"Y'know Jennie?" "Yeah?" "Her, and Brad, last night, and I don't even..." "What even..." "I know, right?" "Yeah man." "Yeah"
Wow!!!! That's perfect... Complete description of the song. Rate UP? Definitely
Wow!!!! That's perfect... Complete description of the song. Rate UP? Definitely
@lyricaljoy "The line "and i dont even know what" might be trying to convey that the kid sees a box of his dads "fun things", like maybe drugs or condoms or other sexual things and of course the gun. The kid is too young to know what the other stuff is used for but he does recognize what the gun is used for, killing." In my opinion he knows what those things (or at least what are they for) are and he thinks they are "fun" (if you think a gun is fun...)...
@lyricaljoy "The line "and i dont even know what" might be trying to convey that the kid sees a box of his dads "fun things", like maybe drugs or condoms or other sexual things and of course the gun. The kid is too young to know what the other stuff is used for but he does recognize what the gun is used for, killing." In my opinion he knows what those things (or at least what are they for) are and he thinks they are "fun" (if you think a gun is fun...)
@lyricaljoy Meme
@lyricaljoy Meme
@lyricaljoy right!!
@lyricaljoy right!!
@lyricaljoy the name 'Robert' is an allusion to Robert Wayne Gladden, Jr. He was a school shooter in Maryland, Baltimore who after being severely bullied shot up the school with a shotgun. He was also drinking vodka at the time.
@lyricaljoy the name 'Robert' is an allusion to Robert Wayne Gladden, Jr. He was a school shooter in Maryland, Baltimore who after being severely bullied shot up the school with a shotgun. He was also drinking vodka at the time.