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 meaning or verses featured in the song. “Pumped Up Kicks” has a peppy, upbeat tune that kind of distracts from the topic at hand that you wouldn’t expect.

The song starts off by talking about Robert, who is figured to be a young student, thinking about committing violent acts towards his peers. The first verse is all foreshadowing of what is to come and sets up the story very nicely.

Robert’s got a quick hand
He’ll look around the room
He won’t tell you his plan
He’s got a rolled cigarette
Hanging out his mouth

Robert has a quick hand meaning that he is a quick to pull a gun; the overall theme of violence already shows through.

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

gun.

All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You better run, better run, faster than my bullet

Robert has made his mind up and is ready to take action; his targets are kids that he feels have estranged or left his out. The song talks about famous shoes which a lot of rich kids would probably wear, but Robert either doesn’t care or takes value in less shallow things. He probably also feels as if those around him are dressed better than him which would make a lot of sense. After all, his father didn’t care enough to hide his gun, so why should he buy his son nice clothes?

At this point, there is absolutely no turning back in his mind. He sarcastically asks the other kids to run away from him in their athletic shoes. Despite wearing running shoes, none of the victims will ever be able to get away. The last line of the hook implies that the bullet has left the chamber already and is already well on the way to killing his target.

Daddy works a long day
He be coming home late, and he’s coming home late
And he’s bringing me a surprise
Cause dinner’s in the kitchen and it’s packed in ice

The first line of the third verse really starts to get the ball rolling on the internal and external pain and turmoil, while also likely explaining at least part of Robert’s depression and violent behavior. His dad isn’t coming home until late and we have no idea where his mom may be, so he probably spends a lot of his time alone after school. We don’t know what that surprise may be, but I’d assume that it is some kind of a beating. His father isn’t coming home until late, which might mean that his dad could have been out drinking. His broken home doesn’t have a ton of money so that leads to him eating poor quality food that has already been pre-packaged.

I've waited for a long time
Yeah the sleight of my hand is now a quick-pull trigger
I reason with my cigarette
Then say "Your hair’s on fire, you must've lost your wits, yeah?"

Robert had waited to put his plan into action for a really long time. He had become emotionally invested and put time into planning and research and also found the means to carry out the deed. He was on the edge of breaking point and was liable to snap at any given time.
The song ends with the words run, run, run being repeated over and over for the hook.