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Meaning and Lyrics of Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People

Song Lyrics meaning of Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People

About Foster The People

Foster The People is an American indie pop band formed in Los Angeles, California in 2009. The group was initially the solo project of singer-songwriter Mark Foster, who later expanded it into a full band with the addition of bassist Cubbie Fink and drummer Mark Pontius. The band’s music is characterized by its catchy melodies, intricate production, and thoughtful lyrics. The band’s breakthrough came with the release of their 2010 single “Pumped Up Kicks”, an infectious, indie-pop anthem with dark, contemplative lyrics that quickly propelled them into the mainstream. The song’s juxtaposition of upbeat rhythms with a somber narrative resonated with a wide audience, resulting in significant radio play and commercial success. In 2011, Foster The People released their debut album, “Torches”, which received critical acclaim and cemented their status as one of the leading bands in the indie pop scene. Tracks like “Helena Beat” and “Houdini” showcased their knack for blending catchy hooks with poignant lyrics. Over the years, the band has evolved their style, experimenting with different sounds and production techniques, as evident in their subsequent albums “Supermodel” (2014) and “Sacred Hearts Club” (2017). Despite changes in the lineup, with Fink departing and various members joining for touring purposes, Foster The People continues to be a vibrant act in the indie music landscape. With a distinctive blend of indie pop and electronic elements, Foster The People has carved out a unique space in contemporary music, balancing mainstream appeal with artistic depth.

Meaning of Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People

“Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People is a song that juxtaposes seemingly upbeat, catchy music with dark and chilling lyrics. The lyrics tell the story of a troubled individual named Robert who possesses a gun and is on a path to harm others. The chorus warns “All the other kids with the pumped-up kicks, you better run, better run, outrun my gun,” indicating a sense of danger and urgency.

The verses provide insight into Robert’s background, mentioning his father’s gun, his troubled family life, and his escalating violent tendencies. The mention of a father who works long hours and a neglected child waiting for his return paints a picture of a dysfunctional family dynamic that may have contributed to Robert’s behavior.

The repeated chorus serves as a chilling reminder of the imminent threat Robert poses to those around him. The imagery of running faster than a bullet emphasizes the urgency and danger of the situation.

The bridge, with its repetitive urging to run, reinforces the sense of urgency and tension in the song. The frantic repetition of “Run, run, run” adds to the foreboding atmosphere portrayed throughout the track.

Overall, “Pumped Up Kicks” can be interpreted as a commentary on gun violence, troubled youth, and the impact of neglect and dysfunction within families. The catchy melody and upbeat tempo juxtaposed with the dark subject matter create a disturbing contrast that forces listeners to confront the harsh reality of the lyrics.

Lyrics of Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People

Verse 1
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, he's a cowboy kid
Yeah, he found a six-shooter gun
In his dad's closet with a box of fun things
I don't even know what
But he's coming for you, yeah, he's coming for you, wait

Chorus
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
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

Verse 2
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
I've waited for a long time
Yeah, the sleight of my hand is now a quick-pull trigger
I reason with my cigarette
And say, "Your hair's on fire, you must've lost your wits," yeah

Chorus
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
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

Bridge
Run, run, run, run
Ru-ru-ru-run, run, run
Ru-ru-ru-ru-run, run, run, run
Ru-ru-ru-run
Run, run, ru-run, run

Chorus
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
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
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

Discography Foster The People

Torches X (Deluxe Edition)

Release: 2021-11-12

Label: Columbia/Legacy

Popularity: 👏👏

1. Helena Beat
2. Pumped Up Kicks
3. Call It What You Want
4. Don’t Stop (Color on the Walls)
5. Waste
6. I Would Do Anything for You
7. Houdini
8. Life on the Nickel
9. Miss You
10. Warrant
11. Broken Jaw
12. Love
13. Ruby
14. Chin Music For The Unsuspecting Hero
15. Downtown
16. Pumped Up Kicks – The Knocks Speeding Bullet Remix
17. Houdini – RAC Remix
18. Helena Beat – Lenno Extended Remix
19. Call It What You Want – Treasure Fingers Pre-Party Remix Radio Edit
20. Pumped Up Kicks – Gus Dapperton Version

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Sacred Hearts Club

Release: 2017-07-21

Label: Columbia/Legacy

Popularity: 👏👏👏

1. Pay the Man
2. Doing It for the Money
3. Sit Next to Me
4. SHC
5. I Love My Friends
6. Orange Dream
7. Static Space Lover
8. Lotus Eater
9. Time to Get Closer
10. Loyal Like Sid & Nancy
11. Harden the Paint
12. III

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Supermodel

Release: 2014-03-14

Label: Columbia

Popularity: 👏👏👏

1. Are You What You Want to Be?
2. Ask Yourself
3. Coming of Age
4. Nevermind
5. Pseudologia Fantastica
6. The Angelic Welcome of Mr. Jones
7. Best Friend
8. A Beginner’s Guide to Destroying the Moon
9. Goats in Trees
10. The Truth
11. Fire Escape

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