Pumped Up Kicks

Song Meaning of Pumped Up Kicks by Foster The People

"Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster The People, released in 2010, is a catchy and upbeat indie-pop song with a dark undertone. The lyrics tell a story of a troubled youth contemplating violence, and the song became a subject of attention and discussion due to its thematic content.

The narrative within the song centers around a character who feels alienated and disenfranchised, grappling with feelings of frustration and isolation. The protagonist harbors a sinister plan, as revealed in the chorus with the lines "All the other kids with the pumped-up kicks, you'd better run, better run, outrun my gun."

The "pumped-up kicks" in the lyrics refer to trendy and expensive sneakers that are a status symbol among young people. The song paints a picture of a troubled individual who feels marginalized and sees

violence as a way to gain power and attention.

As the song unfolds, it sheds light on the dark side of teenage angst and the potential consequences of neglecting mental health issues. The character's violent thoughts become a manifestation of their struggle with societal pressures, peer dynamics, and mental health challenges.

In the US, the song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for eight straight weeks.

Pumped Up Kicks lyrics by Foster The People

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

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

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

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

Run, run, run, run, ru-ru-ru-run, run, run

Ru-ru-ru-run, run, run, run

Ru-ru-ru-run, run, run, run, run, run

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