Twenty One Pilots, a music duo consisting of Tyler Joseph and Joshua Dun, is definitely a band everyone should get into if they’re not already obsessed with them. The band, often referred to as TØP, has gained an extreme mainstream presence ever since their release of "Blurryface" in May 2015. If you listen to the radio at all, I’m sure you’ve heard “Stressed Out” by them one, two, or maybe even 100 times. As a huge fan of theirs, I’m glad they’re getting the attention they are because they truly deserve it.
The band is often referred to as an indie pop group, but really their music style fits into so many different genres: rap, rock, electronic, pop, indie, etc. They’re hands-down the most eclectic band I have ever listened to and that’s what makes them so unique. But besides them being super unique, different, and popular (which is all so awesome), the best part about the duo is definitely their incredible lyricism. Twenty One Pilots has some of the most quotable, tweet-able, tattoo-able, amazing lyrics that I’ve ever heard, and as a college student, I find many of them very relatable (or #relatable, as the cool kids would say). Through the stressful semesters, 8 a.m.’s, finals weeks, and everything else we college students have a love/hate relationship with, we all need music to turn to. Many of TØP’s lyrics say the thoughts we have on our minds during these times, and here are some of them.
1. “Wish we could turn back time, to the good ol' days, when our momma sang us to sleep but now we're stressed out.” Stressed Out
There’s no doubt that college students constantly stress about doing well in classes, working, being involved on campus, the future (this especially), and balancing all of that to make sure we don’t spread ourselves too thin. These TØP lyrics perfectly display how sometimes, we college students want to “turn back time” to when we were younger and didn’t have a care in the world.
2. “Used to dream of outer space but now they're laughing at our face, saying, ‘Wake up, you need to make money’” Stressed Out
OK, “Stressed Out” is clearly the perfect song to express how college students feel sometimes. We are constantly worrying about the future, getting a job once graduation rolls around, and being able to one day make good money and be stable. This stuff is constantly drilled into our heads and encompasses our minds pretty much nonstop.
3. “I'm a pro at imperfections and I'm best friends with my doubt.” The Judge
College students can be pretty doubtful people. I don’t know a single person who hasn’t changed their major or career idea at some point. But that’s completely normal and you’re not alone if you’re one of those people. I too am indeed best friends with my doubt.
4. “Those stairs is where I'll be hiding all my problems” Polarize
This lyric doesn’t entirely make sense, but somehow completely does. I don’t know where “those stairs” are, but I as well would like to hide my problems there.
5. “I'm taking my time on my ride.” Ride
Even though college can be stressful, we know that we’re taking it day by day and that one day, all the hard work and stress will pay off. Until then, we’re taking our time and enjoying the amazing four years that college has to offer us.
