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https://songmeaning.ai/songs/Twenty-one-pilots-heathens
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The song 'Heathens' by twenty one pilots delves into themes of societal ostracism and the internal struggles of misunderstood individuals. It paints a picture of a group of so-called 'heathens', who are depicted as societal outcasts with dark histories or secrets. The lyrics urge caution and understanding, suggesting that everyone has a deeper story beyond surface-level judgments.
The emotional journey of 'Heathens' begins with a sense of forewarning and guardedness as the chorus sets the tone with 'All my friends are heathens, take it slow'. There is an air of caution, urging someone unfamiliar with the group to be careful and not make assumptions about the collective, as they are unforeseen depths and past traumas amongst them.
As the first verse unfolds, listeners are introduced to a metaphorical room where individuals are metaphorically trapped – the 'rooms' may symbolize their minds or personal situations from which they feel they cannot escape. The mention of checking guns at the door implies a surrender of physical defenses but highlights the ongoing mental battles that are likened to 'hand grenades.'
The song continues to build a sense of unease with the verse describing how 'outsiders' are regarded with suspicion, accentuating themes of mistrust and the difficulties of integrating into a closed, wounded community. The unease culminates as the bridge echoes with increasing paranoia and tension before the outro confronts the listener with a twist: they may not be as different from the 'heathens' as they thought, potentially becoming one of them.
Throughout the emotional landscape of the song, twenty one pilots capture feelings of isolation, judgment, and the human tendency to hide inner turmoil behind a veneer of normalcy, creating a compelling narrative of connection and empathy amid fear and alienation.
"Wait for them to ask you who you know"
This line suggests a guarded community that is wary of strangers and the potential trouble or misunderstanding they might bring, underscoring a theme of cautious integration.
"Doesn't mean our brains will change from hand grenades"
A reference to the ongoing internal struggles and potential volatility of thoughts and emotions, despite outward appearances of calm or surrender.
"You'll never know the psychopath sitting next to you"
Here, the lyrics highlight the unpredictability of people's pasts and inner lives, emphasizing that surface interactions often fail to reveal who someone truly is or what they have experienced.
"It looks like you might be one of us"
The outro challenges the listener's perception of themselves, possibly implying that the alienation, judgment, or inner turmoil discussed in the song is a common human experience.
