Heathens

All my friends are heathens, take it slow Wait for them to ask you who you know Please don't make any sudden moves You don't know the half of the abuse All my friends are heathens, take it slow Wait for them to ask you who you know Please don't make any sudden moves You don't know the half of the abuse Welcome to the room of people who have rooms of people That they loved one day, docked away Just because we check the guns at the door Doesn't mean our brains will change from hand grenades You'll never know the psychopath sitting next to you You'll never know the murderer sitting next to you You'll think, "How'd I get here, sitting next to you?" But after all I've said, please don't forget All my friends are heathens, take it slow Wait for them to ask you who you know Please don't make any sudden moves You don't know the half of the abuse We don't deal with outsiders very well They say newcomers have a certain smell You have trust issues, not to mention They say they can smell your intentions You'll never know the freak show sitting next to you You'll have some weird people sitting next to you You'll think, "How did I get here, sitting next to you?" But after all I've said, please don't forget (watch it) (Watch it) All my friends are heathens, take it slow Wait for them to ask you who you know Please don't make any sudden moves You don't know the half of the abuse All my friends are heathens, take it slow (watch it) Wait for them to ask you who you know (watch it) Please, all my friends are heathens, take it slow (watch it) Wait for them to ask you who you know Why'd you come? You knew you should have stayed I tried to warn you just to stay away And now they're outside ready to bust It looks like you might be one of us

Composer: Tyler Joseph

In-depth Analysis of 'Heathens' by twenty one pilots

'Heathens' by twenty one pilots, released as part of the Suicide Squad soundtrack, delves into themes of belonging, trust, and the inherent darkness within human nature. The song paints a vivid picture of a covert, perhaps dangerous, community where newcomers are met with suspicion and an unspoken understanding of shared trauma or unconventional morality. It’s a compelling exploration of outsider identity and the hidden dangers that can lurk beneath a seemingly normal facade.

Core Themes Explored:

Belonging and Exclusion: The repeated line "All my friends are heathens" immediately establishes a sense of collective identity for those who are considered different or outcast. The lyrics caution against making "sudden moves" and highlight a vetting process ("Wait for them to ask you who you know"), suggesting a closed group wary of outsiders.
Paranoia and Hidden Danger: Lines like "You'll never know the psychopath sitting next to you" and "You don't know the half of the abuse" underscore a pervasive sense of distrust and an awareness of internal dangers within the community itself. Even if "guns are checked at the door," the 'brains' remain volatile.
Initiation and Transformation: The chilling final verse, "Why'd you come? You knew you should have stayed... It looks like you might be one of us," suggests an irreversible transformation or acceptance into this 'heathen' world, implying a loss of innocence or entry into a morally ambiguous space.

The song creates a tense, unsettling atmosphere, inviting listeners to question appearances and the true nature of those around them. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the internal struggles and hidden complexities within individuals, resonating deeply with the anti-heroic themes of the Suicide Squad film.

Q&A & Fun Facts: 'Heathens' by twenty one pilots

What is the main message of 'Heathens'?

'Heathens' explores themes of outsiders, trust, and the darkness inherent in individuals and communities. It suggests a cautious approach when entering new, potentially dangerous social circles, and highlights the idea of belonging to a group often ostracized by mainstream society.

Who are the 'heathens' twenty one pilots refers to?

The term 'heathens' in the song can be interpreted in multiple ways. It refers to the band's fanbase, the 'skeletons' or outcasts they connect with. Within the context of the Suicide Squad film, it represents the anti-hero characters who are societal misfits. More broadly, it symbolizes anyone who feels like an outsider or part of a subculture.

What is the meaning behind "You don't know the half of the abuse"?

This line suggests that the 'heathens' or members of this group have endured significant hardship, trauma, or mistreatment, which has shaped their current state or collective identity. It implies a hidden history of struggle that outsiders cannot fully comprehend.

Fun Facts:

'Heathens' was specifically written for the 2016 film Suicide Squad, becoming a major promotional song for the movie.
The music video for 'Heathens' features Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun performing inside a prison, with scenes intercut from the Suicide Squad film, visually reinforcing the song's themes of confinement and belonging to an unusual group.
The song peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, making it twenty one pilots' highest-charting single at the time.