Stressed Out

I wish I found some better sounds no one's ever heard I wish I had a better voice that sang some better words I wish I found some chords in an order that is new I wish I didn't have to rhyme every time I sang I was told when I get older, all my fears would shrink But now I'm insecure, and I care what people think My name's Blurryface, and I care what you think My name's Blurryface, and I care what you think Wish we could turn back time to the good old days When our mama sang us to sleep, but now we're stressed out (oh) Wish we could turn back time (oh) to the good old days (oh) When our mama sang us to sleep, but now we're stressed out We're stressed out Sometimes a certain smell will take me back to when I was young How come I'm never able to identify where it's coming from? I'd make a candle out of it if I ever found it Try to sell it, never sell, out of it, I'd probably only sell one It'd be to my brother, 'cause we have the same nose Same clothes, homegrown, a stone's throw from a creek we used to roam But it would remind us of when nothing really mattered Out of student loans and tree house homes, we all would take the latter My name's Blurryface, and I care what you think My name's Blurryface, and I care what you think Wish we could turn back time to the good old days When our mama sang us to sleep, but now we're stressed out (oh) Wish we could turn back time (oh) to the good old days (oh) When our mama sang us to sleep, but now we're stressed out Used to play pretend, give each other different names We would build a rocket ship, and then we'd fly it far away Used to dream of outer space, but now they're laughin' at our face Sayin', "Wake up, you need to make money, " yeah We used to play pretend, give each other different names We would build a rocket ship, and then we'd fly it far away Used to dream of outer space, but now they're laughin' at our face Saying, "Wake up, you need to make money, " yeah Wish we could turn back time to the good old days When our mama sang us to sleep, but now we're stressed out (oh) Wish we could turn back time (oh) to the good old days (oh) When our mama sang us to sleep, but now we're stressed out We used to play pretend, used to play pretend, money We used to play pretend, wake up, you need the money Used to play pretend, used to play pretend, money We used to play pretend, wake up, you need the money Used to play pretend, give each other different names We would build a rocket ship, and then we'd fly it far away Used to dream of outer space, but now they're laughin' at our face Saying, "Wake up, you need to make money, " yeah

Composer: Tyler Joseph

In-depth Analysis of 'Stressed Out' by LyricLens AI

'Stressed Out' by twenty one pilots is a poignant reflection on the anxieties of adulthood and a longing for the simpler times of childhood. The song, a cornerstone of their album 'Blurryface', explores the internal struggle with insecurity, societal pressures, and the commercialization of artistic expression.

Central Themes Explored:

Nostalgia and Childhood Innocence: The recurring chorus, "Wish we could turn back time to the good old days / When our mama sang us to sleep," directly expresses a deep yearning for the carefree nature of youth, contrasting it sharply with the overwhelming stress of adult responsibilities like student loans and the pressure to "make money."
Insecurity and Self-Doubt: The persona of 'Blurryface' is introduced as a manifestation of these insecurities, representing the artist's own fears and doubts, particularly the concern over what others think. This character amplifies the feeling of vulnerability and self-consciousness.
Artistic Integrity vs. Commercialism: Tyler Joseph’s lyrics lament the pressure to conform, to create "better sounds" or "better words" that are commercially viable, rather than purely artistic. The line about selling a candle, only to sell one to his brother, humorously underscores the fear of selling out or failing to connect authentically.
Transition to Adulthood: The song beautifully captures the universal experience of transitioning from a world of imagination and play ("build a rocket ship," "dream of outer space") to a reality dictated by financial obligations and practical concerns, where childhood dreams are often met with cynicism.

Overall, 'Stressed Out' resonates deeply by articulating the universal anxieties of growing up, the struggle to maintain authenticity amidst external pressures, and the bittersweet embrace of nostalgia.

'Stressed Out' by twenty one pilots: Q&A & Fun Facts

What is 'Stressed Out' by twenty one pilots about?

'Stressed Out' explores the anxieties and pressures of adulthood, contrasting them with a nostalgic longing for the simplicity and innocence of childhood. It also delves into themes of insecurity and the struggle for artistic authenticity.

Who is Blurryface in the song?

Blurryface is a persona created by Tyler Joseph of twenty one pilots, representing his insecurities, doubts, and fears. In 'Stressed Out,' Blurryface is the voice that cares "what people think" and embodies the self-consciousness expressed in the lyrics.

What does the line "Wish we could turn back time to the good old days" mean?

This line expresses a deep yearning for the carefree nature of childhood, free from adult responsibilities like financial burdens ("student loans") and the societal pressure to succeed and make money. It's a universal sentiment of nostalgia for simpler times.

Fun Facts:

'Stressed Out' was a massive global hit, becoming twenty one pilots' breakthrough single and earning them a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
The song is a key track from the album 'Blurryface' (2015), which introduces the titular character representing Tyler Joseph's personal insecurities.
The music video features the band members in their childhood homes, further emphasizing the song's theme of nostalgia and the contrast between past and present.