
Twenty One Pilots, the American alternative band, has become synonymous with creating lyrically intense music that is both visually and sonically striking. Their hit song “Heathens” from the Suicide Squad soundtrack is no exception. The band’s lead vocalist, Tyler Joseph, has described “Heathens” as a song about the harsh reality of being trapped in your own mind and the feeling of isolation that comes with it. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind the song and analyze its lyrics.
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Verse 1: Tyler Joseph on Isolation
The opening verse of “Heathens” sets the tone for the rest of the song, with Joseph singing:
“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”
At first glance, Joseph seems to be describing a group of people who are outsiders, misfits, and social outcasts. However, a closer look reveals that the song’s themes extend beyond surface-level interpretations. Joseph goes on to describe the emotional isolation that many people face, and the difficulty of feeling understood by others.
In interviews, Joseph has reflected on his own struggles with mental health, saying that “Heathens” is partially a reflection of that. In this verse, he writes about the feeling of being trapped in your own mind, unable to communicate with others.
Chorus: The Imagine Dragons Connection
The song’s chorus – “All my friends are heathens, take it slow / Wait for them to ask you who you know” – is catchy, but again, there is more going on beneath the surface. Some people have drawn comparisons between “Heathens” and “Monster,” a song by the American rock band Imagine Dragons. The two songs both feature lyrics about being an outsider, as well as a riff that is similar enough that it might be a nod to “Monster.”
In an interview with Beats 1, Joseph acknowledged the comparisons between the two songs, saying that he is a big fan of Imagine Dragons. He said, “I think there’s a similar kind of message between ‘Monsters’ and ‘Heathens’…that I think a lot of people relate to, which is feeling like an outsider.”
Verse 2: Joseph on Mental Health and Addiction
The second verse of “Heathens” goes deeper into the subject matter of the song, with Joseph singing:
“No, they don’t want none, unless you got buns, hun
We the squad and you’re just rolling solo
I’m just trying to find my way
Wash away this pain with the rain, some day”
In this verse, Joseph alludes to the fact that many people who struggle with mental illness or addiction face stigma and discrimination. He talks about feeling like an outsider, and the frustration of trying to connect with others who do not understand what he is going through.
The line “Wash away this pain with the rain, some day” is particularly poignant. It speaks to the idea that mental illness can be all-consuming, and that it can be difficult to find relief from it. Joseph has talked openly about his struggles with depression and anxiety in the past, and this verse reflects his experiences in a powerful way.
Bridge: The Theme of Being Trapped
The bridge of “Heathens” features a spoken-word section that adds an extra layer of intensity to the song. Joseph says,
“All my friends are heathens, take it slow
Watch it
Wait for them to ask you who you know
Watch it”
In this bridge, Joseph speaks almost like a chant, as he tries to emphasize the idea of being trapped both physically and emotionally. The repetition of “Watch it” creates a feeling of tension, as if Joseph is warning the listener not to make any sudden moves or they might get caught up in the same feeling of isolation that he is describing.
The Message of “Heathens”
At its core, “Heathens” is a song about the isolating effects of mental illness and addiction. Tyler Joseph has been open about his own struggles in this area, and the song reflects his personal experiences in a powerful way.
However, the song can resonate with a wider audience as well. Everyone has felt like an outsider at one time or another, and “Heathens” speaks to that feeling in a visceral way. The song is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles, and that there is always hope for a better tomorrow.
In the end, the message of “Heathens” is one of resilience in the face of adversity. Tyler Joseph has said that he hopes the song will inspire people to keep fighting and to keep pushing through even when the world feels dark and overwhelming. With its haunting melody, vivid lyrics, and powerful message, “Heathens” is a testament to the power of music to heal and inspire.
Whether you struggle with mental illness, addiction, or simply the feeling of being an outsider, “Heathens” is a song that can help you to find the strength to keep going. As Tyler Joseph sings in the final moments of the song,
“Don’t you worry, don’t you worry, child,
See heaven’s got a plan for you”.
Truer words were never spoken.
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