Pumped Up Kicks
Run from the Shadows: Decoding Foster the People's Pumped Up Kicks
Lyrics
Robert's got a quick hand
Robert possesses quick reflexes or actions.
He'll look around the room, he won't tell you his plan
He observes his surroundings without revealing his intentions.
He's got a rolled cigarette
Robert smokes a hand-rolled cigarette.
Hanging out his mouth he's a cowboy kid
He's a rebellious, tough individual with a cowboy-like demeanor.
Yeah found a six shooter gun
Robert discovers a six-shooter gun.
In his dad's closet, oh in a box of fun things
The gun is found in his father's closet amid other fun items.
I don't even know what
Uncertainty about the specific contents of the box of fun things.
But he's coming for you, yeah he's coming for you
Despite uncertainty, there's a threat implied - he's coming for someone.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Introduction of a group of kids with pumped-up sneakers.
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
A warning to run away to avoid Robert's gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Reiteration of the warning to outrun the gun.
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
Emphasizing the urgency to run faster than the bullet.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Repetition of the theme - kids with pumped-up kicks need to run.
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
Reiterating the call to outrun the gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Reiteration of the urgency to run faster than the bullet.
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
Repeated warning to escape the threat.
Daddy works a long day
Introduction of the character Daddy, who works long hours.
He be coming home late, and he's coming home late
Daddy comes home late, setting the stage for potential issues.
And he's bringing me a surprise
Anticipation of a surprise from Daddy.
'Cause dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice
Dinner is prepared and packed in ice, suggesting something unusual.
I've waited for a long time
Impatience or longing for a surprise after a long wait.
Yeah the sleight of my hand is now a quick pull trigger
The speaker's sleight of hand has turned into a quick trigger pull, hinting at a darker side.
I reason with my cigarette
Reasoning or justifying actions with a cigarette in hand.
And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits, yeah
Suggesting someone is in a chaotic situation (hair's on fire).
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Reintroduction of the theme - kids with pumped-up kicks needing to run.
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
Reiteration of the warning to run away.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Reiteration of the urgent need to outrun the gun.
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
Emphasizing the importance of running faster than the bullet.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Repetition of the theme - kids with pumped-up kicks need to run.
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
Reiterating the call to outrun the gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Reiteration of the urgency to run faster than the bullet.
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
Repeated warning to escape the threat.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Reintroduction of the theme - kids with pumped-up kicks needing to run.
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
Reiteration of the warning to run away.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Reiteration of the urgent need to outrun the gun.
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
Emphasizing the importance of running faster than the bullet.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Repetition of the theme - kids with pumped-up kicks need to run.
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
Reiterating the call to outrun the gun.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Reiteration of the urgency to run faster than the bullet.
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
Repeated warning to escape the threat.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Reintroduction of the theme - kids with pumped-up kicks needing to run.
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
Reiteration of the warning to run away.
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
Reiteration of the urgent need to outrun the gun.
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
Emphasizing the importance of running faster than the bullet.
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