Released: 2016
“Heathens” by Twenty One Pilots isn’t just a chart-topping hit; it’s a deep dive into the realm of misfits and misunderstood souls. On the surface, the band is cautioning us to take it slow with new acquaintances, hinting at the complex and possibly dark histories each person carries. It’s a rallying cry for the outsiders, emphasizing understanding and patience in the face of potential judgment.
The opening lines, “All my friends are heathens, take it slow / Wait for them to ask you who you know,” set the stage for a narrative where trust and identity are precarious. The term “heathens” colloquially refers to people who don’t conform to societal norms; in this context, it signals a sense of camaraderie among those who feel alienated. The advice to “take it slow” and wait for others to “ask you who you know” signifies the cautious interactions that often exist on the fringes of society, where trust is earned, not given.
The imagery of a “room of people / Who have rooms of people that they loved one day / Docked away” illustrates the idea of hidden depths and secrets. The mention of “checking guns at the door” but brains remaining “hand grenades” uses violent imagery to underline the internal battles and destructive thoughts that can persist, even in supposedly safe spaces. This stanza speaks to the complex inner worlds of those who’ve experienced trauma or rejection, suggesting that outward calm doesn’t necessarily reflect inner peace or stability.
As the song progresses, lyrics like “We don’t deal with outsiders very well” and “You have trust issues, not to mention / They say they can smell your intentions” delve into the themes of suspicion and the struggle to fit in. The notion that “newcomers have a certain smell” metaphorically speaks to the instinctual, almost animalistic ability to sense someone’s inherent nature or intentions, highlighting the guarded nature of these interpersonal interactions.
Further, the chorus’s repetition underscores the song’s central message: the importance of moving slowly and carefully in relationships with those who’ve faced “abuse.” It’s an entreaty for empathy, urging listeners to understand that backgrounds of trauma and alienation necessitate a different approach to friendship and trust.
Tyler uses the outro to bring reconciliation between the deeper new fans and all of the old fans. He asks, “Why’d you come? You knew you should have stayed.” These fans know that they’ve gotten themselves into a new experience that they may not be ready for. Joseph continues, “I tried to warn you just to stay away.” He wanted to save them from getting too deep and being confronted with bigger questions and ideas.
But these people decide to stick it out, perhaps finding the depth in the lyrics. Joseph responds, “And now they’re outside ready to bust”–the event is about to begin–“It looks like you might be one of us.” This person has stuck it out, and so Twenty One Pilots accepts them into the Skeleton Clique.
