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Pumped Up Kicks: A Comparison Essay

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Too many times people have had to deal with the horrible acts of school shootings. Many musicians have found ways to express their feelings, or paint a picture for an audience. Although it is a very violent act, many artists put the listeners into the shoes of the shooter. Two songs that come to mind is “Dark Side of the Moon” by the rising rapper MGK, and “Pumped Up Kicks” by a little known band that goes by the name of Foster the People. Now, these songs are different in everyday life, but both songs put listeners into the shooters shoes. The “Dark Side of the Moon” by MGK gives the audience the details leading up to the shooting. MGK tells a story about a guy names Tommy, who was abused at home and bullied at school. In the first verse MGK expresses “Tommy was dumb. Get your ass in that room till I come back you piece of shit, but dad wouldn’t never come” These lyrics paint the picture to show that he was abused at home. MGK’s lyrics go on to say “Tommy was dumb. Students …show more content…

The upbeat tempo sets the mood to be a feel good song however, if the audience listens to what the lyrics are portraying it is in fact the complete opposite. This band tells a story about Robert, a young man whose father was always working. Insinuating to the listeners that Robert was neglected. The lyrics go on to point out to the audience that Robert has a gun, and warns that he is coming for you. In the song “Pumped Up Kicks” the first verse states “He found a six shooter gun… but he’s coming for you yeah he’s coming for you”. Unlike “Dark Side of the Moon”, this song is unclear with that they are saying. Listeners have argued that Robert has lost his mind because is his talking to his cigarette. The song says “I reason with my cigarette, and say your hairs on fire you must have lost your witts yeah” This track depicts the life of a troubled teen who lost his mind, and thus causing him to shoot up his high

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