Fresh off the momentum of their electrifying singles Overcompensate and Next Semester, the Grammy Award-winning musical duo, Twenty One Pilots, known for their genre-bending sound and introspective lyrics, return with Backslide, the third single and the latest puzzle piece from their forthcoming album, Clancy.
Released on April 25th, 2024, the song dives headfirst into themes of self-reflection, regret, and the unwavering determination to push forward.
Intriguingly titled Backslide, the track hints at a vulnerability within the narrative of Clancy, the fictional universe Twenty One Pilots have been weaving throughout their recent releases.
Could this be a moment of weakness for the protagonist—a yearning to revisit a past version of themselves?
Fans are abuzz with speculation, dissecting the lyrics for hidden meanings and references to the band’s evolving storyline.
A Song Steeped in Clancy Lore
Backslide is heavily influenced by the ongoing storyline of Clancy, a fictional universe the band has been building throughout their recent albums.
References like “hundred-dollar bass” and “Saturday” (a song from their previous album, Scaled And Icy) hint at specific events within this narrative.
Fans speculate that “Saturday” might represent a period of weakness or compromise for the protagonist, Clancy.
But Backslide is more than just cryptic clues. It’s a captivating listen in its own right.
The laid-back hip-hop beat, a signature Twenty One Pilots sound, provides a backdrop for Tyler Joseph’s introspective lyrics.
The verses flow with a relatable vulnerability, while the soaring choruses showcase the band’s ability to blend catchy melodies with powerful emotions.
Lyric Breakdown: A Struggle Against Regression
The opening lines paint a picture of monotony and a sense of being stuck in a cycle: “Rat race, place to place, adding weight/ Tendencies on repeat, innit?”
This feeling of being trapped is further emphasised by the resignation in the pre-chorus: “I don’t mind if it’s lonely/ I don’t mind if it’s fair/ I don’t care, you control me/ Leading me anywhere.”
However, the core message of the song lies in the chorus: “I don’t wanna backslide to where I’ve started from/ There’s no chance I will shake this again.”
This line reveals a determination to avoid falling back into past mistakes or negative experiences.
The imagery of water rising above the head (“I feel the pull, water’s over my head”) reinforces the feeling of being overwhelmed by challenges, but the singer persists: “Strength enough for one more time/ Reach my hand above the tide.”
Regret and Longing for Something More
The second verse delves deeper into regret, possibly referencing creative choices made under pressure.
Lines like “Bad place, on a hundred-dollar bass/ Kinda wishin’ that I never did ‘Saturday'” hint at a period of artistic compromise.
The question “What happened to what I brushed under the rug?” suggests a yearning for a simpler time, perhaps before the pressures of fame and external expectations.
A Blend of Vulnerability and Strength
The song’s emotional core lies in Tyler Joseph’s signature vocal delivery. The verses are delivered with a laid-back vulnerability, reflecting on past mistakes and anxieties.
The choruses, however, soar with a powerful determination, showcasing Joseph’s ability to convey a range of emotions.
Instrumental Journey: A Signature Twenty One Pilots Blend
Backslide is sure to be a fan favourite, incorporating the band’s signature blend of electronic elements, synthesisers, and traditional drums.
The anticipated music video, directed by drummer Josh Dun, promises to be another visually captivating addition to the Clancy storyline.
A Trip Through Clancy’s World: Breakdown of the Music Video
Adding another layer to the intrigue is the accompanying music video, directed by none other than Twenty One Pilots’ drummer, Josh Dun.
This marks Dun’s directorial debut, and from the looks of it, he’s hit the ground running.
The video follows Tyler Joseph, dressed in Clancy-era attire, on a repetitive bike ride through a suburban neighbourhood.
This cycle could represent the feeling of being stuck and the struggle against regression mentioned in the lyrics.
Eagle-eyed fans will spot Easter eggs scattered throughout the video, referencing Clancy lore.
The name of the convenience store (“Food Petrol Etc” or FPE) and the hamburger bun brand (“Ned’s”) might hold hidden meanings within the fictional universe.
The brief detour into a “Stranger Things”-inspired alternate reality adds a touch of mystery and could symbolise the internal battles Clancy faces.
The video’s ending, with Joseph returning to Dun for more hamburger buns only to realise he’s back at the beginning, reinforces the cyclical nature of the song’s themes.
This cleverly loops back to the opening scene, further emphasising the struggle against backsliding.
Listen to “Backslide” and Explore the World of Clancy
Backslide is a thought-provoking addition to the Clancy saga, leaving fans eager to decipher its meaning and anxiously awaiting the official release of the album on May 24th, 2024.
Be sure to listen to Backslide and explore Twenty One Pilots’ previous releases, like “Scaled And Icy,” which might offer clues about “Saturday” and its connection to the Clancy storyline.
Want to delve even deeper? Scroll down for Backslide Twenty One Pilots lyrics and keep an eye out for more teasers from Twenty One Pilots as the Clancy story unfolds.
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Twenty One Pilots Backslide Lyrics
Intro
(I don’t wanna)
Verse 1
Rat race, place to place, adding weight
Tendencies on repeat, innit?
Benefit from a shoe with no lace
Take the seat with the crease in it
I don’t mind if it’s lonely
I don’t mind if it’s fair
I don’t care, you control me
Leading me anywhere
Chorus
I don’t wanna backslide to where I’ve started from
There’s no chance I will shake this again
‘Cause I feel the pull, water’s over my head
Strength enough for onе more time
Reach my hand abovе the tide
I’ll take anything you have
If you could throw me a line
I should’ve loved you better
Do you think that now’s the time
You should let go?
It’s over my head
Verse 2
Bad place, on a hundred-dollar bass
Kinda wishin’ that I never did “Saturday”
“Is that a stain? You should change
Are you doin’ good?
Did you solve all of your problems?”
Thanks for asking, in a way, but
Accidentally uncovered a new one yesterday
What happened to what I brushed under the rug?
I used to be the champion of a world you can’t see
Now I’m drowning in logistics
Chorus
I don’t wanna backslide to where I’ve started from
There’s no chance I will shake this again
‘Cause I feel the pull, water’s over my head
Strength enough for one more time
Reach my hand above the tide
I’ll take anything you have
If you could throw me a line
I should’ve loved you better
Do you think that now’s the time
You should let go?
Bridge
I don’t mind if it’s lonely (It’s over my head)
I don’t mind if it’s fair (You should let go)
I don’t care, you control me (It’s over my head)
Leading me anywhere
Chorus
I’ll take anything you have
If you could throw me a line
I should’ve loved you better
Do you think that now’s the time
You should let go? (I don’t mind if it’s lonely)
It’s over my head (I don’t mind if it’s fair)
You should let go
It’s over my head
Outro
I don’t wanna backslide