BACKSLIDE EXPLAINED || Lyrics and Music Video FULL ANALYSIS (Twenty One Pilots Clancy Breakdown)

[@no_phun_in_dema]

“Reach my hand above the tide” reminds me of the story of Peter in the Bible in the storm, when he was sinking but reached his hand up for God to help him

[@vacuumpower2595]

Yes! I think this song is 100% singing to God

[@karahhuntsinger513]

@@vacuumpower2595agreed! So many metaphors

[@danielwalker875]

The line now I'm drowning in Logistics, Feels like him saying the dema story is no longer helping him fight his struggle. IT's gone from a tool to deal with and conceptualize his struggles but it's gotten so deep he's now drowning in the details of the dema story (Clique looking for easter eggs and trying to figure out what every little thing means).

[@GanelOnid_21]

I agree completely! I do not think Clancy is the narrator at all here, and I don't think there is any inner lore or bishops involved. Instead, the whole song is about Tyler dealing with the end of the Clancy lore. Without it will he slide back into where he was before. He was the champion of the world he created, he may possibly wish that the SAI album was not part of the lore, the "stain" of the blurryface paint is over (you should change), and did creating this world solve all of your problems? Maybe, but now there are all new ones. This is all Tyler talking about the end of the storyline, his regrets, and his worry about what may happen next.

[@blvrryvhs]

that’s exactly what I was thinking omg. i always feel bad when we look for little things in the logistics like how nico had a car, because we tend to ignore the real world, the fact that at one point this imaginary world wasn’t fully laid out, and it’s gone from a beautiful thing that helped him, to a struggle where he probably despises himself at times for not doing things a certain way previously that fits the narrative the clique is trying to make. “of a world you can’t see” we have to remember that at the end of the day, it’s a story, there will be plot holes and inconsistencies that the real world impacts.

[@Dee-Hendricks]

This is exactly how I interpreted it

[@aaronperez4875]

I agree!! I’ve been listening to top since I was in 6th grade. I’m now a Junior in college lol but after seeing this whole “dema” story line unfold I’ve always thought it was neat but it honestly it never really mattered to me as much as listening to the music itself and feeling the vibe despite the message Tyler is trying to portray with it. I personally think fans get way to caught up in the lore and try to make every single new song they come out with a tie in to this lore and it IRKS me because ofcourse yes the music has a theme surrounding the lore but at the same time if you really listen to these songs it’s just Tyler singing about his issues beliefs and opinions and putting a sick melody over them, it’s that simple and why I value Tyler’s musical mind. Just go back and listen to each instrument being played in the track.. that’s the true essence of twentyonepilots. The sound, the voice, the style. Not the lore in my opinion.

[@johniversen7067]

I was drowning in logistics in this song too. 😅

[@tarynforeman8925]

I noticed that Tyler throws away an empty plastic bag in the very beginning, showing us that this isn't his first time doing this. So cool!

[@jjenkins3734]

Just came back to say the same thing. I want to add that his hand is wet in both the beginning and the end so it is just a repeating loop. Stolen Potential's breakdown of the first lines are on track. I think that "benefiting from shoes with no laces" and creased seats are further examples of living an easy, purposeless, and comfortable life and repeating the same patterns of life. It is easy to get your shoes on and off with no laces. A creased seat is regularly sat upon.

[@FishBowlCommentary]

Time for my interpretation: I think of this as a letter to fans and something that is kind of about the reception of SAI. When writing SAI, Tyler was in a better place mentally than he was when writing Trench. SAI was criticized and thus he regrets making Saturday, but the reason SAI sounds the way it does is because it reflects how Tyler felt at that time. People want things to be like Trench again, but a Tyler knows what things were like for him when he made it, and he doesn’t want to Backslide to how he felt then, because he won’t be able to shake it again. He asks in the chorus if now is the time for us to let go “I don’t wanna backslide to where I started from, there’s no chance I will shake this again” “I should have loved you better, do you think that now’s the time you should let go” “Kinda wishing that I never did Saturday”

[@PureSer3ndip1ty]

I F-ING LOVE THIS INTERPRETATION!!! NICEEE

[@anszjaa]

Yup, gave me the same vibes. And the live stream was filled with sadness. So many comments of honest submission. Tyler probably has lots of mix emotions, he doesn't want us to feel guilt for mistreating his happiness, and at the same time he feels his own guilt for doing so. Because of that he feels bad and has motivation to write more like he used to. But doesn't want to make clique his villain (especially since we're broken people) All is speculation, but that's what I feel from his approach

[@saramilena.]

ikr, i felt the same, bc of what i knew is that their fans didn't like it much, also that should hurt hard if the artist is really engaged w their fans, what a shame imo.

[@bkrindy9856]

Reasonable and sane interpretation. Ties it all together without the attempts to over conceptualize with the lore. Let's give it a rest now and move on?

[@alecstewy2215]

When he stopped for lemonade, I took it as he was talking to his younger self, the kid looks just like him. And he gives the kid bread possibly illustrating that he should find god earlier in his life

[@DP-ft7vj]

Yeah I agree, this really does feel like Tyler’s call to God. The whole concept is rooted in redemption, honestly. Bible (especially Jeremiah) has quite a few instances of the word Backslide. This really is a hopeful song for all of us that struggle with old habits. Jer. 3:21-22 21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping and supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God. 22 Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God.

[@Stolen.Potential]

I love this! Redemption is a huge theme. Thanks for the comment!

[@heathersmith1042]

I super love your explanation... So here's my perspective as a huge fan in my mid 40's... LOL. I, too, believe that this song is definitely a discussion with Tyler and God. He is pleading for help like you mentioned. But I am also starting to feel like with every song on this new album Tyler is also telling us, the Clique, that he's done with the story line (which we knew already) but that each song is explaining the reason why he is? Overcompensate sometimes feels like theres an undertone telling us all that we're overanalyzing every song they put out. ("bless your ear holes while you react, acting gobsmacked, don't hesitate to maybe overcompensate" is he talking to us?). Next Semester he's telling us about something traumatic that happened in his past, yes, but also maybe telling us that his next "era" he will start fresh- what's done is done. He's getting older now, has a growing family... probably felt pressured to keep telling a story he loved and felt passionate about- but maybe took away from some of his other creative energy, trying to not let everyone down... which is where I think parts of Backslide came in. The line " I used to be the champion of a world you can't see, Now I'm drowning in logistics" seems to me all that he might have gotten lost in trying to but his focus on that and other problems arose because of that. My point is, I feel like these songs have a double meaning...so far. Which, of course, because... Tyler. He's brilliant like that. That was not adequately worded the way I feel about it... but there it is. :)

[@vacuumpower2595]

Very, very well said. Thank you for sharing :)

[@m_hall]

I think a lot of points you bring up here are on point. Whether every song on the album will fell like that I'm less sold on, but I love what you said about overcompensate

[@aaronperez4875]

So far this album is shaping up to be their best work by FAR. Here’s my theory summed up with a few sentences for each song.. (not a lore based theory because it’s obvious all three songs so far have not been lore inclusive at all and I will argue that!) Overcompensate- about Tyler’s willfulness to exceed past expectations and overcompensate for the album that was “SAI” despite it being good, he knows what the people like. Next semester- quite literally a college student telling themself “ok next semester will be better” which is a tie in to his faith and how next semester he will try again. The whole song I would say isn’t time specific but could be generally about times in his life where he’s just hoping to start fresh soon. He’s in a bad place stuck in that road where that “car” is about to hit him but then “Hey Kid get out of the road” which is most definitely God telling bro hey let’s get you out of here and start fresh again. Backslide - Falling back into a bad mental place, asking God if it’s too late to be helped once again. Emphasis on once again, because Tyler talks as if this isn’t the first time hence the word backslide and the lyric “there’s no chance I will shake this again”. As a Christian myself it’s not easy being a God filled man every day. There’s point in every Christian’s life where our faith is stretched and tested and we grow further from god and we go back and it’s a never ending battle. Let me know what you think!

[@buzz1daddy]

Also someone posted an idea about the dude outside the store being an older Josh, and the lemonade stand kiddo being a young Josh. Meaning Josh has always been watching over Tyler. I liked that idea.

[@Queenjonasblue]

Have you got any grapes ? The man liked the duck

[@LoweMartin-ew7ee]

The part about him having weird flash backs or snapping out of something, kinda pushes my theory that, this album isn’t set mostly in trench because it’s showing us what trench is like on (the outside). Reminding us that all the dema lore is in his head, and that it affects his “exterior world” rather than his interior world.

[@DavidOrweller]

Spot on Jake! Love your analysis... especially that you pointed out he had "strength enough for one more time." And thats a powerful message man. We want God to pluck us up out of our struggles, but He doesn't always do that. But He does give us strength enough for one more time as we lean on Him for help.

[@DavidOrweller]

OH... also love Tyler's progression from "I'll be holding onto you" to what we see here, God not letting go.

[@MitzyGodsmack]

its a good perspective and simple .. but i honestly think that tyler is talking with blurryface (who made him famous in the first place). i think god has nothing to do with this song :)

[@ritagomes3248]

"is that a stain" maybe referencing the black paint ?

[@Stolen.Potential]

100%

[@GanelOnid_21]

Blurryface paint is going to be over. It'll just be a stain once the storyline is over and the lore is over. New fans or other people in the future who like his music won't understand it - a clever microcosm for the whole thing. Will it just become obsolete?

[@essentialworship3415]

It was referencing Saturday and his backsliding from his Faith

[@mohamedre1969]

When Tyler said "cause I feel the pull" it's a refrence to fall away "I can feel the pull coming"

[@Stolen.Potential]

Great catch!

[@essentialworship3415]

The pull is the Holy Spirit leading him

[@TheBlondeClikkie21]

i really love this analysis! i liked how you really dove into the religious themes of the song. it’s definitely a close-hitting track.

[@Stolen.Potential]

These discussions between Tyler and God are what got me into Twenty One Pilots initially. I’m glad to see they’re back, in a vague sort of way!

[@karahhuntsinger513]

@@Stolen.Potentialthat’s exactly what got me into Twenty One Pilots too! Loved finding all the hidden metaphors and messages!

[@sarahpat2323]

Love this so much! I completely agree with your interpretation. And it’s perfect that it comes after Next Semester. His going back to get more buns, is his starting fresh, next semester. Through Jesus Christ, he can (we all can) start over. Start fresh. It’s the beautiful message of hope. It’s always there, if we will hold on to it. And even though Tyler thinks God let go of him, God never lets go of us. He is always there. We need to hold onto Him. That’s my take. I appreciate your video!

[@jishwagent]

Ive probably listened to this song maybe 10 times a day since it released

[@T1mefortim]

I think this song can be a conversation with his past self. It feels like Tyler struggles with regrets and obsesses over his past decisions. What if your past self could see you struggling with their decisions? What would they say to you? It's like he gives himself permission to move on. But, also takes a moment to confide in his past self about how drowning it all feels.

[@Vitancia]

it makes sense, as next semester adds the lines "can't change what you've done, start fresh next semester"

[@SpooksTheFox]

Yes, and the bike is an obvious throwback to stressed out, even though it was directed by Josh.

[@beats_city0911]

That's a fantastic analysis! You pointed out some things about lyrics and music video I haven't heard of yet. I love that seemingly not complicated lyrics and representations of certain things in mv can be interpreted in so many ways depending on one's life experiences and stories. Lovely job man!

[@johnyboz]

I love this song. It's so vulnerable! The sin guilt and fear that God is upset with him really resonates with me. It's easy for me to feel that way too. The idea that God is faithful to US has always comforted me whenever I feel this type of guilt. Thanks for this analysis! It deepened my appreciation for the song.

[@MitzyGodsmack]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXmYmZ2vqJmLgs0 .. this is the true meaning behind the song ..

[@jacobpim5975]

Bro the line, "are you doing good, did you solve all of you're problems?" Is awesome if it is meant as God asking if he did well leaving him, it would go so well with the prodigal son reference in overcompensate. Infact it would connect both the songs so well. Overcompensate being like the wish and drive to truly destroying DEMA and the backslide in this case I think shows the struggle with temptation and sin that you still have to deal with. I mean even without it that's what the songs seem to show, but that really adds a lot to it. It's so awesome how intentional every lyric and every frame is, twenty one pilots are amazing

[@exnihilio4248]

Very cool. Loved the analogy of Ned's Breads being Tyler's creativty and/or literal music and ideas and how the inner world storm affected the outer world object.

[@jouritablalock5325]

I love your interpretation of Backslide and I agree. This song makes me emotional and sad that Tyler struggles like I do. I believe he’s asking God for help as well. Love watching and listening to your videos. You are very intelligent and you bring up points that others don’t see or understand. Keep up the good work. I appreciate you!!!

[@m_hall]

@9:15 reminds me of how March to the Sea plays out, and in a lot of ways is a similar message to backslide

[@davisdean5352]

I feel like backslide is also like a sequel to Doubt. So many similar lyrics and themes about repeating, and asking God not to let go or forget about him, and especially the "Do you think that now's the time you should let go?" Repeating simple phrases someone Holy insisted... Hope you haven't left without me... Don't forget about me Even when I doubt you I'm no good without you, no

[@Queenjonasblue]

Eat sleep rave repeat definitely links to the memory of not knowing where’s the line from the boat lead

[@garren2611]

Great analysis! You're the first person I've seen to break this song down from a perspective of faith and I 1000000% agree with you! I know most people compare this whole Dema story to mental health and I see that. However, I like to think of the story as a giant, elaborate metaphor for the Christian faith. It's a constant cycle, I think of Luke 9:23, "23 And he [Jesus] said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." The word 'daily' let's us know that it's not a one time thing. Tyler uses the 'day vs. night' metaphor a lot in his music and I believe that it's not a coincidence.

[@justjoslyn]

This was an amazing, comprehensive interpretation and I loved it!

[@sarahplatt7046]

I absolutely love seeing the cycle starting at the beginning of the video; and him starting over again at the end with the cycle, even though he said that he only had strength for one more time in the last cycle. It reminds me of the way that depression affects me in my life. How sometimes, I feel like I just can't do it anymore, and then somehow I find the strength to move forward and keep going. I truly love this band because listening to their music makes me feel like I am not alone in my struggle because Tyler really understands it. The other thing that I see with their music more so than others is the ability to keep moving, to keep fighting, to stay alive. Something my therapist always tells me is my mind doesn't control me, I control it. I have never heard that described better for me than the line in Holding On To You "Tie a noose around your mind, loose enough to breathe fine and tie to a tree, tell it, you belong to me this ain't a noose, this is a leash and I have news for you, you must obey me. Seeing Tyler keep fighting and being so open and candid about it is like a balm for my mind sometimes.

[@joshwalker1713]

Champion of a world you can't see: Probably heaven. Tyler's early music (especially Self-Titled) was more upfront with the religious symbolism, but now he has to produce music that will make the label money. He has to be more careful about the messages he produces.

[@sterlingzill7506]

Exactly

[@MitzyGodsmack]

did you solve all your problems ? is a direct reference to pet cheetah

[@Dee-Hendricks]

And you can even hear the PC beat in that part!

[@justinpatrick7899]

Always enjoy your breakdowns. I get why ppl think and interpret this as him talking to God. But since I'm not religious I always get something different from their songs. For me, in Backslide, he's talking to himself. And for the line "I used to be the champion of a world you can't see, now I'm drowning in logistics." - I've interpreted that as he used to be the champion of his own mind (when he was younger) but somewhere along the way the anxiety, depression, etc. were apparent & became something he had to deal with and work through. So, now he's drowning (at least at times) because of that. I agree w/ your breakdown of the Saturday reference. At first listen I thought "did he just diss Saturday?" But after more listens and thinking about I think what you do - it's Clancy saying he wish he didn't do SAI, Saturday, performance on the sub, for the bishops

[@MitzyGodsmack]

i agree.. this has nothing to do with god :)) religious folks just see god in everything so we gotta accept their point of view, but just like nf, this is a fight in between him and blurryface. my opinion :P

[@justinpatrick7899]

@@MitzyGodsmack Very cool to see someone agree. I get why ppl see this as him talking to God. Both Tyler and Josh are religious & have been upfront about that. And ppl might ask God for help the same way as could be seen is being done in Backslide. But for me I see this as him talking to himself. Love that you brought up NF because 1. it's relevant to this discussion (NF is religious too but that doesn't mean every lyric is to or about God) and 2. he's a favorite artist of mine.

[@ProfessionalWreslingFan]

Well Tyler and Josh are both religious so it's definitely not far fetched to see this as Tyler reaching out to God and asking for help.​@@MitzyGodsmack

[@MitzyGodsmack]

@@ProfessionalWreslingFan they 100% are. But if you replace the word god with blurry face, everytime he says it, it will make more sense :p blurryface gave him stressed out and fairly local and now Tyler is trying to go on without him and he might not be as good as he used to be because of it :)

[@RyanKnoll-pq2cp]

I was just thinking…maybe the hamburger buns represent the bishops, If the bishops represent Tyler’s insecurities. He trades one away for lemonade from his childhood self, eats one, throws one away….by the time he gets to Josh (to cook (“let him cook”)) all of his creativity is gone like his insecurities are feeding his creativity. Buns come in a pack of 8 (8/9 bishops). Josh only has one burger on the grill (the last bishop controlling Tyler). Just a thought lol

[@gabrielaa1410]

Here is my thoughts on this song and music video. There are clear references to the blurryface era and especially stressed out which is their most known and popular song. My boyfriend is also a musician and i have been surrounded by musicians my whole life and the only thing all of them have in common is the depression and the anxiety of not being enough or not making the right song for themselves, for the fans and for the industry. So i think what this music video tells us is that josh wants to make burgers (burgers meaning songs and albums) and he asks Tyler to go get the Ned’s buns (Ned represents Tyler’s muse.) So Tyler is all grown up with his big boy bike cuz he has enough experience with the industry now he doesn’t need a third wheel. Buuut his depression keeps coming back cuz he wants to do whats best for him, for the band, for his children and wife, for the fans and also he can still feel the pressure from the industry. As one can imagine he cannot have all of them maybe in the same way he wants cuz its nearly impossible to go on tours and also be as present as he wants with his family and such… Soo i think this is his way of saying that he is struggling and he is walking around in circles with his mental health cuz he thinks that he is not doing enough and trying to find his muse (the breads he eats and throws away) is not as easy as it used to be. He sings water is over my head which makes me think back to Chlorine and Saturday at the same time and when he asks is it time to let go? It kind of makes me nervous cuz maybe he is talking about the cycle and this storyline or maybe he is talking about the music. I dont believe they would ever stop making music at this stage of their lives but this song gave me the vibes of “due to our mental health and our families we want to spend more time away from the industry therefore we will put out less albums and songs in the coming future then we used to” we might get another hiatus after this tour… i dont know i might be reading too much into this but this is what i got from this song and music video.

[@MitzyGodsmack]

i agree with you .. i don't think that tyler is talking to god at all .. i think he is talking to blurryface (who made him famous in the first place). nf also did this with his album hope.. where he is trying to make peace or let go of his dark side that helped him become who he is today :)

[@MamaBearHomeschools]

I think you nailed! This song is my life anthem and I'm obsessed!

[@ann18o96]

He often seems to be asking somebody to stay or if they will leave, as I'm not religious I thought he was more literally scared of people leaving him. Like the fan base, his wife and probably more people around him who helped get him to where he is now. At least to me this always sounded like a general fear of abandonment.

[@ann18o96]

@@Jordan-ig5vy It's kind of ironic isn't it? The generations who listen to them most probably have the most trauma regarding religion. Tyler wears pride flags at concerts while traditional churches often discriminate us. At the same time he created a whole universe where the bad guys are indoctrinating people into a false religion. But hey I wish every christian would be like Tyler, that would save us so much trouble!

[@emmazordan9793]

I love the fence explanation, absolutely mind blowing, I would have never noticed it myself. Thank you for your work

[@prone2wonder704]

Awesome! I think you are spot on! I’ve been waiting for this album for so many years! It’s so exciting!!!!

[@FPEMusic21]

I have a lot of observations about backslide. Firstly, I think the video has 2 major ways to be interpreted. One is to the music video of Saturday, where the submarine flooded and he was left floating on the sea. This is what he is referring to in backslide, and he is missing the bishops from which he escaped, saying he should have loved Dema or Nico better. The other way it could be interpreted (and I got this from the Knox Hill reaction) is religiously, as Peter is drowning because of his doubt, until he is saved. Another major connection I found is with my OCD. Often I start overthinking and because of my thoughts, get distracted and mess up things, so I have to do them all over again. I can connect this to the music video where Tyler messed up bringing the bread to Josh after thinking so much, and had to do it again. Also, I’ve got a prediction a single or something similar will happen May 9, it’s probably wrong because the theory isn’t very strong, but I’m sticking to it. You can check it out in my latest video.

[@leslieaziz747]

I appreciate your analysis. Especially interesting and helpful is your observation of how Tyler's invisible, non tangible struggle (expressed in the stormy bike ride segments) creates a consequence in the visible, tangible world (the soggy and ruined bread). I like this merging of both realities. I like the idea of Clancy and Tyler/ Dema and Ohio/ God and human intertwining. I like it because I believe that is really what existence is like. To be clear, I'm not postulating the idea that humans evolve to become God. What I'm saying is that the invisible realities and the visible ones touch one another, intertwine- constantly. And maybe right now that constant intertwining, that cycle, if you will, feels desperately hard. But perhaps some day, we will see it from a different vantage point and the desperately hard cycles will be understood as God guiding us, helping us, being in the hard with us, so that something indescribably beautiful was being created for both us and Him to enjoy. I wish someone would comment about the man standing outside the store at the beginning of the video (on the viewers' right) and then standing on the viewers' left when Tyler returns. I'm curious about this because I know every detail of every video and song is intentional. What does the man and his placement mean? Is it simply to signify this is another try and not an odd Ground Hog Day esque phenomenon?

[@samuelbuzek9321]

Great analysis 😄

[@LocalAlien]

I've always seen Ned as a representation of Jesus. He saved Clancy and allowed him to have power through him. So Ned's breads makes total sense, as the bread is a symbol of the body of Christ. Also he was thought to be extinct but is alive, as many people think Jesus is dead but he is alive

[@karahhuntsinger513]

Agreed with you on that!

[@MitzyGodsmack]

just like NF did with his last album, i think tyler is in a battle between him and blurryface (himself). Blurryface, helped his career a lot, but now its time to let go. i really dont think that god has anything to do with this song.. its like its always been, a battle between him and his demons

[@bkrindy9856]

You are smart and made some good analogies. I still tend toward the simpler take on this one but appreciate all your hard work and thoughtful analysis.

[@LnlyCloud]

The cry for help could be connected to the prodigal son - he's reached a low point and is now wanting to return to the father, which has the double meaning of being God in reality or being Blurryface in-universe

[@Jeckox3]

Thank you for your content. I'll be back later, watching 😊

[@MinPinSteve]

I think this song can also mean Tyler’s struggle in finishing this DEMA storyline and is talking to us that now it’s time for us to let go because the story is over his head. He’s drowning in logistics and the the dark feelings he needs to make songs believable affects his real life so he can only take one more album to finish the storyline because he is no longer in this state of mind. It’s time for the Clique to let go of him singing about sadness, anxiety, depression. He’s in a much better place now and I wonder if “kinda wish I never did Saturday” is saying he got in way too deep with this story and Saturday took Tyler’s character to a different place. And this is only one perspective of the song. I also agree this song could mean him talking to God and his younger self. The throwback to “stressed out” is him stressing out how to finish this story. Lol.

[@Stolen.Potential]

Wow, another great take! I love all the ways we can interpret his lyrics.

[@RyanKnoll-pq2cp]

I like your callback to drowning in logistics. I think you’re exactly right 👍🏼👍🏼

[@joedudley5464]

Just subscribed! Been watching your videos for a while. You produce great content man. I’m a Christian and I love this song! Regardless of my beliefs though, you did a wonderful job. Keep up the great work! I was at the Clancy tour in Raleigh last week. I went nuts when they played this. Praying you are doing well!

[@justkibby5959]

I think the beginning lyrics mirror fatherhood where the father takes less to provide more for his family. Taking shoes with no laces so his family can have better shoes. Taking a defective seat so his family can have a better chair. I dont think every song and every lyric is going to tie into the lore. I think real life situations and just tyler's life in general gets lost in the lore and people over look it.

[@Stolen.Potential]

I totally agree. I more see this being an inner monologue from Tyler’s perspective with references to other songs🔥

[@davidgarzon495]

Beautiful interpretation! Thanks

[@pandapvp3528]

You always help me not be confused 🤣 the video made so much sense after you explained it. Thank youuu our fearless leader 🙌🙌🙌🥰🥰🖤

[@FearlessConcern]

Amazing analysis and theories! I really like your theory about the saturday lyric being about clancy regretting writing music for Dema |-/ And also how you talked about the cycle repeating meaning Tyler had the strength to keep going, keep trying

[@WonderLoveKileab]

Thank you so much for you time. Well done my friend

[@WilliamEmerick-r3m]

Excellent analysis, I agree on almost everything! 4:40 I think you're right that it's from Tyler as a human being, but I think it's also about Clancy who represents just any human. Clancy is a type* of humanity, showing what every human goes through, including me, you and Tyler. *'type' referring to typology.

[@jcBentleyB3]

Many can really relate to this piece of art so well in so many ways. The fact that there is a real struggle he's alluded to makes this even more difficult to swallow 😕 They just can't tell us that there is an answer because they haven't found it yet ...it's over his head. God is able but God and the ways that have answers are above our ways of knowing and understanding 🙏 🙌 trying to do anything to understand can feel overwhelming. Praying for Tyler

[@Thundertune]

When I first watched the music video I was pausing it zooming in and squinting looking all over for the littlest hints and things in the backgrounds, then I listened to it like 15 times in a row

[@blakeyoder6488]

first, also great videos

[@ryanking529]

Thank you for a good breakdown of all the possibilities of what the meaning COULD be, & not saying “This is what Tyler meant!” as many seem prone to do. While I didn’t agree with every element being pointed out (sometimes a fence is just a fence), I still appreciate the fresh perspective.

[@robertpalomera6409]

My boy beat dema to the fruit punch

[@makeitwithalex4483]

Or homemade lemonade

[@robertpalomera6409]

@@makeitwithalex4483 or that,that works too 😄

[@KawaiiMerlin]

This is a great video! I realized so many new things and the song means so much more to me now! I hope Tyler knows that if he truly loves God, He will never leave him. I hope he knows that God isn't supposed to be a scary "judge" to His children. He is supposed to be a loving father and friend. Stay alive, clique! ❤

[@bennyboy6537]

cycle? bicycle?

[@blueJadeistyping]

Starting from "Is that a stain? You should change." you can hear Blurryface as the second voice so to me it sounds condescending. Not a sincere concern but a mockery - oh what is that on your neck? A stain? Are you still doing it? You should change; so how's solving all your problems going, huh? You can hear when it's just Tyler answering and when Blurryface is speaking.

[@kingmahmoud7913]

in level of concern live music at the end of the music Tyler mentions Jessie Josh and Ned out here making lemonade

[@Queenjonasblue]

In the end they were good friends

[@daniellesmith4228]

Love this! Just a few of my thoughts below. 1. The film clip represents the struggle of the endless cycle you go through with mental health, the constant battle. You put everything you have to get through the cycle, only to do it all again the next day. It's exhausting. 2. Do you think Now's the time you should let go? - this reminds me of ode to sleep. "I swear I heard demons yelling Those crazy words they were spelling They told me I was gone, they told me I was gone But I'll tell 'em, "Why won't you let me go? Do I threaten all your plans? I'm insignificant" Which shows the change between actively fighting, and going along with it. 3. The line "I wish I never did Saturday" - makes me think he's been caught again (trapped within DEMA) and has no energy to fight back. This line tells me he is embarrassed for trying to escape, and is almost apologising to the bishops. Like saying - sorry I went against you, I'll do what you say - you can control me. I love this song as it explains what we can't during the battle, even though you slowly move forward, you have to times when you fall back, almost become paralysed and don't care for anything. Love seeing how other people view it, these are just my quick thoughts ❤

[@joei.507]

Love this analysis! I wondered about the video, specifically during the parts where the camera pans up to the trees in a swinging motion. Almost as if we are flying. Which to me why sometimes Tyler/Clancy throws some of the bread on the ground after taking a bite. As if he is leaving bread crumbs for the vultures to follow him. Thus the flying back to the trees during the video. Plus "bread" is another term used for money. Which is why he pays for his "lemonade" with bread. imo. He actually drinks from the Styrofoam cup this time unlike in the Chlorine video. Also... I find it interesting that at the end of the video, Josh has only 1 burger on the grill. I saw someone mention they believe Josh doesn't really exist but only in Tyler/Clancy's mind. Many videos dealing with the lore, all of a sudden Josh is there playing drums. As if Josh is the symbol of hope for Tyler/Clancy. Which could explain only 1 burger on the grill.

[@chrisprestwich4223]

K. What about Josh’s scene? Josh is only grilling 1 burger… if Tyler was supposed to meet up with Josh, why only 1 burger?

[@Steven-Primrose-Hazel]

Love your analysis

[@Stolen.Potential]

I appreciate the kind words!

[@topexpertiam]

i feel like the line "i used to be champion of a world you cant see" Ties into I am supposed to be king of a kingdom "

[@untitledproductions644]

May be a stretch but “a champion of a world you can’t see” reminds me of “this is not what you’re supposed to see. Remember me I’m supposed to be king of a kingdom” from forest, also Tyler going through a storm in the chorus alludes to that song but besides that I haven’t found any other connections

[@jordanbridges6637]

Those who call upon the name of the Lord...

[@adamshore9836]

I feel like the bread is “hope” like enlisting people into the bandito’s/rebellion. Because Clancy has Ned’s horns it’s like borrowed power, so when he takes a bite and then throws it, it’s symbolic for him trying the power like at the end of outside and overcompensate. And then handing one to the lemonade stand is reflective of overcompensate where using vialism and the power for the concert hall was a success in recruiting more people to the cause. And then the last one being soggy could be failed attempts in the past or foreshadowing the future. I may be wrong but no one has mentioned anything like this. But this song either way resonates with me, like I feel it whenever it’s on ❤

[@yolomanrandom]

i think the "never did saturday" line also correlates with social exhaustion, like he made plans and went out with friends saturday but then he woke up mentally and emotionally drained the next day, so he regrets "doing saturday".

[@Deantjie92]

Very good analysis. I do also believe he is referring to God. The bread he is carrying is significant, I believe it represents the 'Word of God/Christ - the bread of life'. Hence why on his journey he consumes some but carelessly discards it, it sustains him close to the end of his journey, he gives what he can spiritually on days when he goes to church, hence the lemonade stand, only to have it completely perished and wrecked by the end of the journey forcing him to return back to the source of the bread (i.e. tops up spiritually, but this soon drains again).

[@brandennfinch]

Bread is Jesus body, the bread of life.

[@brandennfinch]

A struggle we all deal with when live for Christ, giving up Jesus for worldly goods, trying to do the right by giving bread to strangers and trying to bring it to the cookout... but the journey depleted tyler of the relationship with God aka the bread of life Jesus, without him realizing he had none left by the time it was ready to eat (he cookin he eattin) lol but 4real tho those are Tyler's roots, those are Tyler's struggles.. Clancy is a demon and so are the bishops. The jumpsuit is the Holy Spirit, the tape is God's shield from evil aka love, trench is here life on earth

[@beats_city0911]

@@brandennfinch Although I've been raised in Christian faith, I didn't think about it in that way. Tyler is Christian so it makes a lot of sense - bread as a symbol of Jesus' body and life. That's indeed interesting take!

[@Stolen.Potential]

Great observation! The bread sustains Tyler.

[@ShadeoftheEvening]

My husband was raised Pentacostal, I don't know if it's just something with that way of worshipping, but he said the preacher/pastor used the term Backslide, quite a bit. And I noticed the cherry blossoms. They are very symbolic of the cycle of life and death. In a lot of Asian countries, they do school and other things around the blooms coming ✌🏻

[@mattiamusa2223]

⁠​yes but why he taste it and then throw it away, if he’s trying to get back to him

[@m_hall]

I can't take credit for this but another youtube comment pointed out all of the "Trees" imagery in the music video! "Trees" is often also interpreted as a song about God, specifically Garden of Eden imagery after Adam and Eve sin and God is looking for them, but they hide from him because they're afraid.

[@m_hall]

Anyway, really good analysis. Only thing I think could be added is the line "I used to be a champion of a world you can't see, now I'm drowning in logistics" has the double meaning of the trench lore, as well as the fact he used to be more upfront and forward in his music about his faith (self titled for example). How he's incorporated his faith into his music as they grew into fame has always been hard for him I think. It's gotten significantly less or more cyrptic as more albums released and the lore became a thing. The "Saturday" line could be clancy talking, but I do think it's coming from Tyler which fits with the theme of him admitting that the rat race caused him to lose site of the bands roots, which was a man struggling with his mental health and his christian faith. Love this channel btw, you're my go to for any twenty one pilots news. Keep up the awesome work!

[@karahhuntsinger513]

@@m_hall this makes total sense and I’ve thought about this idea too!!

[@johannvantassel4604]

if this is a reference to faith and God, i think the bread must be synonymous to provision. In the video he’s throwing it away slowly, selling it for short term things like lemonade. This also makes sense that its a cycle because you can always go get more bread (forgiveness) from God

[@MitzyGodsmack]

its not .. if you know anything about the lore, bluryface is talking with tyler .. not god

[@johannvantassel4604]

@@MitzyGodsmack dawg i was responding to what he said in the video.

[@MitzyGodsmack]

@@johannvantassel4604 I know.. I was just saying you guys really went off track with god.. because if you are right that would mean that blurry face is god ?

[@johannvantassel4604]

@@MitzyGodsmack i understand theres lots of “lore” behind tylers music but its pretty ignorant to assume that hes writing just for lore purposes. A true artist and poet puts real life meaning and personal struggles in their writing, and tyler has talked about his faith in older songs too.

[@MitzyGodsmack]

@@johannvantassel4604 lore or not. This is a conversation between him and his insecurities.. just like in stresses out :)

[@ShadeoftheEvening]

Great job dude!!! I don't know about y'all, but I can't stop listening to TOP right now😁My husband was raised Pentacostal. He said Backslide was a term used quite a bit. "Don't backslide to the devil". I'd never heard the term. Went to Catholic School. I love you bringing the bread in. Also, cherry blossoms are big for Asian cultures and represent the cycle of life and death 👊✌🏻 l-/💃

[@cybrooks12]

Here after release, this video adds weight to my head canon that Clancy sacrifices himself to Nico’s influence.

[@a.julien4288]

You should do that for all the song/video of this album

[@Stolen.Potential]

Planning on it!

[@TONY-op7yr]

Also another note to point out is how blurrface voice sings alot of the lryics in backslide

[@jackpaddock3138]

I think the Saturday line actually has a reversed meaning. The Saturday music video is when Tyler escaped Dema in the Lore. I read this as Tyler almost regretting his freedom and wanting to go back (I.E., backslide).The lemonade stand kid is speaking in pitched down vocals, asking if leaving Dema gave Tyler what he wanted. Tyler can't say yes, not yet at least.

[@GanelOnid_21]

I don't think Clancy is speaking at all here. It is all real-world Tyler wondering what will happen when the lore is over. When listened to from that lens, the lyrics all make sense together and they don't have to be piecemealed. Love and respect your opinions as always - there are no "right" answers.

[@Artwitch21]

Is backslide trying to overcompensate for Saturday

[@ann18o96]

Oh my xD Most definetly yes!

[@markie.munoz2161]

In the beginning of the video, Tyler starts with pulling up to the store, parking his bike and throwing a bag in the trash. I don’t know if that was the bag of buns but it’s 100% could be meaning that the cycle doesn’t end and that he had already gone through the cycle and we just saw another part of it.

[@Stolen.Potential]

You’re correct!

[@Thundertune]

Did anyone else notice haw josh just littered and threw out the plastic bag and cup, I think he is trying to kill a turtle. Lol

[@th.nd.r]

5:05 - Tyler as a creator - Tyler, the Creator?

[@Josh-tm1yh]

I don’t care to control me leading me anywhere could be him surrendering to god and letting him lead the way.

[@ayyyayay]

you filled in the void of lyric analysis when pop song professor retired

[@Stolen.Potential]

Trying my best!

[@Beccaboo739]

In overcompensate, he flew by the dangerous bend symbol, so it seems like he could be saying he took the power into his own hands and abused it instead of letting God lead him. Also, the kid had a Blurryface doubling in his voice… was that God asking, or Blurryface taunting him? He didn’t have the red eyes, but it was very strange when I heard the doubling voice.. what was the connection do you think to Jenna telling him to change his clothes in Saturday? Also interesting that he traded what was valuable to him ( the bread of life) for lemonade ( a ‘solution’ to life’s lemons that didn’t even help him…)

[@Red-qv4nb]

This is by far their best song since blurryface came out

[@adamcahill1929]

This song is Fall Away 2.0

[@karahhuntsinger513]

Okay I have a theory all of this new album Clancy is going to connect back to “A car a torch a death” like the torchbearer is talked about in that song representing God and I feel like Josh as the torchbearer in Dema lore represents the same thing. I almost feel like Clancy may sacrifice himself at the end of the album to save everyone else like Jesus did.

[@klokan2894]

Hi is backslide playing in this video please? I dont want to listen to the song until album release (I have seen the lyrics tho)

[@Stolen.Potential]

Nope! Backslide is not playing, so watch away!

[@sarahplatt7046]

Sorry about the novel 😅

[@lainehannah9104]

In “Saturday” he talks about being on the ocean floor, he can’t feel the waves anymore. Did the tide forget to move? Just pray that I’m not losing you In Christianity waves/storms can also refer to trials and tribulations that come with proclaiming the faith. In Saturday he was relishing almost in the fact that he wasn’t proclaiming his faith and the back lash he receives from it. That’s my personal take. He regrets the relishing. He doesn’t want to love life without God. He doesn’t want to backslide. Reaching above the tide in backslide is him trying to swim back to the surface and ask God for help.

[@lainehannah9104]

“Bad place on a hundred dollar bass” -he was in a bad place when he wrote the song

[@no_phun_in_dema]

Really interesting thought

[@johniversen7067]

There are so many SAI refferences.

[@AlsoNIGHTZnextup]

Blurryface and demon days best albums ever in my opinion but Clancy is also up there

[@lucasnelson5706]

I am NOT waking up at 6am for this 😭

[@BALLENSHOTCALLIN]

My thoughts are him singing about baptism. Like the importance of it. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@Stolen.Potential]

Definite heavy Christian themes

[@Jestir66]

I think the the bread is "food for thought" and bread can be associated with religion "breaking bread" . i think he traded a food for thought for a lemonade. why lemonade? "life gives you lemons, you make lemonade". I like to think that its baby Tyler asking adult Tyler how life is now. he traded a lemonade for a bread. the kid doesnt eat the bread. innocence doesnt need food for thought. Everytime tyler eats the bread, or the thought, he throws away the whole bun cause its awful or distasteful, he doesnt like those thoughts, and some tend to trigger into storms of violence in his mind. theres so much going on in this video i could go on forever lol.

[@buzz1daddy]

Having a hard time regarding the SATURDAY issue. On one hand you say this video is more about Tyler not Clancy, but you’re going with the idea for that line that that is for Clancy. Is that legal????😂

[@MechaKnuckles]

I think it can go either way. Same case for "a champion of a world you can't see". He might be talking about beating depression or being a spiritual champion, AKA having unwaivering faith. But then comes backsliding, back into depression and back into doubts.

[@Queenjonasblue]

I think he sees it whether it’s in his reach he’s not sure what he’s competing with but believing in himself his lack in confidence is what saying??