The Clancy Album. Let's talk about it. | Meaning and Themes Breakdown

[@CollegeHacked]

Oh, hey! It's me: College Cliff! Come hang out with me sometime. ;)

[@ThePopSongProfessor]

Hey, College Cliff. No one likes self-promotion, but since you are me, I'll let it slide this time.

[@cyberwolf5787]

@@ThePopSongProfessorthat's a whole new level of meta🤯

[@JLAnderson_Music]

RETURN OF THE KING!!!!

[@hdsn_music]

JUSTIN

[@TwilightZoneMusic03]

Real

[@ThePopSongProfessor]

Just watched the Paladin Straight MV. Crazy stuff. Love that they left it on a cliff hanger so the cycle could continue. That really matches the themes of the album very well. Well done, Josh and Tyler!

[@macncheezboi_designs]

Are we going to get a Paladin Straight MV Deep Dive? TOP Tuesday return?

[@rebekahnerad4900]

That ending! Parallels the confrontation with Nico in jumpsuit, yet different AND references Blurry face!!!!

[@calmcomb7603]

They said they’ll “put a bow on it” and this feels like the beginning of that process. I love it!

[@blarg218]

When we needed him the most he returned

[@ThePopSongProfessor]

I was going to post this video today anyway and then saw the "Paladin Strait" MV scheduled, and was like, "Oh, shoot! I need to get this out super fast."

[@ThePopSongProfessor]

Thanks for the love, early commenters. I always appreciate your kindness when I post something. It's good to step back into this world and hang out with you. :)

[@humanreviewsstuff]

Paladin Strait MV and the return of Pop Song Professor in the same day? This is huge

[@CP-pz9vw]

"The Paladin Strait video hasnt come out yet" Little did you know at the time, they were waiting for you to upload.

[@athanasiospapadopoulos6582]

It kinda irked me that many people were disappointed with the "lack of lore" in this album, but I believe that you summed up in your breakdown just how untrue that statement is. The story of Trench - the Bishops, DEMA, the Banditos, everything - are all an allegory for the cycle of struggling with mental illness and I believe Clancy fleshes out that idea far more than any other album in this saga has.

[@soylilly]

Loved your analysis -- I completely agree that this album does an excellent job of balancing lore with the actual meaning of the songs. I sometimes feel in the fanbase that there is a lot of emphasis on the story that the lore is telling, rather than the intented metaphor of it being for internal struggle/recovery, which to me seems odd because it can feel like dismissing that message and instead focusing on the method of communicating it. I think the story itself is interesting, but if it wasn't for the message it conveyed, I honestly wouldn't be very invested in it, since that type of fantasy story isn't really my cup of tea on it's own. It's because it's an allegory -- and because the meaning of the allegory is both diverse enough to appeal to a variety of people and personal enough to make an impact on each individual -- that it's so compelling. I love that this album had a more direct focus on meaning and theme over lore. After Vessel, to me it seems like the most honest and vulnerable album they've released. Excited to hear more from you, particularly about Snapback and Backslide -- they were among my favourites as well!

[@rojeriofumasa]

Snapback literally has backslide on the lyrical lol It feels like a direct continuation of it, he didn’t want to backslide, yet he did

[@TheGreatShortdini]

Made me think of Nico and the niners having “my jumpsuit takes me so high” talking about the jumpsuit from the hit song “jumpsuit” lol

[@Musicalowl12]

I love the themes of friendship on this album. This whole storyline is a really cool and creative way to essentially say “you’re not alone”. Tyler basically built a whole world with characters and storylines just to tell us that we’re not alone. And the story conveys the power of friendship when working through any struggle.

[@jezmarkray638]

Hello. Watching this while waiting for the Paladin Strait MV.

[@margo.g747]

Right before the Paladin Strait music video, welcome back

[@danielwalker875]

One of my favorite themes from this album is that of cycles and that the album itself feels like a cycle that happens twice. I realized this looking at Next semester into Backslide and then Navigating into Snap Back. As you mention backslide and snap back are lyrically very similar and then with next semester and navigating you have connections like a piece of navigating in the Next Semester music video. This made me start comparing and I know view the album as two cycles broken up by the Craving. Overcompensate -- lavish ( feel similar to me, lavish seems to be about being over the top and overcompensating trying to look cool and certain things) Next Semester -- Navigating (musical ties as well as thematically navigating past memories) Backslide -- Snap Back (I think self explanatory) Midwest Indigo -- Oldies station (Both have elements of nostalgia and accepting the darkness or coldness to push on through) Routines In The Night -- At the Risk of Feeling Dumb (ATROFD references night terrors, the doors being spray pained stay out and friends saying to stay out) Vignette -- Paladin (Vignette seems to be about falling back in despite trying to get out and Paladin maybe offers a way out)

[@marilyngaeta1668]

Really love your insights

[@colonelcrackerz2320]

I really loved Clancy because of how personal and honest it is, and because I myself am going through an anxiety backslide. I think a lot of the themes mentioned in this vid could be boiled down to: ‘I was on top of the world now all of a sudden there was a rug pull and now Im scared again’. I truly felt like I could relate to what Tyler wrote about and falling back into your own default avoidant and fear based behaviours after thinking you conquered them. The addiction themes especially, I think he’s addicted to the rush that comes with fear cus I also have found myself becoming addicted to my own mental self destruction. Tyler said himself that SAI got lots of backlash, so going from success to success then hitting a wall has gotta do a number on your confidence

[@jsmit5635]

“I wanted to release this video after the Paladin Strait music video came out, but it kept not coming out” *Posts video the same day PS music video comes out. Nailed it! 😂 Good to see you again!

[@skipcadorette5077]

"kicked" is repeated in Snap Back. In the second verse ['thought I'd kicked it"] which is all about "pleasing" the crowd. So my take is that in 2017 Tyler got to a point where he was comfortable not worrying about pleasing people- he could freely pursue his own creativity. He does Trench and folks love it. Then he does SAI and folks don't love it. Suddenly he's "kinda wishing he'd never done Saturday." Oh, it's you Well, welcome back to the show (Been a minute) Guess I better move to a fresher approach (Thought I kicked it) It's a new adaptation It's a backslide The second verse of Snap Back is all about Tyler adapting his approach to please folks. He "thought he'd kicked it" but no, he's back to worrying over their approval. He tells himself "it's a new adaptation" but in his mind he knows: "It's a backslide." So he's praying his ability to "not care what others think" - his elasticity, his ability to snap back- will return.

[@0nshore]

"I kind of wanted to wait to do this video until the Paladin Strait Music video came out but then it just kept not coming out." What an amazing time to post this LOL, enjoyed your video.

[@MisguideddGhost]

THANK YOU SM FOR POSTING AGAIN! I HOPE YOU CREATE MORE IN THE FUTURE

[@skipcadorette5077]

Oldies Station doesn't read to me as dark as you're seeing it. I think it's about "adulting," being a father [in her first dance recital] growing older, realizing that family you love will die and dealing with that. How do you do that? Make an oath then make mistakes Start a streak you're bound to break When darkness rolls on you Push on through Push on through You make promises, promises of faithfulness to wife and children and parents - knowing you WILL make mistakes. Despite knowing you will make mistakes you "start a streak," you set out to be as good as you can be [still knowing you'll mess up.] You "add some years and build some trust" -gain maturity- and "your eyes adjust" to the difficulty around you and you just keep on going- you "push on through." It's just normal day to day living.

[@inbarkatan4717]

Really like your analysis!! As usual! Tho I think the theme of Tyler needing someone to lead him ties more to the theme of his connection with God, as we seen if previous albums. And the theme of bad cycles and addiction has been there since blurryface or even earlier- his whole relationship with nico/ blurryface is the bad cycle- he’s in the city, he escapes to trench, he’s dragged back into the city, repeat. Loved this album, but it doesn’t quite compare to vessel and blurryface…

[@ncrider2000]

I think we’re seeing him coming to terms with the end of Lore. He doesn’t need to tell that story anymore. He’s comfortable the music can stand on its own, and he’s coming to terms with his adulthood. Oldies Station is one of my favorite songs of all time. It’s just such a positive message about persistence.

[@filipkulpa8882]

Thank you for amazing analysis! I feel like a lot of people are forgetting what this story is really about and focus only on the lore and not the meaning behind it which is in my opinion the most important thing. I think that some of the themes you mentioned are very well reflected in the story. Clancy is returning to Dema with the Banditos to overcome it . This corresponds to the theme of helping your friends with solving some internal problems. Before that he was on Voldsoy. An island that at least for me represents isolation. On Voldsoy he tried to beat his insecurties with the help of his creativity (Ned) and imagination (Trash the dragon). And it worked in some way, he gained something (the power of psychokinesis) that he can use against these insecurities (bishops). But in the end he needs help of the people who can support him (Banditos) to truly make some big steps forward. But I don't think this story will end with Clancy completely winning. In my opinion there should be some kind of truce in the end.

[@danielwalker875]

I would add the craving to songs about addiction (and internal distress). "If I found my body in chains" (addiction is often described as chains in a lot of media). It almost feels like him worried about his relationship if he were to backslide into addiction. Then there's the line "I just hate to put this on her" feels like the regret of needing help from his wife and having to ask for help. This isn't strait up said but given the themes of songs around I love this interpretation of the song.

[@ZaydBlakers]

Hey man! Love your videos and have always loved your breakdowns, keep doing what you're doing my man it is awesome. I would say though as a christian listening and loving twenty one pilots who are also christian i think (and look i don't 100% know) a lot of the lyrics are actually directly addressing his relationship with the Lord. 'This haze (sin) around my face makes me feel all alone' 'When our finders touch (Gods metaphorical fingers) i feel my way back home' Also all of snapback and backslide about him running from sin and his repentance towards it 'black listed from forgivness fool you once it's been 25 times' 'is it even right for my head to keep track' - This lyric is SOOOOOO relatable as a christian in fact all of them are and i know Tyler has been pretty open about his faith in God

[@lillyy_72]

Yesss 💯%. I was looking for this comment because Same. 🙏🏻 ✝️🤍

[@banditodestiny]

Good to see you again man :)

[@MinskyCrash]

Finally! Your return means a lot… sorry missed you on day 1!

[@theemilyguy52]

It’s so nice to see you return for the Clancy era! 😄 I don’t know if you’ll see this comment or not since the video is almost a week old, but I just wanted to say thanks for being the one to get me into Twenty One Pilots- I listened to your podcast back in 2017/2018, knowing nothing about the band (I thought Tyler and Josh were brothers?) and the whole idea of lyrics that actually take some thought to unpack really appealed to me as a Christian teen… anyways, thanks for coming back to share your thoughts on the album :)

[@TOP_21_]

Welcome back to Trench

[@benjaminyoder3463]

I’m glad you mentioned the theme of addiction, I was noticing that all over the album. I felt the Paladin Strait video kind of addressed this as well, with Tyler going from overlooking the sea to back to Trench, representing needing to face the addiction head on instead of running away and trying to escape it.

[@Mashu_achbard]

i think the thing he kicked in 17 was dema. that was the year josh said "tyler wishes he could be here but he is off severing ties with dema. i think the struggle he dealt with was losing loved ones to death which is expressed in oldies station and navigating. i believe josh helped him through that and tahts expressed in at the risk of feeling dumb and navigating. i think snap back is literally about relapsing into self harm

[@Stolen.Potential]

What’s up Cliff! Love hearing your thoughts!🖤

[@megaascension2748]

I get this album. I've always seen the banditos as an extended metaphor for a personal support system. It helps with that outro too. Also, since you're doing sci-fi and fantasy stuff, I'm curious if you've ever read the manga Fullmetal Alchemist? I think you'd enjoy it. It's fantasy with some elements of science fiction, and deals with topics involving morality, the push and pull of science and religion, war, and atonement. It's also steampunk themed.

[@estebanvaldez3413]

I think, in my opinion, you're missing a category and that would be "songs that talk about God" , I mean.. some of the ones you're telling that are for friends, I could think they are to God also. But it is just my opinion haha thanks for the vid btw!

[@ThePopSongProfessor]

Oh! That's a thought. I'll have to review it with this in mind.

[@bevinsh20]

Welcome back Cliff!! So excited to hear your thoughts❤

[@nicolebork3737]

THE PROF IS BACKKKK (welcome back hope you’re doing good!!)

[@cries_of_joy]

Hi :) lately I‘m doing really great. Always good to hear your thoughts. I loved the themes of this album they gave me a new perspective into Tylers personality and thoughts. Musically this album seems very balanced. Some of their earlier songs had that naivety throughout that I very much love and miss in this one. Clancy feels very confident and grown up which makes sense. My favourite is probably Vignette.

[@macacasylvanus2]

Nice videoooo, THE PALADIN STRAIT MV came out we need you hereeee aaaaaa

[@fafziyadsparkydude9603]

We finally getting the Paladin Strait MV and here comes The Professor. Just made my next days

[@marshmallowcream]

The album cycle isn't complete without a Pop Song Professor video! Glad to see you back :D

[@uacari]

HE'SSSS BACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK, FINALLY, BEEN WAITING FOR A REVIEW FROM THE KING!

[@fearful1139]

I WAS WONDERING ABOUT YOUUU!! YESSS!

[@alycat10]

Been waiting for your input on Clancy! 🎉

[@URI443PHOENIX]

PSP YOURE BACK! We missed you!

[@rojeriofumasa]

Found out about your channel yesterday really enjoy your tøp videos, happy to see you doing a clancy video :)

[@BenInGame]

YEEEES I WAS HOPING YOUD MAKE A VIDEO ON THIS!!!!

[@JDGartandmusic]

Glad to have you back!

[@analuciam.m.4245]

SO HAPPY YOU'RE BACKKK

[@juliar407]

Clancy making miracles. I missed our professor so much

[@inuyashaluvesme]

I saw the lyrics of Paladin Strait as moreso a motivation to fight your inner demons or struggles, although youve helped me see it in a different light

[@Sputniq182]

BTW jus out of curiousity, have you ordered/checked out the little "SACRED MUNICIPALITY OF DEMA" book they released with that album?

[@markiemelon]

I’ve been waiting for this

[@kalebm6758]

Bro chose the day the Paladin Strait music videos came out to post. Love you man

[@jamesloyd8391]

Also friendship/being led in Routines in the Night “just keep me company”

[@WilburBullara]

very happy you’re back, man. miss you

[@lizarddude8003]

Snap back is one of my favorites, I thought it was funny how you said that lyrically backslide and snap back were very similar because Tyler says “It’s a backslide” in SnapBack lol

[@Redsnowman04]

I relate a lot to this. But minds from 2015. I’ve been sensing something big coming next year as it is the 10 anniversary of the best year of my life. Scary though because it’s either a major threat coming or something great. I don’t know. But I’ve gotta face it. My manifestation of what I created that year.

[@koala4392]

I think the person tyler/ clancy is singing to in paladin strait is nico cuz thats the person hes trying to find

[@ssppookkyyy]

POP SONG PROFESSOR YAAAAYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@akariyamaguchi7306]

I'm so happy, I missed you!

[@looou6615]

hello pop song professor!!! so good to see you!

[@arwa7680]

U r back I'm so happy 💃💃💃💃

[@xtianrmrz]

You’re backkkkkk 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@lilJess0831]

I've been wondering about your thoughts on this album! My interest in the Trench lore has definitely taken a backseat to other things in life, so I kinda just skimmed over Scaled and Icy as well. The Clancy album has piqued my interest though, I've really enjoyed listening to it. Also, going back to school has been on my mind recently, so I will *definitely* be checking out College Hacked!

[@julian0man174]

the man the myth the legend

[@calmcomb7603]

I love these videos!! ❤

[@tarar1998]

We've missed you! I love your shirt! Now that Paladin mv came out, we need to see you again. What do you think? Another song? Another album? Would Tyler leave us at a cliffhanger?

[@kindsprit4039]

I just started your video and… I, too, have only…one shirt! Whew! I’m glad you were called out on that.

[@macncheezboi_designs]

THE POP SONG PROFESSOR IS BACK! THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER FOR A TWENTY ONE PILOTS FAN! (2:52 for the script that no one saw)

[@AllpraiseJC4Ever]

Brilliant breakdown. Thank you.

[@EC-te9fc]

Return of the Bandito 💛

[@BackwardsCourage]

I think "Welcome back to Trench." Is a great introduction to cycle of addiction that he's feeling.

[@daysleeper7209]

Welcome back!

[@dannygosselin2875]

Always excited when you post a TOP video. Thanks for your video. Like you, my least favorite album is Scaled and Icy. My favorite is Self title then Trench. After, I think Blurryface and Vessel (at the same level) and then Scaled and Icy. For now, not sure where to put Clancy, but clearly better than Scaled and Icy. My favorite song is At the risk of feeling dumb because someone close to me tried to commit suicide last month and I was scared to death. Now, I try to speak with that person more often to be sure that nothing is wrong because I don't want to take the risk of losing someone I love. I don't want to forget The craving video with Jenna because it's such a beautiful video 🙂.

[@isaacftw7016]

A Pop song Professor vid and Paladin music drop on the same day is like a dream come true!

[@cody_t]

I think that the “you on the other shoreline” is God. If you see it that way the whole song makes so much sense. That’s at least one of the meanings.

[@MinPinSteve]

I would have never thought Oldies Station would be placed in the category of addiction/ cycles. I would have thought it’s about friends and growing up.

[@ConcertGoerChris]

Welcome back! Thought you were gone for good 😂

[@marilyngaeta1668]

What do you think about the idea of “progress lost” and time passing which Tyler refers to in “Snap Back,” “Navigating,” and “Oldies Station”?

[@jadenbrown4826]

Personally, this is my favorite album of theirs. Musically, this album just sounds far superior to anything else they’ve put out and it mostly has to do with the drums. Josh really nailed it in this album. I’ve listened to it so many times and I still can’t get over how crisp the drums are in Vignette. And then there’s the fact that it’s super hard for me to rank the songs because I love them all pretty much equally. All to say, this is definitely my favorite album

[@Abriil137]

RETURN OF THE KING!!!!! HIIIIII!!!!! HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOO HIIIIIIIIIIIII

[@ryne16]

YESSSSS!

[@alejandromata825]

I think he is telling a story with a very good message. I noticed it in the videos, and I need to know if I am wrong. In Paladin Strait at the end when he gets caught at the end by Nico I think it is because he went off on his own, by his own act, instead of stay in the fight by the Torchbearer and the Banditos. I also noticed in The Outside video when he received the ability to seize from Ned the Torchbearer wasn’t with him in the cave, and when he mocked the Bishops by seizing Keons, the Torchbearer was in the background with the drums kind of like keeping the beat of his life but distant maybe because he was acting alone. I’m picking up maybe like a righteous by faith message, instead of by acts. What do you think? Is the Torchbearer his friend? Is the Torchbearer Jesus? And is he somehow trying to tell us that nothing gets done without him? He is always going back to his faith in many of his songs after all.

[@katherineweaver2417]

Cliff is back!!

[@shonenbois]

Clancy was a really good album. I enjoyed I love how it was a good sequel/tribute to the band’s Trench Era. It’s definitely a 8.5/10 album for me

[@melonmilkice2755]

He is freaking back!!!

[@braedonhanley6234]

Ayyy WELCOME BACK!

[@braedonhanley6234]

For this video I’m very excited to see this

[@jackgarcia4406]

We are so back

[@AutkastKain]

Just in time for the Paladin Strait music video to come out

[@Pqtrick]

return of a king

[@rebekahnerad4900]

The struggle i think is depression and anxiety....not necessarily an addiction even though tyler said vignette was about addiction (on the Clancy music video livestream)

[@LukeParodiMusic]

Back from the dead!🧟‍♂️

[@motoyki]

This band releases songs for the realities of life.

[@happypoo6708]

Paladin mv comes out today!

[@robbiepapadimitriou3501]

From a Christian perspective, I believe the theme of "friendship" is actually depicting a relationship with Jesus. If you know what I mean, it honestly makes perfect sense and it really shows the relationship between God and man.

[@cody_t]

Yes, I already commented this. But Paladin Strait is such a great song when viewed this way, and makes it my favorite song on the record because of my relationship with God. The beauty of knowing Jesus is there in the midst of your struggles and whatever you’re going through, expecting that you’re gonna make it. Just amazing.

[@robbiepapadimitriou3501]

@@cody_t I know right. I see it as your journey through life and that Jesus is there on the other side (heaven) with His arms open ,and He is guiding you through the storms in your life because he wants to spend eternity with you. While Nico is like Satan, the accuser, and he wants you to doubt you'll make it to the other side. It really feels to me like this is the best way to interpret this song.

[@positiveproductions6699]

It's definitely my second favorite album next to trench

[@sarahryan9579]

3 more vids yess

[@martingonzalezbuitrago9691]

He is back, he is back!

[@TheGreatShortdini]

My favorite albums in order Blurryface Vessel Trench Clancy Scaled and icy Dont get me wrong I LOVED SAI because of the lore and the music was really good but the top 4 have the tøp sound that I love more. And yes Vessel has very little lore in it (we know because they put the red tape over the album cover which means its connected in some way)