The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Robert's got a quick hand
He'll look around the room, he won't tell you his plan
He's got a rolled cigarette
Hanging out his mouth he's a cowboy kid
Yeah found a six shooter gun
In his dad's closet, oh in a box of fun things
I don't even know what
But he's coming for you, yeah he's coming for you
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
Daddy works a long day
He be coming home late, and he's coming home late
And he's bringing me a surprise
'Cause dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice
I've waited for a long time
Yeah the sleight of my hand is now a quick pull trigger
I reason with my cigarette
And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits, yeah
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
He'll look around the room, he won't tell you his plan
He's got a rolled cigarette
Hanging out his mouth he's a cowboy kid
Yeah found a six shooter gun
In his dad's closet, oh in a box of fun things
I don't even know what
But he's coming for you, yeah he's coming for you
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
Daddy works a long day
He be coming home late, and he's coming home late
And he's bringing me a surprise
'Cause dinner's in the kitchen and it's packed in ice
I've waited for a long time
Yeah the sleight of my hand is now a quick pull trigger
I reason with my cigarette
And say your hair's on fire, you must have lost your wits, yeah
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, outrun my gun
All the other kids with the pumped up kicks
You'd better run, better run, faster than my bullet
Lyrics submitted by evenabird, edited by kitty17moo, indierox, Paymaan, MycroftJr, bobbywasabi123, smartboiii420, haylo740, tobyoakes
Pumped Up Kicks Lyrics as written by Mark Derek Foster
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I like the beat and how the song is written. The lyrics and meaning which is why we are all here are disturbing to say the least. I get the fact that he is speaking from the other side of the disgruntled teen and touching upon his world and what he plans on doing about it. Giving credit to say that Foster the People actually envisioned a second and third person speaking is giving far to much credit to the lyricist. I think he intended on adding his life at home as another reason to be losing his rationality. Saying where or what was the lyricists intent is by far stretching it. The pumped up kids reference is about the tennis shoes that you had to pump up. There were the expensive shoe and the alternate for those not willing to spend that kind of money on them or couldn't afford them. This of course alienates and categorizes the group that wears them to those who don't. Making this all the more relevant in a teens world. Who wears what to get noticed or to be out casted amongst their classmates or school. Those who want to stand out more than the others rather than get lost in a group hence "Where's Waldo"? Kids today take what they wear very seriously and what they wear is heavily influenced by what others are wearing and the fashion statement that is "Hip" at the time of "with the IN crowd". I will end by saying there are numerous comments that are so close we will never know who is the closest which is fine. The participation by all who commented or replied is awesome. I do feel that with todays teens taking life so seriously and the technology we place in their hands on a daily basis makes this very disturbing as a parent. To many copy cats out there trying to get noticed and NEVER realize the end results or consequences of their actions. Just like bullying is a problem with todays teens. In my day you confronted the individual or individuals and whipped ass or got your ass whipped. Either way you were respected the next day and showing off a shiner around your eye was a reward or accolade. Teens are too moody for this song and I fear it will lead to bad results that we all will see on the news or worst yet experience it. I pray that all that listen to this like the beat but realize in the long run it is just a song and not an anthem. Be blessed.