I think that people are over-reacting to the lyrics of this song. In an interview, Mark Foster explained the meaning of the song. It's not about some random kid who's killing people. It's about "a kid that basically is losing his mind and is plotting revenge. He's an outcast." Yes, I'll admit that this behavior isn't correct. But when I listen to this song, I don't want to go out and kill people who make fun of me - I want to doubly make sure that I am nice to the kids who are made fun of! I think that this song is for a mature 12 or 13 year old and I would have given it five stars for amazing instrumental but its dark lyrics earned it a four.

This song is somewhat like a Gorillaz song. The verse vocals are muffled and hard to hear, but if you listen carefully, you'll realise this song has a subliminal meaning behind it. The lyrics are about a child who shoots people he is jealous of, and smokes at a young age. What makes it worse is that how the lyrics are written makes it seem that they're trying to tell the listener that guns are cool. Do not listen if you are faint-hearted.

MY FAVORITE SONG!!! it's awesome!!! i think all the iffy stuff will fly over kids' heads.

this website implies that ur all *bleeps*.

This song is okay, for the most part. It's catchy, upbeat, and even though it conceals a darker message it will go right over little kids' heads. Kids old enough to understand the lyrics probably won't admire them or think of them as some kind of role model. I'm 12, and people consider that young. I also noticed that people here are complaining about the song's "terrible story." Well, 'Pumped up Kicks' is actually about a real mall shooting that happened in Nebraska. Foster the People didn't make this up and they aren't promoting this kind of thing. They are just putting an event into song. If you think you might want to, try and listen to it unless this kind of thing deeply disturbs you.

I'm a huge fan of Foster the People, meaning that I've listened to more than just their radio hit "Pumped Up Kicks." Their lyrics are language-free (unlike most music currently being marketed to teenagers) and contain thought-provoking messages (when actually listened to). "Pumped Up Kicks" is no different. Yes, I understand that the song is about a kid resorting to violence, but that's not the problem. It's what lead him to believe that it was his only option--the popular kids at school wearing nice shoes who won't give him the time of day. Most kids are allowed to watch movies and tv shows more violent than anything in this song. Why, then, has this song created such a fuss?

LOVE THE BEAT THE LYRICS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE !! WAY WAY TO VIOLENT BUT NO KID IS ACTUALLY GONNA KILL BUT YUO KNOW WHAT I MEAN

Ugh! Do you want your kids listening to a song about someone who shoots his enemies and smokes? It sounds innocent at first, but as you listen closer, you will be SHOCKED!