"Pumped Up Kicks" has been very, very good to Foster the People, the L.A.-based trio who released it as their first single. From nowhere, they've gone to playing Lollapalooza this summer. The Meaning Behind The Song: Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" is a catchy, upbeat song that quickly became a popular hit after its release in 2010. Its cheerful melodies and bouncy beats, however, masks the dark and serious themes that permeate through its lyrics. The song, written … "Pumped Up Kicks" does this by creating a chorus melody with a strong hook, and a melody that constantly reiterates the tonic note. Here's a map of the formal design for "Pumped Up Kicks": The song is very catchy, and the simplicity of its form is key. The meaning of "Pumped Up Kicks.". "Pumped Up Kicks" holds a darker meaning behind its alt-pop dance sound. Foster wrote the track from the point of view of a deeply troubled youth Regardless of its cheerful tempo, the subject matter of "Pumped Up Kicks" doesn't match. According to writer and Foster the People frontman Mark Foster, the song is about a fictional high schooler, Robert ("Robert's got a quick hand"). The "kicks" in the song refer to expensive shoes worn by popular kids at Robert's school. Rock Mark Foster on 'Pumped Up Kicks' Eight Years Later & Why It's Time to Retire the Song "Pumped Up Kicks" was the ultimate breakthrough for Los Angeles-based alt-pop group Foster the ghRfOI.

what pumped up kicks is really about