Backslide

Backslide
Song by Twenty One Pilots from the album Clancy
Recorded	2022 - 2023
Released	April 25, 2024
Format	Digital
Length	3:00
Tempo	85
Key	E♭ Major
Single	March 27, 2024
Live debut	2 May 2024
Last played	14 May 2024
Live count	4
Writer	Tyler Joseph
Producer	Tyler Joseph
Label	Fueled by Ramen
Stream / Buy
Clancy track listing Overcompensate Next Semester Backslide Midwest Indigo Routines In The Night Vignette The Craving (Jenna's Version) Lavish Navigating Snap back Oldies Station At The Risk Of Feeling Dumb Paladin Strait

Backslide is the third song on the album Clancy by Twenty One Pilots.

Versions

Studio

Title	Releas	Length	Recorded	Released	Notes
Backslide	Clancy	3:00	2022-2023	25 April 2024

Live

Title	Releas	Length	Recorded	Released	Notes
Backslide (Live From An Evening With Twenty One Pilots)	Clancy (Digital remains)	3:01	2024	29 May 2024

Background

The song 'Backslide' by Twenty One Pilots delves into the themes of personal struggle, resistance to regression, and the quest for redemption amidst life's tumultuous waves. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone grappling with their past habits and the fear of reverting to a former, less desirable state of being. The recurring line, 'I don't wanna backslide to where I started from,' serves as a powerful refrain, emphasizing the artist's determination to avoid falling back into old patterns that they have worked hard to overcome.

The imagery of being overwhelmed, as described in lines like 'water's over my head' and 'drownin' in logistics,' metaphorically represents the overwhelming challenges and complexities the narrator faces. This struggle is further highlighted by the plea for help, 'If you could throw me a line,' suggesting a desperate need for support in times of difficulty. The song also touches on themes of missed opportunities and regrets, particularly in the relationship context, as seen in the line 'I should have loved you better.' This adds a layer of emotional depth, portraying not just a battle with personal demons but also the impact on personal relationships.

Musically, Twenty One Pilots is known for their eclectic style, blending elements of rock, pop, and indie music, which complements the introspective and often existential themes of their lyrics. 'Backslide' is a testament to their ability to weave complex emotional narratives into their music, making it relatable and resonant for a wide audience. The song not only explores the internal conflicts one faces but also the universal desire for growth and the fear of regression that many can relate to.

Lyrics

CollapseAlbum version

[Intro] (I don't wanna) [Verse 1] Rat race, place to place, adding weight Tendencies on repeat, innit? Benefit from a shoe with no lace Take the seat with the crease in it I don't mind if it's lonely I don't mind if it's fair I don't care, you control me Leading me anywhere [Chorus] I don't wanna backslide to where I've started from There's no chance I will shake this again 'Cause I feel the pull, water's over my head Strength enough for onе more time Reach my hand abovе the tide I'll take anything you have If you could throw me a line I should've loved you better Do you think that now's the time You should let go? It's over my head [Verse 2] Bad place, on a hundred-dollar bass Kinda wishin' that I never did "Saturday" "Is that a stain? You should change Are you doin' good? Did you solve all of your problems?" Thanks for asking, in a way, but Accidentally uncovered a new one yesterday What happened to what I brushed under the rug? I used to be the champion of a world you can't see Now I'm drowning in logistics [Chorus] I don't wanna backslide to where I've started from There's no chance I will shake this again 'Cause I feel the pull, water's over my head Strength enough for one more time Reach my hand above the tide I'll take anything you have If you could throw me a line I should've loved you better Do you think that now's the time You should let go? [Bridge] I don't mind if it's lonely (It's over my head) I don't mind if it's fair (You should let go) I don't care, you control me (It's over my head) Leading me anywhere [Chorus] I'll take anything you have If you could throw me a line I should've loved you better Do you think that now's the time You should let go? (I don't mind if it's lonely) It's over my head (I don't mind if it's fair) You should let go It's over my head [Outro] I don't wanna backslide

CollapseRough draft version

I don't want to backslide to where I started from There's no chance I will break it again 'Cause I feel the pool, water's over my head Strength enough for one more time, reach my hand above the tide If I were to backslide, tell everyone we know Thanks for the last time that they came out But I feel the pull, water's over my head Strength enough for one more time, reach my hand above the tide I'll take anything you have, if you could throw me a line Why did I not thank you more, for saving me those other times Don't you dare jump in now, it's over my head Bad place on a hundred dollar bass, kind of wishing I never did Saturday Never Take It bad place Did you solve your problems? Thanks for asking, in a way, but Accidentally discovered a new one yesterday, what happened to what I brushed under the rug I used to be, the champion of a world you can't see Now I'm drowning in logistics I'd rather you hurt me than do nothing at all Breathing a lie that you're living for, never tried to lock the door I'd rather you curse me than silence my call Bit of a stretch with a ol' college try Is it a test? And do they grade it on a curve? Do I get what I am owed? No you get what you deserve Pick to whom you serve, you bow to the masters Get kicked to the curb for you're passing the classes Half empty half full save half for your taxes Which it is, doesn't matter if you don't own the glasses I'd rather you hurt me down, than do nothing at all I'd rather you let me, down than just gas me up I'd rather you curse me, than do nothing at all Strength enough for one more time, reach my hand above the tide I'll take anything you have, if you could throw me a line I should've loved you better, do you think that now's the time You should let go, water's over my head Bad space, huffing it in place, kind of wishing that I never did Saturday Is that a stain? You should change, are you doing good? Did you solve all of your problems Thanks for asking, in a way but Accidentally uncovered a new one yesterday, what Happened to what I brushed under the rug I used to be, A champion of a world you can't see, now I'm drowning in logistics You won't make a sound, pick someone else I won't be around Trapped inside your smile, don't put me on trial Don't you see you take, everything from me

Lyrics meaning

ExpandLyrics
Backslide is the third promotional single from Twenty One Pilots‘ sixth studio album, Clancy. It follows previous singles Next Semester and Overcompensate. The song sees Tyler Joseph reflecting on his career and time in the spotlight, while also speaking on regrets and new concerns at this time in the band’s career. He also makes references to previous eras of the band, directly naming Saturday from the duo’s fifth studio album, Scaled and Icy. Sonically, the song borrows ideas from their third studio album, Blurryface with a hip-hop influenced beat similar to the one found on the duo’s smash-hit single, Stressed Out. Backslide was announced as the next single from Clancy by Tyler Joseph on his X (formerly Twitter) account on April 22nd, 2024. Its music video, which is the first to be directed by the band’s drummer, Josh Dun, was teased on social media leading up to its release. The single was officially released at 9am CDT on April 25th, 2024.
all meanings of the lyrics are taken from the Genius website