I think the repetition is deliberate because it's reliving a specific, painful memory over and over again. I had the same feeling the first time i listened but when i actually understood what the song is about it clicked and made sense to me
1 year ago | 64
I think there’s a cool double meaning going on. It could totally just be read as highschool angst and recklessly running out in the street, but the “yellow dashes” and “lights that take me home” and “I don’t want to be here” take on a whole different meaning in light of the storyline
1 year ago | 10
I agree with the comments saying that the repetition is intentional to indicate the cyclical nature of depression, s*icide ideation or attempts, and anxiety. A lot of TØP lyrics tend to have this theme, and I think it's an important theme to emphasize in the conversation about mental illness -- a lot of people acknowledge that it exists, and are willing to talk about it and help people through it, but when it comes around again and again, when the person they've helped falls into the same patterns again and again, the understanding and compassion slips away. Personally, I think this song is going to be a sinker for me -- I intially loved the sound, then the lyrics hit me like a truck (realizing the implications, especially of the chorus), and I imagine it will be one that I come back to again and again -- when I need to, as my own cycles repeat. This is probably obvious, but I also just really love the underlying hopefulness to the "rince and repeat" cycle of depression. Like in "Truce", with the lyrics "the sun will rise and we will try again", we acknowledge that even though we keep falling into the darkness, even though the night keeps returning, we always have the choice to "start fresh next semester". I just really love that thought, and I love that TØP is reiterating it now, because it's a part of being mentally ill that all of us need to live with -- that falling backwards isn't the end of our recovery, and we can always try again tomorrow. Anyways, just some random thoughts of mine after a couple of listens. Looking forward to your analysis! :)
1 year ago | 1
It's simple but effective. I wasn't expecting for it to make me cry, but it did. I don't think I'd want more elaboration for this one.
1 year ago | 13
Gave it a watch/listen, with a very literal take it reminds me of times in college when I'd switch dorm room every quarter and usually had a new group of students. I knew I could live with anything I did to ruin their perception of me if I was moving out in a couple months. Sometimes it's harder for me living back at home since parents are parents and you're stuck with them. I feel like there's a lot more to what he's saying than that but it's the first thing I felt while listening.
1 year ago | 6
I absolutely loved it! I usually have to listen at least 5X but it was so much fun and yet simple and deep that it hit it out of the park for me first listen. I've listened to it a few more times and am still finding new things I missed. 5stars from me
1 year ago | 2
Another song from them that seems to be about a s*ic*de attempt. The quiet part at the end being the choice to continue despite the pain is very emotionally affective to me
1 year ago (edited) | 23
I feel like in the chorus he’s talking about a s…… attempt. “I prayed those lights would take me home Then I heard, "Hey, kid, get out of the road!”
1 year ago | 2
The lyrics hit a bit too close to home for me... this was supposed to be my last semester of college, but as this semester went on, I realized that my chosen major just did not mesh with a neurodivergent mind, and I was carrying around a bag of anxiety constantly, and I quickly became apathetic and depressed. I've changed my major, will be in college for another year, and will be doing something where I will feel a lot happier.
1 year ago | 9
Aside from the deep lyrics, how about the fact tøp made A POP PUNK SONG and fucking nailed it?? I absolutely can't get enough of it
1 year ago | 7
I think it's him describing his process of falling into one of his panic attacks. The onset is so sudden and unpredictable. Then you're in the thick of it. Time is frozen, and all you can focus on is all of the thoughts in your head. The repetition could be a sign of him being familiar with the feeling. It's a feeling he recognizes. The slower pace transition is likely him coming out of it. The only way I can describe it is that it feels like when you break a fever. Your body kind of forces itself to breathe and slow down.
1 year ago | 2
I think the repetitiveness and the vibe of it is on purpose, it’s supposed to represent the feeling of a panic attack or remembering a traumatic event. I relate to this song and I love it so much.
1 year ago (edited) | 0
as a punk rock fan, this song completely rocks for me on feel alone. as for the words, definitely feels like a story about someone attempting/committing suicide. the only thing that makes me think that it may have been a "successful" attempt is the dream-like sound with the tenor uke and soft singing. definitely a topic-related song, but maybe not lore-related??
1 year ago | 0
this grunge alt sound is my favorite part of this band and love the direction they are taking. I agree that its more repetitive and not as deep as in the past. But if im not mistaken, I think tyler said he wanted to be more up front in this record. Obviously that's about lore, but maybe also philosophical lyrics too? idk, but im so here for this era. This might be my favorite era to date.
1 year ago | 1
Sonically it feels lot like it could be on Danger Days: The True Lives of The Fabulous Killjoys by My Chemical Romance. It has that Pop/punk cadence, those heavy baselines, and of course JD on the drums always hits. Lyrically, it definitely doesn’t feel like there’s a whole lot going on. Not sure how it’s going to fit into the lore
1 year ago | 1
Something I've noticed from Scaled and Icy and these first two Clancy singles is that the lyrics are far more direct and less metaphorical than their earlier work. I'm not sure if I like it more, but it's just something I've noticed.
1 year ago | 0
What do you think about the use of time throughout the song? I think it's interesting that the song starts in present tense, suddenly acts like it's looking to the future with "what's about to happen?" and then suddenly shifts to "I remember..." and uses the past tense. I remember once reading a blogger (Marc Barnes) reflecting on time as both linear and cyclical, and that notion seems to match the idea of this song, that even though starting over feels repetitive and pointless, there is still a hopeful aspect that there will always be a fresh start if we want to keep moving forward. Just preliminary thoughts of mine. I look forward to hearing what you think!
1 year ago | 0
Cliff if you wanna be filled in people have been putting the pieces together and apparently it's about a suicide attempt. Once again Top making catchy songs with dark lyrics
1 year ago | 2
The Pop Song Professor
Initial thoughts (after just one listen) to "Next Semester":
I like it. I like the music a lot. The lyrics are missing that deep, intricate, philosophical approach that I loved so much in earlier albums, and there's a lot more repetition, which is a good sign that we're communicating a vibe rather than ideas. But the vibe is powerful and intense, and this song doesn't sound like anything I've heard from TOP before except for maybe "Tear in My Heart." I'm a fan but will continue to think about it as I re-listen and prep my explanation video.
1 year ago | [YT] | 289