Humpty Dumpty

AJR's song "Humpty Dumpty" delves into the theme of maintaining a brave face amidst personal struggles and societal pressures. The song uses the familiar nursery rhyme character, Humpty Dumpty, as a metaphor for the fragility of human emotions and the facade people often put up to hide their true feelings. When Humpty Dumpty falls, instead of succumbing to despair, he decides to smile through the pain and scream only when no one is around. This reflects the common human experience of masking inner turmoil to appear strong and composed in front of others.

The lyrics further explore the fear of vulnerability and the isolation that can come with it. The lines "Something’s wrong, but I’m scared to look it up" and "If I do that and no one has it, I’ll feel so alone" highlight the anxiety of facing one's issues and the dread of being the only one experiencing them. The song also touches on the idea of conditional acceptance, where the protagonist wonders if their friends will still be there depending on their emotional state, as seen in the lines "I got friends in a lotta weird places, wonder if they’re gonna call depending what my face is."

AJR's musical style, characterized by a blend of pop, electronic, and indie elements, complements the song's introspective lyrics. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with the underlying message of hidden pain, creating a poignant juxtaposition. The recurring theme of performing and the pressure to present a perfect image is evident in the lines "I got shows in a lot of weird places, wonder if they’re gonna come depending what my face is." This reflects the band's own experiences in the music industry, where public perception can heavily influence success.

"Humpty Dumpty" ultimately serves as an anthem for those who feel the need to hide their struggles behind a smile. It encourages listeners to acknowledge their pain and understand that it's okay to not always be okay, even if society expects otherwise.