Mulberry Street
Twenty One Pilots
Embracing Authenticity on Mulberry Street
Twenty One Pilots' song "Mulberry Street" is a vibrant call for authenticity and a rejection of artificial happiness. The lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their genuine emotions, even if they are not always positive, and to resist the societal pressure to conform to a synthetic standard of happiness. The repeated line "Keep your bliss, there's nothing wrong with this" suggests a defiance against the idea that one must always appear joyful and content. The song implies that there is value in experiencing the full spectrum of human emotions, rather than relying on artificial means, such as pills, to maintain a facade of happiness.
The reference to Mulberry Street could be symbolic of a place or state of mind where one can be true to themselves, away from the expectations and norms imposed by society. The chorus, with its mantra to "get out of our way, we're moving sideways," represents a determination to forge one's own path, even if it means moving in unconventional directions. The song's upbeat tempo and energetic delivery contrast with the more serious undertones of the lyrics, creating a sense of empowerment and resilience.
The song also touches on the theme of reliance on 'synthetic highs,' which could be interpreted as a critique of the over-medication and quick-fix culture prevalent in society. The band encourages listeners to find joy in the simple things, like a song in the distance or the familiarity of a street, suggesting that true contentment comes from within and from the connections we make with the world around us, rather than from external sources.