The Pantaloon

Twenty One Pilots' song 'The Pantaloon' delves into themes of aging, mental deterioration, and the inevitable loneliness that can accompany the later stages of life. The term 'pantaloon' in the song is a reference to a character type from commedia dell'arte, an old form of theatre, where the Pantaloon is a caricature of the elderly: out of touch, foolish, and often the butt of jokes. In the context of the song, it symbolizes an old person who has become disconnected from reality and society.

The lyrics tell a story of generational shifts, where the protagonist learns from a young age not to trust the pantaloon, which could be interpreted as a caution against becoming like the elderly figure who has 'lost his mind.' As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the protagonist is on the same path, facing isolation and the fear of becoming irrelevant or forgotten, much like the pantaloon. The imagery of friends fertilizing the ground suggests death and the cycle of life, reinforcing the theme of aging and the transient nature of human existence.

The song also touches on the personal struggles of the protagonist, such as dealing with hurt and the loss of things once cherished, represented by the moth-eaten shirt. The coldness felt when sleeping alone and the nightmares that hold one's bones together paint a vivid picture of the internal and external battles faced when confronting the reality of growing old and facing mortality. 'The Pantaloon' is a poignant reflection on the human condition, the fear of aging, and the loneliness that can come with it.