Forest

Twenty One Pilots' song 'Forest' delves into the complexities of identity, the search for genuine connection, and the desire for communal harmony. The lyrics express a yearning to be understood on a deeper level, as indicated by the line 'I don't want to be heard, I want to be listened to.' This distinction highlights the artist's craving for meaningful interaction rather than just being acknowledged. The recurring question about someone else having your name suggests a struggle with individuality and the discomfort that comes with the lack of uniqueness in the world.

The chorus, set in a forest, symbolizes a place of refuge and community where people come together to share a common experience, singing a chorus 'that everybody knows.' This act of unity contrasts with the verses that depict a sense of fear and isolation. The forest serves as a metaphor for a space where barriers are broken down and people can connect on a more authentic level, away from the pressures and expectations of society.

The latter part of the song introduces a more personal and introspective narrative. The imagery of a treehouse on fire and the smell of gas on one's hands could represent a crisis or a realization that one's life is not going as planned. The distortion of reality when squinting one's eyes might suggest that things are not always what they seem, and that our perceptions can change based on perspective. The song ends with a call to remember one's aspirations and the acknowledgment that reality has deviated from those dreams, reinforcing the theme of searching for one's true self and place in the world.