The Outside

Twenty One Pilots' song 'The Outside' delves into themes of individuality, conformity, and the struggle to maintain one's unique identity in the face of societal pressures. The lyrics suggest a sense of boredom and déjà vu, as the narrator feels they have experienced the same monotonous situations before. The act of taping one's eyes during a long drive is a metaphor for forcing oneself to stay awake and alert, resisting the urge to succumb to the sleep-inducing sameness of life.

The chorus, with its repetitive 'up and down' motif, reflects the monotonous actions of people who are just going through the motions, nodding along without genuine engagement. The phrase 'join the club' hints at the pressure to conform and be part of a collective that may not align with one's true self. The narrator questions whether their efforts to maintain their individual 'vibes' make them an outsider, separated from the mainstream.

The song also uses powerful imagery, comparing the narrator to a megalodon and a Megatron, to illustrate their strength and uniqueness. Despite feeling like an outsider, the narrator asserts their dominance and resilience, suggesting that they are unaffected by the 'meteoric rise' and subsequent fall that often accompanies fame and success. The final verses reinforce the idea that the narrator is comfortable on the 'outside,' unaffected by the 'cover charge' of societal acceptance and free to be themselves in the 'summer heat' of life's challenges.