Alternative duo Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun, also known as Twenty One Pilots, released their new album, Breach, on September 12 of this year. The release has been incredibly successful for the duo, as it debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Hit singles from the album include “Drum Show,” which features vocals from drummer Josh Dun—a first for the duo—and “The Contract”.
Twenty One Pilots have been on their tour called “The Clancy Tour: Breach.” On Sept. 27, they made their mark in Hershey, PA. For the first time ever, Twenty One Pilots performed their song “Tally”. It is the most experimental song on Breach, from the music itself to the emotions behind it.
“Tally” starts off with a groovy synthesizer that sounds reminiscent of retro 8-bit video game music. The drums chime in, adding a rapid tempo. The first verse begins with lyrics reading “I lost my rank and title / I turned my back on it / sold it all at a discount / I wanted to progress things / I wanted to set my soul free / Lost it all at a discount.” It’s almost like the beginning of an apology. It highlights the excuses as to why they turned their back on someone.
The verse transitions from electronic alternative into the melodic chorus with a pre-chorus which states “you and I both know just how the story goes”.
The chorus lyrics sing “You want a tally / I lost the count / You want to love me / I let you down”. Each chorus concludes with a post-chorus, which is just a repetition stating “Somehow / You believe in me somehow”. This tells us that it’s hard to digest that someone still believes in them after a string of mistakes.
The second verse talks about an argument that is during a thunder storm, lyrics follow saying “I like our fight to two lightening strikes on cue / right set, circumstential proof,” the verse proceeds to wrap up with “you should go your own way, I should go mine / even though we both know / we should just cut the line.”
It is a rollercoaster of energy. In a way, it’s a temperamental piece. The verses have a pressing vibe, with an urgent beat paired with lyrics about mistakes that have been made. This stands in deep contrast to the choruses, which remain lyrical and euphonious while focusing on the regret one feels and the aspirations one holds knowing someone still believes in them. The upbeat feeling contrasts with the melancholy message.
Overall, the song sends a message revolving around regret, making mistakes, but most importantly – hope. It ties together in the end with the bridge, and then one final round of the chorus. It’s truly about a bond. How even in the midst of some form of betrayal, and when you
think that you should “cut the line”, they still believe in you. The adventerous musicality alone makes it worth a listen, but the meaning behind it adds a touch that makes it infectous.
