Released: 2013
“The Walker” by Fitz and The Tantrums is a pop anthem of self-assertion and individuality enveloped in an energetic, dance-friendly vibe. Its lyrical content is an audacious proclamation of marching to the beat of one’s own drum, and not being swayed by naysayers or society’s expectations.
The opening verse (“Ooh, crazy’s what they think about me…”) is a bold dismissal of other people’s opinions about the singer’s path. Lines like “Ain’t gonna stop ’cause they tell me so” and “99 miles per hour baby, Is how fast that I like to go” encapsulate that booming defiance and determination to continue undeterred by criticism. In the context of pop culture, ’99 miles per hour’ is symbolic of living life at full throttle, unbowed by caution.
The phrase “I walk to the sound of my own drum” solidifies the theme of individualism. The word ‘drum’ here can be seen as a metaphor for one’s inner compass or personal rhythm. The insistence on walking, not running or dancing, could be an allusion to the deliberate, steady pace the singer chooses to maintain while navigating their path.
The chorus (“Oh, here we go… Really mean it, mean it”) plays out like an internal mantra, a call to really feel and embrace one’s unique rhythm, to authentically experience life’s beat. The repetition of ‘mean it’ underscores the intent behind these choices – it’s not for show, it’s genuine.
The second verse (“I wake up to the city of angels… If I stop, they would make the show”) might seem initially cryptic, but it’s a comment on fame and the entertainment industry. ‘City of Angels’ is a moniker for Los Angeles, a hub for aspiring stars. It suggests the singer has reached a certain level of success (their name ‘headlining the coast’), but there’s a critical insight – their uniqueness (the ‘walking dreamer’) is their key selling point. If they become like everybody else (‘if I stop’), they would lose their essence, becoming just another show.
Overall, “The Walker” serves as a rallying cry for all who dare to embrace their individuality, a pop song with its pulse on the power of authenticity in a world often trying to make us conform.
