The Meaning Behind The Song: Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People Foster the People's "Pumped Up Kicks" is a catchy, upbeat song that quickly became a popular hit after its release in 2010. Its cheerful melodies and bouncy beats, however, masks the dark and serious themes that permeate through its lyrics. The song, written … Regardless of its cheerful tempo, the subject matter of "Pumped Up Kicks" doesn't match. According to writer and Foster the People frontman Mark Foster, the song is about a fictional high schooler, Robert ("Robert's got a quick hand"). The "kicks" in the song refer to expensive shoes worn by popular kids at Robert's school. Foster the People's 2010 smash hit "Pumped Up Kicks" was the first-ever release from the band, which started as a solo project for then-television jingle writer Mark Foster. The song sounds like an upbeat indie-pop anthem, but there's a darker truth lurking beneath the bubbly soundscape. "Pumped Up Kicks" does this by creating a chorus melody with a strong hook, and a melody that constantly reiterates the tonic note. Here's a map of the formal design for "Pumped Up Kicks": The song is very catchy, and the simplicity of its form is key. "Pumped Up Kicks" has been very, very good to Foster the People, the L.A.-based trio who released it as their first single. From nowhere, they've gone to playing Lollapalooza this summer. Rock Mark Foster on 'Pumped Up Kicks' Eight Years Later & Why It's Time to Retire the Song "Pumped Up Kicks" was the ultimate breakthrough for Los Angeles-based alt-pop group Foster the .

what pumped up kicks is really about