The Undertones' song "Top Twenty" is a fast-paced, energetic track that embodies the frustrations and desires of teenagers in the 1970s. The lyrics revolve around the theme of adolescent relationships and the pursuit of popularity. The boys in the song are shown constantly bothering and pursuing the girls, as indicated by the lines "The boys won't leave the girls alone." This suggests a common teenage struggle for attention and validation. Despite this annoyance, the protagonist wonders what to do about it. The phrase "Top-twenty" refers to the idea of being in the top twenty of something, such as the music charts or popularity rankings. It represents the desire to achieve recognition and success. The lyrics also touch upon themes of rebellion and frustration. The line "Take you for another ride, It's hard attempting suicide" suggests a feeling of being trapped and a desire to escape the pressures of teenage life. The chorus repeats the phrase "Top - top twenty - oh no" multiple times, conveying a sense of dissatisfaction and unfulfilled desires. The protagonist feels unable to achieve their goals or attain what they want. The line "Can't get the things we want, Cos all the girls can do is taunt" reflects the frustration of unrequited love or rejection. It portrays a sense of longing and the feeling of being let down by the opposite sex. Overall, "Top Twenty" by The Undertones captures the angst, desires, and struggles of teenagers in the pursuit of recognition, satisfaction, and love. The lyrics depict a universal theme of the human experience during the adolescent years.
