The song "Street Poetry" by Tyler Joseph is a lyrical exploration of the artist's thoughts and struggles with his mind's imagination and the pressures of society. The opening lyrics suggest that there is an "infestation" in his mind's imagination, possibly referring to intrusive thoughts or negative emotions. He expresses a desire for this infestation to be silenced, symbolized by the hope that they "choke on smoke". The mention of smoking them out of the basement indicates his determination to confront and overcome these challenges. Tyler Joseph then clarifies that this is not a rap or hip-hop song, but rather an attempt to stop the voices in his head. He emphasizes that he is not rapping to prove anything, but rather writing to express his thoughts and feelings, to say something meaningful. There is a sense of frustration that he wasn't the only one taking time to think and express themselves, as if society often rushes to say nothing of substance. The lyrics further reflect his current state of mind, acknowledging that he hasn't lost his dream, but currently has a chaotic and troubled mind that needs cleaning. He asks the listener if they understand, suggesting a shared experience of feeling misunderstood or disconnected. In the next section, Tyler Joseph discusses the state of society, describing people as mindless zombies walking around with a limp and a hunch. He criticizes the notion of "you only live once" as a shallow attitude and challenges the listeners to think deeper. The song concludes with a call to action, suggesting that we only have a limited time to figure things out, and it's time to start now. The line "Because death inspires me like a dog inspires a rabbit" is a metaphorical comparison, possibly implying that the fear of death serves as a driving force for creativity and motivation. Overall, "Street Poetry" explores themes of mental struggles, societal pressures, and the need for meaningful expression and purpose. It reflects the artist's personal experiences and invites listeners to reflect on their own thoughts and actions.
