Why was the song Pumped Up Kicks written?

"Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People was written to address the serious issue of youth violence and mental health struggles. The song tells the story from the perspective of a troubled young person contemplating violent actions, contrasting its upbeat melody with dark lyrics. This juxtaposition highlights the often-overlooked realities behind such behaviors, encouraging listeners to reflect on the underlying issues rather than just the surface-level narrative. Ultimately, it serves as a commentary on societal problems and the need for awareness and intervention.