Notably Lore Heavy Songs
Last updated: May 22, 2025
Many Twenty One Pilots songs are deeply woven into the narrative of Dema, Clancy, and the Banditos. This page highlights songs that are particularly rich in lore details and direct references.
Key Songs & Their Lore Contributions
Migraine
Describes Voldsoy ("island of violence").
Heavydirtysoul
Kicks off the main story arc visually and thematically.
Stressed Out
Contains the first explicit mention of "Blurryface."
Fairly Local
Features Blurryface speaking directly.
Doubt
Includes the first mention of "the bishops."
Goner
Depicts a confrontation between Clancy (or Tyler as a representation) and Blurryface.
Morph
Reveals Blurryface's "real name" as Nicholas Bourbaki (Nico).
Neon Gravestones
Explores the concept of Vialism and the Glorious Gone in Dema.
Nico And The Niners
The first song to explicitly name "Dema."
Bandito
Serves as a thematic anthem for the Banditos.
Leave The City
Reflects Clancy's feelings of defeat and being trapped.
Choker (Song)
Lyrically represents a broken Clancy resigning himself to create Dema propaganda.
No Chances
Functions as a Bishops' theme song and Dema propaganda, with Clancy sneaking in a hidden "run away, run away" message.
Redecorate
Features a narrated excerpt from one of Clancy's letters.
Overcompensate
The first song where "Clancy" is named directly in the lyrics.
The Craving
Includes the line, *“it’s the fear of the unknown that cripples every step we take,”* taken from a Clancy letter.
Navigating
Details Clancy's journey through Trench.
Paladin Strait (Song)
Focuses on Clancy finding and beginning his confrontation with Nico.
The Line
Explores Clancy's internal conflict about whether defeating Nico will require him to cross a moral line from which he can't return.
Exploring Further
While these songs are particularly direct, many other Twenty One Pilots tracks contain thematic links, metaphors, and subtle references that enrich the overall lore. Listening with the narrative in mind can reveal deeper layers across their discography.
Related: Recommended Watching & Listening Order, Canon Music Videos, Clancy’s Letters