Bad Education
Tilly and the Wall Lyrics

Oh, pretty boy You found it hard to really find out what felt right You wanna be a pretty girl, you hunt at night The streets, your urgency to bleed You bruised up both your knees While rifling through women's jeans 'Cause the attraction's always high Sparkle in the sparkle fire The grittiest of grimes, your clothes are ruined You're running in the wild, almost carrying a child You got your kite so high, I think you flew it I know it, I think you knew it
Addressing a boy who is struggling with his identity and desires, the lyrics describe his reckless pursuit for satisfaction while physically and emotionally hurting himself. His actions suggest he's trying to fulfill a deep-seated lack of fulfillment, even if it means indulging in potentially dangerous or harmful behavior. Despite indulging in dangerous behavior, he's aware of what he's doing.

Now it's all bad education Feeling fine, I'm feeling patient Girls and boys and full frustration St. valentine, I think I taste it Tugging at the seat belt I'm jumping out the saddle I'm shuffling my feet around I'm kneeling at the steeple Will my heart teeter, tatter? Iâ??m a believer, I'm solid matter
The singer suggests that the outcomes of their actions have resulted in a situation that is inadequately understood or explained. Despite feeling frustrated and anxious, they remain patient and hopeful for resolution. They describe themselves as stable and whole, but also susceptible to the emotional damage caused by the situation. There is a sense of uncertainty and confusion about what the future holds.

Oh, pretty girl You turned it on, you turned it out, it all felt off That's how it is, that's how it was You searched it all so well, underwater in a well You smeared on cool lips while checking off a checked off list The situation's never kind, feathering a dance-hall stride You're playing with the craziest locomotive You broke your fingers in the climb Scuffed the ball, you're pretty shy You've got your air so thin I think you blew it, did I blow it? You fell into it
The song then addresses a girl who has similarly fallen into a problematic cycle of behavior, seeking fulfillment in ways that only leave her feeling worse. Her actions are marked by a sense of emptiness and a feeling of futility. Even when she is trying to enjoy herself, she is aware of the dangers and risks involved. Despite her struggles, the singer suggests that she is trying to enjoy herself while acknowledging the pitfalls of her choices.

Hey, I think I faked it, oh did I fake it? Oh boy, you look so good Oh, when you fake it Hey, I think I made it, oh did I make it? You tried so hard, boy, you better make it I think I'll take it, oh, should I take it? Oh, pretty girl, I don't think you can take it I think I hate it, oh, do I hate it? I taste it, I taste it
The song concludes with an exploration of the ambiguous feelings surrounding the situations the boy and girl have found themselves in. The artist is confused about whether or not they have actually found any fulfillment or have merely been pretending to feel satisfied. There is a sense that the artist's feelings are conflicted and unresolved.