The Judge
twenty one pilots Lyrics

Na na na na oh oh
Repetitive phrase used for musical effect

When the leader of the bad guys sang
Referring to someone who is perceived as a negative influence

Something soft and soaked in pain
Music or lyrics that evoke feelings of sadness or emotional distress

I heard the echo from his secret hideaway
Awareness of pain or struggles that are typically hidden from others

He must've forgot to close his door
Someone has mistakenly revealed something private or personal

As he cranked out those dismal chords
Referring to the negative tone or message of the music

And his four walls declared him insane
The artist feels trapped by mental health struggles

You're the judge, oh no
Referring to someone who holds power over the artist's fate or future

Set me free
Asking for help or release from difficult circumstances

I know my soul's freezing
Feeling emotionally cold or numb

Hell's hot for good reason
Believing that those who do wrong will face consequences

So please, take me
Asking someone to help or guide the artist towards a better situation

Three lights are lit
Describing the surrounding environment

But the fourth one's out
An absence of something or someone

I can tell cause it's a bit darker
Noticing a change in the environment

Than the last night's bout
Comparing the darkness to a similar situation in the past

I forgot about the drought
Forgetting about something that is necessary or essential

Of light bulbs in this house
An absence of something needed for illumination or clarity

So I head out
Deciding to leave a current situation

Down a route I think is heading south
A sense of being lost or uncertain

But I'm not good with directions
Having difficulty navigating life or specific situations

And I hide behind my mouth
Being afraid to speak up or express oneself

I'm a pro at imperfections
Being well-versed in flaws and mistakes

And I'm best friends with my doubt
Having a close relationship with feelings of uncertainty or insecurity

And now that my mind's out
Feeling exposed or vulnerable

And now I hear it clear and loud
Having a clearer understanding of one's own thoughts or emotions

I'm thinking, 'Wow
Surprised or shocked by a realization

I probably should've stayed inside my house'
Feeling regretful or wishing to retreat from the current situation

I don't know if this song
Uncertainty about the meaning or intentions behind the music

Is a surrender or a revel
Trying to determine whether the song is a form of giving in or a celebration

Is about me or the devil
Trying to determine whether the song is about the artist or an outside force

You're the judge, oh no (na na na na oh, oh)
Reiterating the idea of someone with power over the artist's fate

Set me free (na na na na oh, oh)
Asking for help or guidance towards a better situation