What do you think about performing “Pumped Up Kicks” at a school concert?
I’m not entirely sure if this is the right place to ask, but the piano subreddit isn’t really open to these kinds of questions. Recently, I was searching for songs to play at an upcoming concert and came across an arrangement of “Pumped Up Kicks.” If you’re familiar with the lyrics, you can probably see where my hesitation comes from. I do think it could be amusing to perform it given the context, but I’m also concerned it might not be well-received or worth the effort. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
It’s great that you’re considering different songs for your school concert! “Pumped Up Kicks” has a catchy melody, but the lyrics certainly touch on some serious and sensitive themes related to violence and mental health. Given the context of school performances, you might want to think carefully about how your audience will perceive it.
While it could be seen as ironic or humorous, there’s a chance it could make people uncomfortable or detract from the overall atmosphere of the concert. It might be worth discussing with your teacher or concert organizers to get their perspective. If you want to convey a fun vibe with an upbeat song, there are plenty of other options out there that can still engage your audience without the heavy context. Ultimately, choose something that you feel confident about and that aligns with the event’s tone!