Twenty One Pilots may be the first to write and sing on the ongoing Coronavirus AKA COVID-19 pandemic all over the world. However, the song is not for the band’s benefit alone, as some of the proceeds will go towards assisting employees laid off in the live performance industry due to the pandemic situation.
Tyler Joseph, the frontman of twenty one pilots is credited for writing, singing, keyboard and electric guitars on “Level of Concern” track. In a Tweet, he explained the idea behind this song; “always writing, but this one feels like it should just come out now. first song i ever wrote on electric guitar. i think it’s simple but hopeful.”
Tyler also mentioned that a portion of the proceeds of this song will go towards Crew Nation organization. “i also want a portion of whatever money this song makes to go to this charity i saw called crew nation. it provides funding for people who work in the live music industry who don’t have a job right now.” He also added; “no one knows when live music will get back on its feet. i’ve met so many amazing people working venues and touring with bands. hopefully we can do something to help some through this song.”
Listen to “Level of Concern” by twenty one pilots
The music video shows how Twenty One Pilots would have created this song under the restrictions of ‘self-quanrantine’ and ‘social distancing’ to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Band members record their own part of the song on to a USB drive and mail it back and forth to complete the song.
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“Level of Concern” Lyrisc Review and Song Meaning
Verse 1
At the very beginning of the song, Tyler gives a brief about the world situation under the Coronavirus pandemic breakout. There is one word to describe it all: panic! It would not be an underestimate to say that ‘fear’ of the situation has made it ten times worse than it actually is.
At the release of this track, on April 9, 2020, the world’s statistics on Coronavirus infection are as follows; 1.6 million cases, 94,000 deaths, and 353,000 recovered.
Eventhough a death rate of below 6% is not very aggressive comparative to previous pandemics, the fear and panic has caused economies to crash and umemployment to sky-rocket. And this, in turn, creates more fear and panic. World trade has come to a halt and no public gatherings are encouraged. Concerts or any form of live performances are heavily discouraged.
Funny enough, Tyler Joseph comares this ‘heavy’ mental status to his relationship with an ex. Since they started going ‘steady’ it seems as if there was nothing but panic on the singer’s mind.
Pre-chorus
Quarantine has become one of the most famous words in the world right now, as it is the only prescribed method of preventing the Coronavirus spread. It has become a ‘couple goal’ to be quarantined together as they enjoy a much needed break from the outside world and distractions. Or it could be the way it all ends as well. ‘It’ here signifying their relationship and the world right now.
Chorus
Much like how this Coronavirus pandemic is a high level of concern, so was their relationship. At least, so it was for Tyler. He says that she could have helped him bring down his level of concern about the way things were going. He just wanted to hear her say that they were doing ‘all okay.’ But she chose not to respond to that. Hence, the level of concern kept on rising until it hit the tipping point.
At the end of it all, this song tries to awaken some positive vibes among us by saying that “we will be okay.” We have gotten through worse and this, too, shall pass.
Let us hear what you think about this track by twenty one pilots in the comments below.