“Bang!” by AJR
AJR’s “Bang!” is a song that is indicative of the artists acknowledging that they are now transitioning from childhood to adults. Thus the title is based on their resolution to leave childhood with a “bang”, as in having as much fun as possible in the name of youth while they still can.
So that is definitely one of themes of the song, as AJR is likewise entreating the audience to ‘put their best face on’ and enjoy the happiness being emitted by the tune. But somewhat conversely the verses themselves are centered on the artists recounting – and at some point even stressing out – over the responsibilities they now have as adults. But again this is all in the name of fun.
So perhaps at the end of day we can classify this track as an ode to childhood, even if the lyrics aren’t centered on that subject per se. Or let’s say the singer recognizes that period of his life as one that deserves celebrating in light of him transitioning out of it.
“Come hang
Let’s go out with a bang!’
Quick Facts about “Bang!”
“Bang!” was written and produced by the members of AJR, siblings Adam, Jack and Ryan Met.
The backup vocals on the song are from one Charlie Pellett.
This song was released as a standalone single on the date of 12 February 2020. It is a product of the trio’s album titled “OK Orchestra”. The said album is the band’s official fourth studio album. AJR Productions (which is a label owned by the band themselves) handled the track’s commercial release.
The music video to this tune had Se Oh as its director.
This song was a major chart success for AJR in America. It not only made into the Hot 100 singles chart in the United States, but also gave the band their first top-40 hit in this country. And it didn’t end there, the song further rose into a top-10 status on the aforementioned singles chart (which is considered the most important singles chart the world over).
So as it stands now, “Bang!” is AJR’s most successful single. Actually as of early 2021, it has sold over a million copies in the trio’s home country (the United States). Actually it is safe to say or rather conclude that “Bang!” ended up being one of the most commercially successful songs of the year 2020.
Since this song came out in early 2020, there have been multiple remixes made of it. One of these notable remixes features American singer Hayley Kiyoko on vocals. This remix was released in August of 2020. Another popular remix by English DJ Nathan Dawe was released in October of 2020.
Did “Bang!” chart outside of the United States?
Yes, it did. It was also very successful in Canada, where it attained top-40 status on several Canadian singles charts, including the Hot 100 and Hot AC.
What genre of music would you place this AJR tune?
The song contains elements that make it a pure pop song. Actually AJR themselves are a pop band.
Who are AJR?
American indie pop trio, AJR is made up of multi-instrumentalist brothers Adam Brett Met, Jack Evan Met and Ryan Joshua Met. The band’s name, “AJR” is simply an abbreviation of the brothers’ first initials; Adam, Jack and Ryan. The three have gained widespread attention for writing, producing and mixing their own music from the living room of their New York City apartment.
The Met brothers started performing in 2006, busking on the streets of Washington Square Park and Central Park with Ryan playing the piano, Adam playing the bass while Jack played the harmonica. They however play multiple instruments currently. Following the release of their first EP, 6foot1 in 2013, the band garnered critical acclaim, being named “Artist on the Rise” by Clear Channel, as well as “Artist of the Month for Top 40” by IHeartRadio.
One of their most notable singles, Weak has been streamed at least 500 million times on Spotify, received platinum certifications from the U.S, Belgium, Canada, Norway, Netherlands and Gold certification in Italy, Australia, Sweden and Germany. AJR’s third album, Neotheater which was released in 2019, peaked at number 8 on the Billboard 200 charts, and debuted at number one on the Top Rock Albums chart.
I believe that it is a suicide song.
how? Elaborate please
I was thinking the same thing. go out with a bang. like go out(die) with a bang(a shot). It also says lets hang
No they mean that they want to end childhood as fun as possible and ascend into adulthood, and lets hang means they’re going to hang out, like ya know, gossip, drink, play xbox
I thought it was about gambling lol
I think it is about gambling, because it says “Go out with a bang” which could mean in Poker, let’s go out quickly; “Put your best face on” could be put on your Poker face…. then to go off yours, “Let’s hang” could be come join us playing Poker or something. Idk I suck at interpreting things.
So true.
My mom thinks that’s what it means
Now I get it
It means fun…why are you thinking bad?? C’mon everyone!!
I thought the same thing.
Or a school shooter song.
Now you`re just playing darkness, what next? Sexual harassment, Animal cruelty, and some other third thing, c’mon man then again you probably don`t know AJR considering the whole childhood outlook may be a recurring theme in their music
So, I think this song has multiple meanings, for those of you how are lucky enough to not have experience severe depression, it is a song about transitioning into adult life.
If you have experienced severe depression, whether it be suicidal depression or not, this song takes on multiple meanings.
[Everything I am saying beyond this point is from my point of view and opinion]
“I get up, I get down, and I’m jumpin’ around
And the rumpus and ruckus are comfortable now
Been a hell of a ride, but I’m thinking it’s time to grow”
The first line talks about doing the same routine day in and day out, wake up, work, come home, sleep. The jumpin’ around refers to the voice in your head telling you to kill yourself, that you are worthless etc.
The rumpus and ruckus is referring to accepting whatever happens is your new norm, that’s who you are.
“It’s time to grow” You reach a point where you are on the verge of breaking, and you seek out help.
“So I got an apartment across from the park
Put quinoa in my fridge, still I’m not feeling grown
Been a hell of a ride, but I’m thinking it’s time to go
Bang! Bang! Bang! Here we go!”
The first two lines refer to taking a few steps in trying to help fight the depression, here in the states medical access is very expensive, and if you have healthcare, that doesn’t cover therapy. So you need to resort to talking to others, which you don’t want to burden, so then you don’t know who to turn to, or where to start. So you get outside, a change of scenery is very cathartic, you may try to drink the pain away, but that only worsens it.
“Been a hell of a ride, but I’m thinking it’s time to go” That’s just acceptance, I’m ready to die, I can’t stand this pain anymore.
I think you’re taking some liberty with your interpretation, getting an apartment and buying your own food doesn’t seem to me to be referencing healthcare, at all. And if “it’s time to grow” is talking about seeking help, why are you going out with a bang? I mean, I could say this is about school shootings and the quinoa in the fridge refers to the cafeteria, but it doens’t make any relative sense. Verse 2 alone is referencing that you have to start paying taxes, you have important passwords to remember that aren’t just for Facebook, and that they are on a tight budget. But I can see where someone with suicidal tendencies could insert their own interpretation because of a couple of words.
I heard it first time today with my girls. And I thought suicide too. So I read the lyrics and I can see it going either way but I agree with your assessment. If you haven’t experienced depression in a serious way – that subtext (intended or not) would be lost.
Omg, this is not about school shootings, what is it with everyone linking everyone to school shootings? This isn`t Pumped Up Kicks people
He wouldn’t be worried about his taxes if he were going to kill himself. He is really upbeat. I do know that people who have made up their mind sadly seem to calm. Maybe I’m just hoping it’s about fun.
I like the way you think about it.
also they say “come hang” maybe referring to hanging yourself??
I think they mean hanging out with friends and all
Think about these lyrics –
Been a hell of a ride, but I’m thinking it’s time to go (considering suicide)
Come hang (hanging)
Let’s go out with a bang (shooting themself)
I’m way to young to lie here forever (I’m too young to die)
I’m way to old to try so whatever (my life is pointless anyways so I might as well)
Omg i thought i was the only one who thought that
I agree with this, at first the lyrics make it sound like having on, but the girl is talking about how it’s too late because of all the meds. If this isn’t a suicide song then apperipently overdoses are fun.
omg same.
No it’s not. They talked about it and said that it was about between being a kid and an adult. I’ve seen a lot of people say that it was about suicide, but that just doesn’t make sense to me. Like, ‘hang’ is ‘hang out’ not hang on a rope…I mean, really. ‘Put quinoa in my fridge still I’m not feeling grown’…
yes
I totally agree, thought the same when I first heard the lyrics. It can be interpreted different ways
I completely agree that suicide was my initial thought on the meaning of the song.
Yeah, me too. Like, “let’s go out with a bang”
i thought the same thing
Me too
Same man. Go out with a bang? Let’s hang? He also says ITS BEEN HECK OF A RIDE BUT I THINK ITS TIME TO GO!!!!!! I’m way to young to lie here forever. I’m way to old to try whatever. Thats my proof for people think its not and that concludes my TedTalk.
I feel this is somewhat reminiscent of the roaring 20’s. Have a party while the world is ending.
Russian rulet was what i was thinking
Any chance it’s about not having a boring life and live an action-filled life so WHEN you die your known, and you don’t regret what you did when you were alive? When it says “Go out with a Bang I’m thinking die as a person who made an impact or something like that?
It’s about a jack in the box. Listen to the beat compared to a jack in the box song
I think it is just talking about the cruel things in adult hood, and they want to have fun. They are looking back to their childhood, as it says “let’s go out and go bang” or something 😂.
I thought it was a song of riots, and the bang is the shooting of whoever side it may come from.
Agreed. Song is open to interpretation and as middle fourties now in my life, I absolutely believe go out with a bang is a s–cidal reference. If you get it, you get it.
All you people here are sad…
Reading these is not only sad, but makes me want to “go out with a bang”…
Just a sad lot that exists on this site, eh? Almost makes me depressed…
i thought suicide
this song can be about many diffrent things it all depends on the life and perspective of the person listening and how they perceive this song
i thought this was a suicide song but i guess not
I heard musical theatreish “Showman” and felt it was about growing up and remembering carefree reckless times but now life is more serious….in the end…it’s a choices and a gamble!
With such controversy over the lyrics, it makes you wonder who thought it a good song to perform on New Years Eve for the Nation to watch. Never heard the song before but I was shocked by my own interpretation of the lyrics. Felt it was about giving up on life. I did not take it as gun suicide, I took it as being so bold as to hang yourself.
It’s about suicide to me, no way you can convince me otherwise.
You guys do know that there is a description on the top of this page about the song. Right?
“AJR’s “Bang!” is a song that is indicative of the artists acknowledging that they are now transitioning from childhood to adults. Thus the title is based on their resolution to leave childhood with a “bang”, as in having as much fun as possible in the name of youth while they still can.”
I am old, grew up in the fifties and sixties. Even with all the pressures of puberty and high school I never thought anything about suicide. Where has the world turned a corner that so many think suicide is an acceptable action? Come on people, life is hard but why leave the show early?
thank you you are smart
People got dark thoughts but honestly who can blame them
There are really great comments on here!
I thought it was about criminals shooting people and stealing lol
At first, before reading the lyrics and explanations, i feared the song was about suicide but i am relieved to know its not
I’m obsessed with this song I listen to It all the time It’s very good my brother and I jam out to this song everyday he was like hey have you heard this song and I was like no and he said listen and so I did and ever since he showed me they song I never stopped listening to It
I love this song it shows that even if life is hard you just put your best face on and continue
I just thought it was a cool pandemic theme song. ” Go out with a BANG!!!” bang, bang, bang! so apropos.
Best song ever
so when they say “here we go” and “metronome”…isn’t that a voice from a video game like Guitar H
ero or something?
Nah, i’m pretty sure it’s just like the text to speech thing lol
I read somewhere that the voice was provided by the NYC subway announcer or something like that
I’m way too young to lie here forever. I’m way too old to try so whatever.
Sounds like being stuck…..
This is the most pessimistic comment chat, like, ever. At least YouTube comments are just rude. Yeeesh
This song is nothing bad they are just talking about transitioning in to adult hoot.
Dark Headcanon: The singer is leaving Childhood behind and then finds out adulthood is boring and stressful and not as fun as he thought when he was a kid so he decides to kill himself since he feels the golden age of his years are over. However, he wants to do it not a boring way but in a way to where his last moments are exciting.
Lyrics to interpret this way:
The transition in verses from “I’m thinking it’s time to grow” to “I’m thinking it’s time to go” shows a transition from wanting to grow up and being excited to being extremely underwhelmed and disappointed.
“Put Quinoa in my fridge, still I’m not feeling grown” and “Feel like I’m gonna puke cause my taxes are due” shows how disappointed in being an adult is.
“Man, I’m up to something” usually when someone says they are up to something, it isn’t good.
“Thank you all for coming. I hope you like the show, cause it’s on a budget.” The ‘show’ is public suicide, which might be played off as a daring stunt gone wrong.
(Quietly, calmly) “So put your best face on, everybody, pretend you know this song everybody come hang. Let’s go out with a bang.” This is the singer’s last moments. The song continues after but that could be the afterlife, reflecting, or he accidentally survived.
This is just my dark interpretation though. Enthusiastically suicidal singer that wants to go out with a bang.
Oh my gosh, how interpreting fun lyrics has spiraled into realms I’m sure AJR never meant for it to. The song is talking about growing up and being responsible for things, when it says Let’s Hang it means hang out and have fun and Go Out With A Bang is just having one last blast of fun before you as above become responsible for bills, etc etc. The cleverest part was including Metronome as most people won’t know what it is, but it’s perfectly suited for when/what they use it for. Don’t stress so much to all of the above people, it’s a FUN SONG and doesn’t have any bad hidden meanings to it at all, well apart from the growing up bit!
I don’t really care what the meaning of the song is, I just like hearing it lmao. Heads up, there is no purpose to responding and expecting a response from me because 9/10 chances I won’t.
I was thinking it refers to sex, because finger bang is slang for mast–bating. A man can finger bang himself or his woman. This means it means more than mast–bation which I believe means a person doing it to themselves or a solo act.
Did anyone think bang means some kind of intimate stimulation either Solo or with another?
It certainly sounds like it was written by a child.
it really sounds like it is AJR letting the world know they are splitting up and want to have one last hit. “Lets go out with a Bang”
My Friend told me it was inappropriate at school cause the gym teacher was playing it.
I also thought it was about suicide. I think it all depends on your life experiences how ART will influence you.
This is an interesting conversation. Every time I’ve heard it I’ve actually thought of mass suicide (but there were a few cult ones of those in my lifetime, maybe that’s my association?). 80’s kid/90’s teen – Gen Xer. This upbeat music is a crazy juxtaposition to the darkness underlying it. To me the song screams of disillusionment with society and the infrastructures that exist – the system if you will, government, going through the motions, feeling like a cog in the machine. Antiestablishment, etc. (Thinking the Matrix) Which jives with at least one other of their songs – Burn the House Down. (Which I plan to look up the timing next of the Jan 6 Capital incident in relation to that song – because it seems oddly similar). So I imagine a Batman style bombing or something of that nature- going out with a Bang. Hopefully I’m wrong and just my twisted mind and being a Gen X kid? But that’s where my mind goes every time. “Going out with a Bang”
I guess I can kind of see the other side of it, growing up, etc. But it has a much darker vibe for me than say the Twenty-One Pilots song about having to grow up and preferring the ease & comfort of childhood.
And I wasn’t wrong about Pumped Up Kicks. 🤷♀️
Dice, falling like rain on to the players with umbrellas? Humm… Las Vegas. 2017?
I always think of 9/11 when I hear this song. Just really makes me feel bad for those affected
I’m here because the more I listen to this song the more I think it’s about suicide. I’m glad the original intention was “growing up and having fun.” It’s a great song either way.
My mom said it was about them shooting up some place honce the bang as in a gun firing. Glad to know she was wrong