Next Semester

On "Next Semester," Tyler Joseph sings of a student drowning in expectations. Graduation's the finish line, but the path there is a minefield of stress and self-doubt. Lines like "Stand up straight now, Can't break down, Graduate now" show the pressure building, the fear of cracking under the weight of it all. The chorus throws us into a vivid scene: yellow street lines blur, the student feels trapped, wishing for escape. He's stuck in the middle of the road having a panic attack, hoping a car will run him down and end the overwhelming feeling of anxiety. A driver, a symbol of hope and guidance, maybe representing God, slams on the brakes and offers a lifeline. "Can't change what you've done, start fresh next semester," they say. It's a reminder that there's always a chance to break free. We can leave the bad stuff behind and start over with a new semester, a new beginning.

Tyler Joseph was homeschooled and didn't attend college. This suggests "Next Semester" is either a fictional narrative or inspired by someone close to him, perhaps a friend who struggled with college pressures.

The "Next Semester" music video, directed by Twenty One Pilots' longtime collaborator Andrew Donoho, shows Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun performing the song in a cramped, pulsating club. The high-octane performance is cut with shots of Joseph alone on a shadowy street, a speeding vehicle hurtling towards him.