Meaning of "Headphones" by Walk The Moon

In "Headphones," Walk The Moon uses the metaphor of headphones to symbolize resilience and the ability to endure hardships. The narrator claims that they can take a beating like a good pair of headphones, suggesting their strength and ability to withstand tough situations. This resilience is further emphasized when they compare themselves to the Karate Kid, indicating that they can handle being hit both physically and emotionally.

The lyrics also allude to the idea that one can learn valuable lessons from challenging experiences. The line "You know you can learn a lot from a good pair of headphones, like how to take a beating" implies that the narrator has gained wisdom and knowledge from enduring difficult times. This suggests that going through tough situations can be a source of personal growth and learning.

The song then shifts to a scene where the narrator sees a better man taking their love interest out and holding their hand. This portrayal of them together, coupled with the remark that the love interest is "so fucking cute when you're rockin' it out," creates a sense of jealousy and longing. The narrator longs to have a deeper connection and open their heart, but the love interest is not reciprocating. This unrequited emotional vulnerability is metaphorically expressed through the phrase "I wanna open my heart, but you won't open the door."

Overall, "Headphones" tackles the theme of resilience, growth, and unrequited emotional longing. It encourages listeners to find strength in difficult circumstances and emphasizes the transformative power of going through challenging experiences.