"Etched in the Surface" - "Drag Path" by Twenty-One Pilots and what it means to Long Time Listeners

Staff writer: Brooke Mast

Twenty One Pilots has long been known for their introspective and emotionally intensive lyrics.

Ranging from bleeding love songs to blistering confessions, their discography remains potent with melancholy and desperation for community. Now, 17 years after their debut album, Twenty-One Pilots, they end 2025 with the blazing hit song, "Drag Path".

With a somber, beat-heavy instrumental, "Drag Path" can be interpreted as a variety of stories: the overcoming of one's mistakes and past actions, having a powerful impact on people, nature, or themselves in a physical or emotional way to name a few. For a lot of reasons, long-time fans consider the song a gift, a thank you for unending support and a show of faith over time.

Twenty-One Pilots truly has an album for everyone; the importance of mental health advocacy and support are a common theme portrayed through them all. With raw emotion, the band shares the darkest parts of themselves with the world in hopes to help those who are struggling, so that they may find a little bit of themselves within them. It is through this dedication that the fanbase, nicknamed the Skeleton Clique, has grown exponentially; certifying major achievements like an original song featured in Netflix’s "Arcane" and musical accolades like a Grammy.

In saying this, the band was already popular; so, what about this song sets it apart from the rest? It's simple, really.

Pufferfish!

With one 60 second edit on TikTok about Pufferfish leaving intricate designs in the deep ocean sands in hopes of finding a mate, the song skyrocketed into the spotlight.

Now, the song is used to connect millions of people through grief, love, and life-altering events. The vulnerability and heartfelt emotion encased in "Drag Path" has brought new fans to their doors, while still showing appreciation for the long-time fans.

As the fan-made edits continue, and the song continues to bridge humanity and culture, the efforts made by Twenty-One Pilots are celebrated tenfold. It is unclear whether they will release the song on streaming platforms officially, but really, why would they? The song was never about trying to get ahead or winning the battle of streams. It was about making connections and having an impact.

It lives through all of us, as we continue to leave drag paths of our own in the world.