"It's Kind of The Same Principle As Putting Lemon In Your Sweet Tea..."

Paul Simon once shared a theory about the relative value of music versus lyrics in successful pop songs.

His premise was, basically, that "downer" lyrics accompanied by "downer" music are usually too much of a downer to generate much mass popularity.

"Peppy upper" lyrics, on the other hand, accompanied by "peppy upper" music are usually too, wait for it....peppy and upper to generate much mass popularity.

Cross match, though, and you could very easily be on to something.

The latest testament to Simon's hypothesis comes from a trio of Los Angeles lads who found their way to the top three on the pop charts with their "peppy upper" sounding "downer" story of a boy and his plans for revenge on those who under-appreciated him.

Foster The People.

"Pumped Up Kicks".

It's one of those songs that everybody taps toes to and/or sings along to, very often without realizing they are singing along to the story of a kid and his weapon of mass destruction.

Moral perspective aside, you gotta give Foster The People credit for a hit song.

And you gotta give Paul Simon his due.

What a downer this song is.

And catchy as all giddyup.