Pepsi on the House: A Song Review
By El Weiss
“Pepsi On the House,” the fourth track on Peach Pit’s third album, ‘2 to 3’, serves as a poignant homage to the wistful simplicity of the past, juxtaposed with the complexities of the present.
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Upon my initial encounter with the song, its resonance was immediate. The opening lyric, “Live a little just to act like your own age,” echoed my journey through high school and into my freshman year of college, where the struggle to reconcile youth with impending adulthood was palpable.
Scrolling through Instagram, witnessing peers attending these massive social gatherings, only strengthened my chronic FOMO — a condition exacerbated by my long standing battle with severe social anxiety (If you know me; shocking, I know).
I’m not the first to admit this and I won’t be the last: being an adult sucks. As I delve further into my last year of being a teenager, I consider all of my lost opportunities. I live by having no regrets. I don’t want to be tethered to my past, barely holding onto who I used to be and losing sight of who I could be. However, since I turned 19 I’ve been overanalyzing each choice that brought me to the present.
Did I do enough? Why did that friendship end that way? Did I live enough? Did I go out of my comfort zone enough?
I won’t ever be able to find a complete answer to all of my questions, but I can try to look forward. “Pepsi on the House” was a wake up call that I will be okay.
The song encapsulates the insecurity of feeling inadequate in one’s own skin — a sentiment I’ve grappled with relentlessly. “Taking drugs from your sock drawer just to seem like you do,” encapsulates this pervasive theme of insecurity and the loss of childhood innocence, as the protagonist strives to conform
As the narrative unfolds, a shift occurs, delving into the dynamics of the singer’s relationship with the subject of the song. Their disparate interpretations of their shared experience — highlighted through evocative imagery like “folded” and “cracked” — underscore the subject’s longing for deeper connection, perhaps seeking solace in the stability of a committed relationship.
Though our experiences may differ, the song resonates deeply within me, serving as a beacon amidst emotional tumult. Despite the raw emotions it evokes, the infectious rhythm and lively instrumentation draw me in, eliciting both introspection and joy.
Peach Pit’s signature fusion of melancholic lyricism and vibrant melodies ensures their songs linger long after the final note fades — a testament to their enduring appeal. Having been a fan for four years (my Spotify Wrapped can confirm this), I can attest to the indelible impact of their music.
I implore you to experience “Pepsi On the House” for yourself, but perhaps, in the interest of allowing me (a very poor college student) to afford tickets, the song can be our little secret. ❤
