Machine Gun Kelly, or Colson Baker, is known for his hardcore rap music, but this past August he released an album more in the direction of pop-punk like Green Day and Blink-182. This is a new look for the 30-year-old, as he transitions into a new genre. This new album, Tickets to My Downfall, reached number one on the US and Canada Billboard 200, and number two on Australian Albums (ARIA).
Tickets to My Downfall is a very deep and depressing album. He presents his new album in a more storytelling fashion. But just what is the meaning behind the deluxe album and which songs stand out the most?
Track 1: title track
The first song of the album, “title track”, is very upbeat. The track starts with MGK saying, “Cause the ones that gas you up only come around when the flames on…” He is referring to people that only hangout around someone when they are at their highest point. MGK throughout the song gives different scenarios of things you can do, basically just saying to be yourself, and to not care what others may think of you.
Track 2: kiss kiss
Track two, “kiss kiss”, is the first song of the album that sets up the story. He mentions hanging out in a car and just having a great time. “I went back in the bar and told her to bring her friends. I don’t even know where we’re going yet.” This is the first track of the rise of Baker.
Track 4: bloody valentine
In track 4, “bloody valentine”, Baker talks about a girl that he is falling for. He refers to only wanting serious relationships, but this is a different case. This track is one of the few songs in the album that was originally released as a single.
Track 5: forget me too
The 5th song on the album, “forget me too”, has MGK singing in a very angrily manner along with Halsey. One specific lyric that stands out about this anger is, “You’re the reason I punched a hole in the wall back home.” Halsey enters the song in verse two. She brings the same tone as Baker and then the two sing together at the end of the song. “I’ve wasted so much time waitin’ around for your phone calls every night.” Track 5 is arguably the best song of Tickets to My Downfall.
Track 7: lonely
The 7th song,” lonely”, has a more depressing feel. Baker references losing someone. “I lived with your sister. My first home since Mom had left. And I wrote my first song with him in the basement.” In verse 3 he states, “The last time I saw you. I cried, I wish you had more time left. The last time I heard you, they held the phone, you took your last breath.” “Lonely” is the start of Baker’s downfall in the album.
Track 10: concert for aliens
Track 10, “concert for aliens”, references Baker’s interest in aliens. He goes on about UFO’s, but uses it towards the story of the album. He says he is “calling out for help,” and is doing things that his mother didn’t want him to do. “I know you wanted me to go to law school. I dyed my hair, pierced my nostril.”
Track 11: my ex’s best friend
One of the best songs of the album includes the artist blackbear. Baker says life is complicated between his best friend and his friend’s girlfriend. “You know my ex that makes it all feel complicated, yeah.” Then in the middle of the song, he talks about becoming close with this girl and hanging out with her. “I swear to God I never fall in love. Then you showed up, and I can’t get enough of it.”
Track 12: jawbreaker
Track 12, Baker talks about sticking to the same thing until he breaks. “6 AM, back again for the same thing, ya. 6 PM, I won’t end ‘til I can’t breathe’ uh.” He says the person he is talking to is, “The prototype he needs now.”
Track 13: nothing inside (feat. iann dior)
The 13th song of the album features iann dior. Baker says, “I did this all for you, look what I turned into. She looked dead into my eyes and she saw nothing inside.” MGK states that he is trying too hard for this girl, and that he is going down a dark path.
Track 15: play this when i’m gone
This song is one of the shorter passed songs of the album. The first line of the song may be the most meaningful. “I’m writing this message just so I can say that I love you.” MGK is being extremely honest in the chorus. “I’m not gonna lie and tell you it’s alright, it’s alright.” Another deep lyric in the chorus is, “I wrote this song to keep when I’m gone.” Track 15 is written like a note, but turned into a song.
Track 16: body bag (feat. Bert McCracken)
Track 16, “body bag”, includes YUNGBLUD, The Used, Bert McCracken, and of course Machine Gun Baker. This song brings the album back to an upbeat type of tone. The best verse on the song may be, “She’s on my wish list, she knows my pressure points, it hurts. She gives me kisses, her glitter gets everywhere. I’ve got issues, but I have the right to think you’re wrong. You’re just a witch and I drank your poison, baby, put me in a body bag.”
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