Signing with Indianola for their first album, And Their Name Was Treason (2005), Scruggs was replaced by Shelnutt in 2006. Later that year the band recorded For Those Who Have Heart (2007) for Victory. They embarked on several tours of the UK and U.S. and played at several festivals, before recording and releasing Homesick (2009). While promoting Homesick on tour, Denney was replaced by Skaff. Soon after releasing their next album, What Separates Me from You (2010), the band went on a worldwide tour to promote it. In 2011, the band was involved in a lawsuit with Victory over their recording contract, which was settled in October 2013. The band released their fifth album, Common Courtesy (2013), the same month.
Current Members:
Jeremy McKinnon – lead vocals (2003–present)
Neil Westfall – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2003–present)
Alex Shelnutt – drums (2006–present)
Kevin Skaff – lead guitar, backing vocals (2009–present)
Former members:
Joshua Woodard – bass guitar (2003–2004, 2004–2021
Tom Denney – lead guitar, backing vocals (2003–2009); session musician (2009–present)
Brandon Roberts – drums (2004)
Bobby Scruggs – drums (2003–2004, 2004–2006)
Jason – bass guitar (2004)
Discography
1. And Their Name Was Treason (2005)
2. For Those Who Have Heart (2007)
3. Homesick (2009)
4. What Separates Me from You (2010)
5. Common Courtesy (2013)
6. Bad Vibrations (2016)
7. You're Welcome (2021)
Paranoia
A Day to Remember Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Expect the worst of everyone I meet
Count the clock 'cause I can't fuckin' sleep
Shootin' pain like a heart attack
Call my friends, I might not make it back
The doctor says I'm headed for destruction
I'm like a time bomb tickin' in your head
Paranoia cloudin' your judgement
And no matter what you do about it, 'bout it, 'bout it
I'm still in your head
It's got me scared, scared of the unknown
Unknown numbers been blowin' up my phone
I'm hearin' footsteps outside of my house
I'm afraid someone's tryna take me out
The doctor says I'm headed for destruction
Can I fuckin' live?
I'm like a time bomb tickin' in your head
Paranoia cloudin' your judgement
And no matter what you do about it, 'bout it, 'bout it
I'm like a time bomb tickin' in your head
Paranoia cloudin' your judgement
And no matter what you do about it, 'bout it, 'bout it
I'm still in your head
I'm still in your head
I'm still in your head
I am your breaking point
You can't run, you can't hide
I'll be there when you close your eyes at night
I'm always watching you
The doctor says I'm headed for destruction
My time is wearin' thin
I'm like a time bomb tickin' in your head
Paranoia cloudin' your judgement
And no matter what you do about it, 'bout it, 'bout it
I'm like a time bomb (time bomb) tickin' in your head (in your head)
Paranoia cloudin' your judgement (your judgement)
And no matter what you do about it, 'bout it, 'bout it
I'm still in your head
Oh
The A Day to Remember song Paranoia speaks to the common feeling of paranoia that can take hold of a person's mind when they expect the worst from everyone they meet. Lead frontman Jeremy McKinnon sings about his struggle to sleep, feeling like he's constantly at the brink of destruction, and fearing for his safety amidst unknown numbers continually blowing up his phone and hearing footsteps outside of his house. He realizes that this constant sense of danger is not only wearing thin on him but ultimately doesn't make him feel any safer. The chorus takes a dark turn as McKinnon warns that he is a "time bomb ticking in your head" and that no matter what, he will always be there, constantly watching and waiting.
The lyrics of Paranoia highlight the feelings of anxiety and desperation that can be triggered by paranoia. The constant cycle of worrying about what others think of you or what might be lurking around every corner can wear on even the strongest of people. All the while, the people experiencing it can feel trapped, like a ticking time bomb that can go off at any moment.
Line by Line Meaning
Expect the worst of everyone I meet
I have become so paranoid that I anticipate negative behavior from anyone I interact with.
Count the clock 'cause I can't fuckin' sleep
My constant anxiety has made it difficult for me to sleep, so I find myself checking the time obsessively.
Shootin' pain like a heart attack
My anxiety is so severe that it feels like I am experiencing physical pain, similar to a heart attack.
Call my friends, I might not make it back
My anxiety has become so overwhelming that I am afraid for my safety and have reached out to my friends for support.
The doctor says I'm headed for destruction
I am aware that my anxiety is taking a toll on me and may lead to my mental health deteriorating.
Something's gotta give
I understand that my anxiety is not sustainable and that I need to find a way to deal with it before it becomes too much to handle.
I'm like a time bomb tickin' in your head
My anxiety is like a ticking time bomb that is constantly in my head, causing me distress and fear.
Paranoia cloudin' your judgement
My constant paranoia is impacting my ability to think clearly and make sound decisions.
I'm still in your head
Despite your best efforts, I am still present in your mind and causing you anxiety.
It's got me scared, scared of the unknown
My anxiety has me constantly fearful of what I do not know or cannot predict.
Unknown numbers been blowin' up my phone
My paranoia has led me to believe that unknown callers are a threat, causing me to feel anxious when my phone rings.
I'm hearin' footsteps outside of my house
My paranoia has escalated to the point where I am hearing sounds that may not actually be there, causing me further anxiety.
I'm afraid someone's tryna take me out
My paranoia is so intense that I believe someone may be trying to harm me or take me out, causing me to be constantly on guard.
Can I fuckin' live?
I am feeling extremely overwhelmed and frustrated by my anxiety and the impact it is having on my life, to the point where I am begging for relief.
I am your breaking point
My anxiety has reached a breaking point, and I am struggling to maintain control of my thoughts and emotions.
You can't run, you can't hide
My anxiety is all-consuming and inescapable, and trying to ignore it or run from it will only make it worse.
I'll be there when you close your eyes at night
My anxiety will continue to plague you, even when you are trying to sleep and rest.
I'm always watching you
My anxiety has made me hyper-aware and vigilant, causing me to feel like I am constantly watching and monitoring those around me.
My time is wearin' thin
My struggle with anxiety is taking a toll on me, and I am running out of time to figure out how to deal with it before it becomes too much to bear.
Oh
This interjection is not included in the analysis as it does not meaningfully contribute to the interpretation of the lyrics.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Jeremy Wade McKinnon, Kevin Patrick Skaff, Neil S. Westfall
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hockeykid30b
All the dislikes are from the tumblr girls who thought that the band was going to release another "if it means a lot to you"
SURPRISE! ADTR going back to their roots. Love it. See you guys soon!
@abigailmartucci5075
true
@disregardme8849
lmfaooo😂😂😂😂
@disregardme8849
+Collin Chandler they changing over the years but still love them 💯
@farrell262
+Justin Lane heartless is and probably will always be my fav and I want more like that but adtr is unique enough that there is No such thing as mainstream.
@celestialjesterstudios4505
I don't know what you guys are talking about, this song is amazing.
@naterk9460
"You're heading for destruction."
- The Doctor
@bryan_247
𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙𐑙
@aidenmartin4533
@@bryan_247 i love that part
@BangtanTrash44
I don't care how many times they change their sound/genre, I will always support these guys no matter what. In my ears they always make amazing music & they're a group that doesn't give a shit to what others think/say. Been listening to them since my high schools years & I've got no reason to stop now.