Asylum
Daughtry Lyrics


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There's a reign over the horizon
The lunatics have taken the asylum

Fear is like a dagger
And blood is dripping off the blade
They wave it like a scepter
In the kingdom come of the insane
There's a wake up in the shelter
The prisoners have broke their chains
All hail the deceptors
Who poison and manipulate

Somebody sound the alarm
Somebody ring the bell
Grab the noose, the psychos are loose
And we're headed straight for hell
Ya'll better run for cover
The writing is on the wall
It's pandemonium
And Rome is about to fall

Oh, there's a reign over the horizon
The lunatics have taken the asylum
We're on the edge, it's an uprisin'
The lunatics have taken the asylum

(The lunatics have taken the asylum)
(The lunatics have taken the asylum)

Deadly is the viper
That licks the venom from their fangs
Watch the way they slither, yeah
Like a parasite inside your brain
Too many sharks in the water
Circling the weakest prey
Like a sniper in the shadows
Waiting just to take his aim

There's a reign over the horizon
The lunatics have taken the asylum
We're on the edge, it's an uprisin'
The lunatics have taken the asylum

Somebody sound the alarm
Somebody ring the bell
Drop the noose, too much to lose
We gotta save ourselves
We better run for cover
The writing is on the wall
We gotta take our power back
Before they take us all

There's a reign over the horizon
The lunatics have taken the asylum
We're on the edge, it's an uprisin'
The lunatics have taken the asylum

There's a reign over the horizon (oh, there's a reign)
The lunatics have taken the asylum (oh)
We're on the edge, it's an uprisin' (oh, and it's an uprisin')
The lunatics have taken the asylum

Oh, have taken the asylum
The lunatics have taken the asylum




Oh, and it's an uprising
The lunatics have taken the asylum

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Daughtry's song "Asylum" depict a chaotic and dangerous world where the insane have taken control. The opening lines suggest a sense of impending doom, with a reign (rule) over the horizon. The asylum, which is supposed to be a place for the mentally ill, has now been overrun by lunatics, symbolizing a complete breakdown of order and sanity. Fear is described as a dagger, with blood dripping off the blade, highlighting the destructive power of fear in this society.


The song uses vivid imagery to portray the lunatics as wielding their insanity like a scepter, exerting their dominance over others. The wake up in the shelter indicates a moment of uprising or rebellion, as the prisoners have broken free from their restraints. However, the deceptors, who poison and manipulate, are still in control, creating a sense of helplessness and desperation.


The chorus serves as a call to action, urging someone to sound the alarm and ring the bell to alert others to the danger. The reference to grabbing the noose implies that drastic measures may be necessary to regain control. The lyrics emphasize the urgency of the situation, warning that if action is not taken, everyone is headed straight for hell. Rome, a symbol of power and stability, is about to fall, suggesting that society as they know it is on the brink of collapse due to the lunatics' influence.


Overall, "Asylum" conveys a dark and chaotic world where the lunatics have taken over, and the only hope lies in recognizing the threat and taking action to regain control.


Line by Line Meaning

There's a reign over the horizon
There is a powerful and dangerous force taking control over the future.


The lunatics have taken the asylum
The unstable and irrational individuals are now in charge, causing chaos and confusion.


Fear is like a dagger
Fear can be sharp and piercing, causing pain and distress.


And blood is dripping off the blade
The negative effects of fear are visible and causing harm.


They wave it like a scepter
They use fear as a symbol of their power and control.


In the kingdom come of the insane
In this world ruled by madness and irrationality.


There's a wake up in the shelter
An awakening or realization happening in a place of safety and protection.


The prisoners have broke their chains
Those who were captive have freed themselves from their constraints.


All hail the deceptors
Praise the manipulators and deceivers.


Who poison and manipulate
They use toxic tactics to control and influence others.


Somebody sound the alarm
Warn others of the imminent danger and threat.


Somebody ring the bell
Alert everyone to the urgency of the situation.


Grab the noose, the psychos are loose
Take action to confront and restrain the unstable and dangerous individuals who are now free.


And we're headed straight for hell
The situation is rapidly deteriorating and leading to a disastrous outcome.


Ya'll better run for cover
Everyone should seek shelter and protection from the impending danger.


The writing is on the wall
The signs and indications of impending doom are clearly visible.


It's pandemonium
There is widespread chaos and disorder.


And Rome is about to fall
A powerful and mighty establishment is on the brink of collapse.


Deadly is the viper
The venomous snake is extremely dangerous and lethal.


That licks the venom from their fangs
They benefit and derive power from spreading their harmful influence.


Watch the way they slither, yeah
Observe how they move and manipulate, often in a sneaky and deceitful manner.


Like a parasite inside your brain
Similar to a parasite, they feed off and control your thoughts and actions without your consent.


Too many sharks in the water
There are numerous dangerous and opportunistic individuals present.


Circling the weakest prey
They target and take advantage of the most vulnerable and defenseless.


Like a sniper in the shadows
Similar to a hidden sniper, they patiently wait for the perfect moment to strike.


Waiting just to take his aim
Ready to cause harm and damage with precise intentions.


Drop the noose, too much to lose
Release the plan of restraint because the consequences are too severe.


We gotta save ourselves
We need to take action to protect and preserve our own well-being.


We better run for cover
It is crucial to seek shelter and safety immediately.


We gotta take our power back
We must reclaim our control and authority from those who seek to manipulate and harm us.


Before they take us all
Before they completely subjugate and overpower every individual.


Oh, have taken the asylum
Oh, the unstable and irrational individuals have seized control of the institution.


Oh, and it's an uprising
Oh, it is an organized and coordinated revolt against the existing order.




Lyrics Β© REACH MUSIC PUBLISHING
Written by: Chris Daughtry, Elvio Fernandes, Johnny Cummings, Marti Frederiksen, Scott Stevens

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@bobbo0616

Here’s my list:

1. Heavy is the Crown
2. Break Into My Heart
3. World On Fire
4. Asylum
5. The Victim
6. Changes Are Coming
7. Lioness
8. Somebody
9. Desperation
10. Dearly Beloved
11. Call You Mine
12. Evil
13. Cry For Help



All comments from YouTube:

@alvinbuana4628

Now this is what I called back to the roots. I have been waiting for this sound all the time. Thank you Daughtry for doing the sound of what you like and stay authentic

@vincenttrunfio3348

He always sound good with the Rock....have no idea y he switched up..ya this is the stuff where he shines the best.i agree πŸ’―

@veganhigler6541

His first 2 albums good, the rest I wouldn't pay ten cents

@Devil_GoatRR

There that's why

@Devil_GoatRR

He is sad

@Devil_GoatRR

He lost his daughter

1 More Replies...

@downtownchewinggumbums3927

Still the greatest upset in American Idol history when he was sent home in 4th place. He's the best of ANY season!

@SoulReaver95

Im happy that he didn't give up

@maneorix

Not sure if he's better than Adam Lambert.. but he definitely is one of the best from Idol.

@downtownchewinggumbums3927

@@maneorix Adam is definitely a close second. My user name on here is from a lyric in a Queen song. I'm a huge fan. I saw Queen and Adam Lambert a couple years ago but I have some mixed emotions about him being in Queen. Let's just say, I did not see Queen to see Adam! I was there for Brian May. I've seen Daughtry a few times. One time I had 3rd row.

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