The Victim
Daughtry Lyrics

In the lyrics to "The Victim" by Daughtry, the singer portrays a sense of betrayal and hurt inflicted by someone close to them. The opening lines speak of being shown someone's true nature and being deceived by their falsehoods. The use of "painted with pretty lies" suggests that the deceiver may have manipulated the situation to appear more appealing than it truly was. This manipulation led to broken promises and a feeling of emptiness within the singer.

The chorus delves into the singer's resolve to not allow themselves to be a victim any longer. They reject the idea of being controlled or manipulated by another person or system that they did not choose to be a part of. The repetition of phrases like "Not gonna be the victim" and "Stop making me the monster" highlights the singer's refusal to be taken advantage of or portrayed in a negative light.

In the second verse, there is a sense of rebirth and renewal as the singer breaks free from the toxic influence of the other person. The imagery of being laid to rest in pieces, only to rise again, signifies a metaphorical death and resurrection, shedding the past and embracing a new beginning. The act of shaking off the rust symbolizes removing the old, stagnant parts of oneself to make way for growth and healing.

The song concludes with a reaffirmation of the singer's determination to not allow themselves to be victimized any longer. By asserting their autonomy and rejecting the blame placed on them by the deceiving party, the singer takes back control of their own narrative and refuses to be dragged down by negativity. The repeated insistence of "Not gonna be the victim" serves as a powerful declaration of self-empowerment and strength in the face of adversity.