The band originated in 2005 from a song titled "The Kids" that Aron Erlichman (Deuce) and Jorel Decker (J-Dog) posted on the band's MySpace profile to positive reviews, leading them to form the group Hollywood Undead with their friends "Shady" Jeff Philips, George Ragan (Johnny 3 Tears), Jordon Terrell (Charlie Scene), Dylan Alvarez (Funny Man), and Matthew St. Claire (Da Kurlzz). In an interview with Shave magazine, J-Dog explained that when forming the band "Whoever was in the room at the time and played an instrument was in the band."
The band only took one year working on their debut album, Swan Songs. The other two years were spent looking for a company that wouldn't try to censor the album. They first signed a record contract with MySpace Records in 2005 but they left the label after the label tried to censor their first album. They then signed a contract with A&M/Octone Records and their first album, Swan Songs was released on September 2, 2008 and reached #22 on the Billboard 200 in its first week of release, selling 21,000 copies; which was later on released in the United Kingdom on May 18, 2009 with two bonus tracks. On June 23, 2009, Hollywood Undead released Swan Songs B-Sides EP through iTunes. After 64 weeks, the album fell off of the Billboard Top 200, but returned four weeks later at #174. Since then, it has gone in and out of the top 200, and is currently charting at #199. On July 28, 2009, it was certified gold by the RIAA.
The band released a CD/DVD set entitled Desperate Measures on November 10, 2009. The set includes a CD of six new songs, three of which being cover songs, as well as a previously unreleased remix of "Everywhere I Go", and six live recordings of songs from Swan Songs, and a DVD of a full live performance by the band.The album debuted at #29 on the Billboard 200, #10 on Top Rock Albums, and #15 on Top Digital Albums.
In early 2010, the band announced that singer, Deuce, had left the band due to creative differences. Ragan and Busek later cited arguments over writing credits, and Deuce not wanting to tour, as reasons for the departure. Decker and Terrell also stated that Deuce wanting to bring his own personal assistant for touring caused a rift between members. The band asked long-time friend, and lead singer of Lorene Drive, Daniel Murillo, to fill in for Deuce's role. Murillo had just advanced past the auditions for season 9 of American Idol, but decided to drop out to join the band.
The band soon began writing material for their second studio album; American Tragedy, in mid-2010, with hopes to release it by the end of the year. The first single, "Hear Me Now", released in December 2010. The single reached a peak of number nine on the Heatseekers Songs chart on Billboard, twenty-four on the Billboard's Rock Songs chart, and number twenty on the Alternative Songs chart. On January 21, they released a new song, "Comin' in Hot" available for a free download, and announced that the official release date for the album would be March 8, 2011. but as of February 22, 2011, it was announced that the album has been pushed back to April 5, 2011. On February 6, 2011, the band released another song titled "Been to Hell", for a free download.
American Tragedy turned out to be more successful than their first album Swan Songs, selling 66,915 in its debut week and peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. It has also peaked at No. 2 on many other charts, while also reaching No. 1 on the Billboard's Top Hard Rock Albums chart. The album was also very successful in other countries, making No. 5 in Canada and No. 43 in the United Kingdom.
The band announced in August 2011 that they would be releasing the remix album titled American Tragedy Redux, that would contain both professional and fan remixes from winners of a remix contest. of songs. It was released on November 21, 2011.
Work on a third studio album began in late November 2011, with the band will beginning to write and record demos while on the "Buried Alive" Tour, and heading to the studio to start recording after the conclusion of the tour. The band aimed to return the sound of their first album, Swan Songs, and that their record label had given them full creative control for the album. He also stated that the band hoped to feature more collaborations on the album.
Artistdirect named the band's upcoming album as one of the most anticipated albums of 2012, alongside other bands such as Linkin Park, Metallica, and Black Sabbath. The band revealed that Griffin Boice and Danny Lohner would return to produce the album. They also revealed that they will be upgrading their masks again, like they did prior to the release of their prior album.
On October 19, they released the track "Dead Bite" from the album for a free download, along with a lyric video to it and announcement for the upcoming album's first single. On October 29, the lead single "We Are" was released along with the album title, Notes from the Underground. On December 10, the band released their official music video for "We Are" on their Vevo account on YouTube. The teaser of the video prior the release of the video credit's Slipknot's Shawn "Clown" Crahan as the director the music video.
The album was released on January 13 and sold over 53,000 copies in its first week, charting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Canada's Top Albums chart, making it highest charting album by the band.
On April 12, 2014, Johnny 3 Tears posted a photo on his Instagram revealing plans for the band to release a new album in the summer. On October 17, Hollywood Undead's Vevo channel leaked the audio video with a song from their new album titled "Day of the Dead," although it was removed shortly afterwards. The song was later made available on iTunes on October 21, 2014, and officially premiered through Revolver Magazine. It was also revealed that the album will also be titled Day of the Dead.
The second single, titled "Usual Suspects", was released on February 17, 2015. The next single, titled "Gravity," was released on February 24, 2015. The album was released on March 31, 2015.
On July 19, 2017 a song titled "California Dreaming" was leaked. The track was released officially on July 24, as the lead single off their upcoming album Five (stylized as V). On August 25, "Whatever It Takes" was uploaded to the band's official YouTube channel followed by the song "Renegade" on September 29. On October 10, founding member Da Kurlzz "amicably" parted ways with the group to "pursue his own interests". The fourth single, "We Own the Night" was released on October 13. A new video for the song "Black Cadillac" featuring B-Real, was released on December 2.
In an interview with DEAD PRESS! whilst the band were at Reading Festival 2018, J-Dog and Danny confirmed that they intend to release a "heavy" song they've recorded called "Bloody Nose". In the same interview, they also shared their plans to record and release their sixth album in early 2019.
On October 30, 2018, it was announced that Hollywood Undead would release a new EP, PSALMS, on November 2, 2018, including two songs previously released in 2018, "Gotta Let Go" and "Another Level", as well as the previously-announced "Bloody Nose".
Lion
Hollywood Undead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you see a lion when you look inside of me
Outside the window just to watch you as you sleep
'Cause I am a lion born from things you can not be
How can I sleep at night there's a war inside my head
I found a lion hidden right beneath my bed
I will not hide myself from the tears that you have shed
'Cause I am a lion, and you are dead
Heres a story of everything we'll ever be
You can hide but some of us can never leave
And if you go I don't need those little things
They remind me of all our little dreams
Can you hear the words, all I can say
We can watch the world even if they walk away
Forget about tomorrow, tomorrow is today
You where born a lion and a lion you will stay
I am a lion and I want to be free
Do you see the lion when you look inside of me
Outside the window just to watch you as you sleep
'Cause I am a lion born from things you can not be
Remember an army of all those little kids
Livin' life like they only get a little bit
It's hard to fight when you're born in the middle-end
I'd rather die then watch you givin' in
I'm sorry daughter but you're fathers not the same
I can look into your eyes and I swear that I will change
But tomorrow is tomorrow so forgive me if I say you can hide
Beneath the covers while I hide behind the pain
After all only so much we can say
Words can lose their meaning once you walk away
Promise me that you'll love me, watch me as I fade
I'll give you all the things that these lions never gave
The hands on the clock and the things we cannot change
Tearin' out the pieces and take back what I made
If there's one thing I'd keep, it's you that I would save
'Cause I am just a lion and a lion I will stay
I am a lion and I want to be free
Do you see the lion when you look inside of me
Outside the window just to watch you as you sleep
'Cause I am a lion born from things you cannot be
Hey! I never meant to let go
All I want and you're all I'll ever wanna know
Can't hide in the attic of a pretty home
Of a pretty home, of a pretty home
Hey! I never meant to let go
All I want and you're all I ever wanna know
Can't hide in the attic of a pretty home
Of a pretty home, of a pretty home
Hey!
I am a lion and I want to be free
Do you see the lion when you look inside of me
Outside the window just to watch you as you sleep
'Cause I am a lion born from things you can not be
The lyrics to "Lion" by Hollywood Undead speak to the inner turmoil and self-doubt that exists within each of us. The opening lines "I am a lion and I want to be free, do you see a lion when you look inside of me" suggest a sense of vulnerability and a desire to break free from societal expectations and judgment. The imagery of watching someone sleep from outside a window suggests a desire for connection, yet a fear of vulnerability.
The chorus with the repeated phrase "I am a lion born from things you cannot be" suggests a sense of individuality and strength despite feeling different or misunderstood. The line "There's a war inside my head" speaks to a common struggle with mental health and how it can create an internal battle that feels impossible to win. The second verse highlights the struggle of growing up and facing hardships, but also includes a message of hope and resilience: "You were born a lion and a lion you will stay."
The song's bridge brings in a personal story about a father's struggle to connect with his daughter and create a better life for her. The lines "Promise me that you'll love me, watch me as I fade / I'll give you all the things that these lions never gave" showcase a desire to break free from negative patterns and create a better future. Overall, "Lion" is a powerful anthem about staying true to oneself and overcoming inner struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
I am a lion and I want to be free
I am a strong and independent individual who desires freedom
Do you see a lion when you look inside of me
Can you recognize my inner strength?
Outside the window just to watch you as you sleep
I am constantly watching and observing
'Cause I am a lion born from things you can not be
I have a unique experience and background that has contributed to my strength
How can I sleep at night there's a war inside my head
I struggle with inner turmoil and conflict that keeps me up at night
I found a lion hidden right beneath my bed
I discovered my own strength and power within myself
I will not hide myself from the tears that you have shed
I will not shy away from the emotions of others
'Cause I am a lion, and you are dead
I am a strong and resilient individual, while you are weak or defeated
Here's a story of everything we'll ever be
This is a narrative of our collective experiences and identities
You can hide but some of us can never leave
Some of us are inseparable from who we are, no matter how much we may try to conceal it
And if you go I don't need those little things
If someone leaves, I do not need meaningless trinkets as a reminder of them
They remind me of all our little dreams
These tokens bring to mind our shared aspirations and hopes
Can you hear the words, all I can say
Can you comprehend the depth of my emotions and my limited means to express them?
We can watch the world even if they walk away
We can still observe the world around us, despite others leaving us behind
Forget about tomorrow, tomorrow is today
Let's live in the present and not worry about what may come in the future
You were born a lion and a lion you will stay
You have inherent strength and resilience, which will always be a part of you
Remember an army of all those little kids
Recall a generation of youths with limited time and resources
Livin' life like they only get a little bit
Living with the awareness that time is fleeting and limited
It's hard to fight when you're born in the middle-end
It is challenging to rise above when you are born at an disadvantage in life
I'd rather die then watch you givin' in
I would rather face death than see you succumb to weakness
I'm sorry daughter but you're father's not the same
I am sorry that I have changed and may be less than who I once was to you
I can look into your eyes and I swear that I will change
I recognize my flaws and promise to improve myself, for your sake
But tomorrow is tomorrow so forgive me if I say you can hide
I realize that the future is uncertain and apologize if I urge you to retreat from it
Beneath the covers while I hide behind the pain
I may try to conceal my own pain and weakness from you, even as I encourage you to be open
After all only so much we can say
There are limits to what we can express through words
Words can lose their meaning once you walk away
The significance of words may fade as people move on and circumstances change
Promise me that you'll love me, watch me as I fade
Make a vow to continue to love me, even as I grow weaker and more vulnerable
I'll give you all the things that these lions never gave
I will provide you with all the support and love that I may have lacked in my own life
The hands on the clock and the things we cannot change
The passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with it
Tearin' out the pieces and take back what I made
Tearing apart the things I have created and reclaiming what is rightfully mine
If there's one thing I'd keep, it's you that I would save
If I could only hold onto one thing in life, it would be you, my loved one
'Cause I am just a lion and a lion I will stay
I am a person of enduring strength and resilience, unchanging even in the face of adversity
Hey! I never meant to let go
An exclamation of regret for losing something or someone important
All I want and you're all I'll ever wanna know
You are everything I want and more, the only thing that truly matters to me
Can't hide in the attic of a pretty home
We cannot hide from ourselves, no matter how good our outward appearances may be
Of a pretty home, of a pretty home, of a pretty home
Repetition emphasizing the superficiality of physical beauty
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOREL DECKER, DANIEL MURILLO, GEORGE ARTHUR RAGAN, JORDON KRISTOPHER TERRELL, DYLAN PETER ALVAREZ, MATTHEW BUSEK, GRIFFIN BOICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
I am dead
I am a lion and I want to be free
Do you see a lion when you look inside of me?
Outside the window, just to watch you as you sleep
'Cause I am a lion, born from things you cannot be
How can I sleep at night? There's a war inside my head
I found a lion hidden right beneath my bed
I will not hide myself from the tears that you have shed
'Cause I am a lion and you are dead
Here's a story of everything we'll ever be
You can hide, but some of us can never leave
And if you go, I don't need those little things
They remind me of all our little dreams
Can you hear the words all I can say?
We can watch the world even if they walk away
Forget about tomorrow, tomorrow is today
You were born a lion and a lion you will stay
I am a lion and I want to be free
Do you see a lion when you look inside of me?
Outside the window just to watch you as you sleep
'Cause I am a lion born from things you cannot be
Remember an army of all those little kids
Living life like they only get a little bit
It's hard to fight when you're born in the middle and
I'd rather die, won't watch you giving in
I'm sorry, daughter, but your father's not the same
I can look into your eyes and I'll swear that I will change
But tomorrow is tomorrow, so forgive me if I stay
You can hide beneath the covers while I hide behind the pain
After all only so much we can say
Words can lose their meaning once you walk away
Promise that you'll love me, watch me as I fade
I'll give you all those things that these liars never gave
Put your hands on the clock and the things we cannot change
Tear it all to pieces and take back what I made
If there's one thing I'd keep it's you that I would save
'Cause I am just a lion and a lion I will stay
I am a lion and I want to be free
Do you see a lion when you look inside of me?
Outside the window just to watch you as you sleep
'Cause I am a lion born from things you cannot be
Hey, I never meant to let go
All I want and you're all I ever wanna know
Can't hide in the attic of a pretty home
Of a pretty home, of a pretty home
Hey, I never meant to let go
All I want and you're all I ever wanna know
Can't hide in the attic of a pretty home
Of a pretty home, of a pretty home, hey
I am a lion and I want to be free
Do you see a lion when you look inside of me?
Outside the window just to watch you as you sleep
'Cause I am a lion born from things you cannot be
OneBiasedOpinion
Hollywood Undead does have a very crass/hood/gangster/frat-boy style in a lot of their songs, but they've also always had this very serious, bitter streak in their albums that grabs at some really deep issues in our society. They touch on family issues, faithfulness, loyalty, trust, betrayal, and the worth of a life. And honestly, that's what keeps me hooked on their songs.
Jeremy
That's all I thought they they ever were and it kept me away for the last 10 years. It's annoying trying to find the gems in a huge pile of forgettable rap songs.
Khris Love
@Jeremy Definitely, most of their discography is incredibly generic "hard white boy" music but occasionally you get great stuff like Lion, This Love This Hate, Bullet, I'll Be There... There's a few whiteboy rap songs that are good no doubt (We Are,) but their biggest strength is absolutely anything they do that isn't generic whiteboy rap. Very strong miniscule lineup and a thousand songs that blend together.
BlackTide
@Khris Love In Spotify I have 16 songs I really like that talk about addiction and suicide and they are mostly from the first 2 albums and the bonus/unreleased tracks from those 2 albums. Bands with a certain image always cut the more emotional songs or put them as the last track. Being labeled overly emotional is second only to being a racist guaranteed to make you an instant pariah in society.
Everyone one is born with a different emotional range. I'd rather be a psychopath then being stuck with the curse of too much emotions.
David Nissim
The whole "frat boy rap" thing was mostly during the Deuce era. I will always love Swan Songs, but it feels like once Danny joined, the music started growing up.
Matt
1st verse: accepting defeat
Second verse: remembering reasons for you to live
3rd verse: taking back your life
jack daniels
True bro
Ethan Jeffs AMVs
And people say Hollywood Undead sucks, and they can only make party songs, and that's all they're good for.
GamerDisturbed
*accepting defeat
Atomic Megalodon
Accepting