The band's single "It's Time", which previously appeared on the "It's Time" and "Continued Silence" EPs in addition to appearing on "Night Visions", is the group's biggest hit, reaching #33 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In a dark kitchen in the middle of a sweaty night in Las Vegas, all 6’4” of Dan Reynolds is hunched over a laptop, slapping beats on the table and crooning lyrics into a tiny microphone. Before long, he and the other three members of indie rock band Imagine Dragons would be playing “It’s Time,” that same laptop-demo-turned-supersized-anthem, from the roof of a parking garage to a wave of thousands of screaming fans. This song title to the single from their 2012 debut KidInaKorner/Interscope release “Continued Silence EP” is an all too apt descriptor of the band’s hard-earned success—but it’s also emblematic of the deep-seated anxiety Reynolds and the rest of the band experienced leaving behind any realistic expectation of a normal job to do the thing they love most.
A third-generation Las Vegas native, Reynolds is no stranger to the adage “the house always wins,” choosing to pave his musical career with a near obsessive work ethic and hundreds of unused demos rather than roll the dice with the first songs that sprung from his mouth. It’s no surprise, then, that he was drawn to guitarist Wayne Sermon, another founding member of Imagine Dragons. Having practically grown up in a recording studio and graduated Berklee College of Music, Wayne had been practicing his guitar through meals and other socially inappropriate situations as long as he could remember; he challenged Dan in a way that was both uncomfortable and exactly what they both needed. When they began writing songs together and recognized something special was happening, Wayne called up his Berklee friend Ben McKee, who promptly dropped out of school with only a few credits left, moving across the country to play bass for the band. This sort of reckless/genius behavior is typical for Ben, who has an uncanny penchant for spicy food and a suitcase full of unbelievable road stories. More recently, the band was joined by drummer Daniel Platzman, another Bostonian schoolmate who seems way too nice to be playing rock and roll until you actually see him in action.
Several tours and three self-released EPs later, Imagine Dragons had made a serious name for itself, particularly in the west coast circuit. Although their songs vary from nearly whimsical and light to brooding and powerful, listeners are drawn to the inherent honesty in the music. The only rule of thumb for the band, it seems, is to write from a true place; the result is songs that literally run the spectrum of human emotion. Attend a concert, and it becomes clear that the live performance of deeply personal songs has a real effect on people. And the band itself is not immune, as demonstrated when Dan literally passed out into the drum set during a finale song, sending cymbals and drum stands crashing while the rest of the band played on until the close.
Great songwriting is bound to be noticed eventually. As proof that the harder you work, the luckier you get, one of those people who noticed was Grammy winning producer Alex da Kid (Eminem, Rihanna). Alex and Dan began collaborating on projects, and soon the band had developed a relationship with Alex and his team. The alchemy resulting from Alex’s hip hop sensibilities and Imagine Dragons’ anthemic rock is nothing short of explosive. The byproduct of this creative collision is “Continued Silence,” a six song in-your-face sonic grenade that breaks musical boundaries and yet is strangely relatable by its improbably diverse audience.
Despite it all, on any given day when they aren’t on the road playing shows, you can still find Imagine Dragons huddled away in a rehearsal room somewhere, banging out song after song in search of the next perfect track. Like most things in Vegas, the band is angled at going big or going bust. For the sake of those who love great music, we hope it’s the former.
Higher
Imagine Dragons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Go back to the place that I came from
Lookin' back, will I think that I did it right?
I still don't sleep at night
I got these symphonies stuck in my head
And they don't leave
Fillin' up the silence with these notes
I don't want them to go
Ghosts follow me around these days
Haunting my head and house
My mind is crazy loud
But I won't give in to it
Take it all in stride
This life is such a ride
I live until I die
I walk into the fire
I'm searching for the higher ground
What a life
I live until I die
Won't fail unless I try
I'm searching for the higher ground
I've got that golden gun
I was born as the seventh son
Everything comes with conditions
Everyone's got their dirty dishes
I've got these memories
Stuck in my head, and they won't leave
Filling up my treetops with these crows
I wish that they would go
This life is such a ride
I live until I die
I walk into the fire
I'm searching for the higher ground
What a life
I live until I die
Won't fail unless I try
I'm searching for the higher
This life is such a ride
I live until I die
I walk into the fire
I'm searching for the higher ground
What a life
I live until I die
Won't fail unless I try
I'm searching for the higher ground
Get it, got it, want it
Tell me what to do and I'm on it
I am the witness, the genesis, the reason
Get it, got it, want it
Tell me what to do and I'm on it
I am the witness, the witness, the witness
This life is such a ride
I live until I die
I walk into the fire
I'm searching for the higher ground
What a life
I live until I die
Won't fail unless I try
Bleeding, keep on breathing
Higher ground
Hey, hey
Higher, higher
Higher, higher ground
Higher ground
Hey, hey
Higher, higher
Higher, higher ground
The lyrics of "Higher" by Imagine Dragons convey a sense of determination and resilience in the face of challenges and internal struggles. The singer reflects on their journey, contemplating whether they have made the right choices and achieved fulfillment. Despite experiencing sleepless nights and haunted by their own thoughts and memories, they refuse to succumb to negativity. They choose to embrace life's ups and downs, understanding that it is a thrilling ride that continues until their last breath. The repetition of the line "I'm searching for the higher ground" highlights their yearning for personal growth, self-discovery, and finding a sense of purpose.
The lyrics also touch upon themes of identity and the pressures that come with it. The singer mentions being the seventh son and having a "golden gun," perhaps symbolizing the burden of expectations and responsibilities that they carry. They acknowledge that everything in life comes with conditions, while everyone has their own flaws and mistakes. Despite this, they strive to rise above and not let these factors define or limit them.
The chorus, with its catchy melody and anthemic energy, captures the resilience and determination of the singer. It embodies a refusal to accept mediocrity and a willingness to take risks and face challenges head-on. The repetition of "This life is such a ride, I live until I die" emphasizes the urgency to make the most of life and to always strive for personal growth and fulfillment.
Overall, "Higher" encourages listeners to persevere through difficulties, embrace their individual journey, and strive for personal progress.
Line by Line Meaning
I know when my day will come
I am aware of the inevitable day that signifies my success or fulfillment.
Go back to the place that I came from
Return to my roots and origins.
Lookin' back, will I think that I did it right?
Reflect on my past actions and ponder whether I made the right choices.
I still don't sleep at night
I continue to experience insomnia.
I got these symphonies stuck in my head
Melodies and harmonies constantly occupy my mind.
And they don't leave
They persist and stay with me.
Fillin' up the silence with these notes
The sound of music fills the void of silence.
I don't want them to go
I desire for the music to persist and not fade away.
Ghosts follow me around these days
Unresolved issues or memories haunt and linger in my thoughts.
Haunting my head and house
These ghosts continue to disturb and affect both my mind and living space.
My mind is crazy loud
My thoughts and inner dialogue are chaotic and overwhelming.
But I won't give in to it
However, I refuse to succumb to this mental turmoil.
Take it all in stride
I handle these challenges and difficulties calmly.
This life is such a ride
Life is an unpredictable and exciting journey.
I live until I die
I embrace and make the most of my existence until its end.
I walk into the fire
I willingly face and confront challenging or dangerous situations.
I'm searching for the higher ground
I strive to attain a better state of being or reach a higher level of success.
What a life
This life I lead is extraordinary or remarkable.
Won't fail unless I try
I have the potential to succeed as long as I make an effort.
I've got that golden gun
I possess a weapon, metaphorically representing my talents or abilities.
I was born as the seventh son
I possess special characteristics or abilities due to being the seventh child.
Everything comes with conditions
There are always requirements or limitations attached to everything.
Everyone's got their dirty dishes
Everyone has their own shortcomings or secrets.
I've got these memories
I am burdened by memories that constantly occupy my mind.
Stuck in my head, and they won't leave
These memories are deeply ingrained and refuse to fade away.
Filling up my treetops with these crows
My thoughts and negative emotions are overwhelming and pervasive.
I wish that they would go
I desire for these thoughts and emotions to dissipate or disappear.
Get it, got it, want it
I understand, possess, and desire something intensely.
Tell me what to do and I'm on it
If given instructions or guidance, I will immediately act and comply.
I am the witness, the genesis, the reason
I am observant and influential, being the source and cause of events.
Bleeding, keep on breathing
Despite pain or suffering, I continue to persevere and survive.
Hey, hey
Exclamation or attention-grabbing interjection.
Higher, higher
Elevate or ascend to a greater level or position.
Higher ground
A better or more advantageous position or state of being.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Daniel Reynolds
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@study4225
@@mattheartfollower4123 yeah they went some really hard time in these 2 years
So did most ppl
So they made songs about it
We should be glad that they are true with us about how they feel and didn't make a song faking happiness
But everything is true here
And I'm in soooo much love with this album
Cuz i had and still have a hard time too
No matter what song they make they are honest about it
And they can never make a bad song
@mr.phonees9729
I know when my day will come
Go back to the place that I came from
Lookin' back will I think that I did the right
I still don't sleep at night
I got these symphonies
Stuck in my head and they don't leave
Fillin' up the silence with these notes
I don't want them to go
Ghosts follow me around these days
Haunting my head and house
My mind is crazy loud
But I won't give in to it
Take it all in stride
This life is such a ride
I live until I die
I walk into the fire
I'm searching for the higher ground
What a life
I live until I die
Won't fail unless I try
I'm searching for the higher ground
I've got that golden gun
I was born as the seventh son
Everything comes with conditions
Everyone's got their dirty dishes
I've got these memories
Stuck in my head and they won't leave
Filling up my treetops with these crows
I wish that they would go
This life is such a ride
I live until I die
I walk into the fire
I'm searching for the higher ground
What a life
I live until I die
Won't fail unless I try
I'm searching for the higher
This life is such a ride
I live until I die
I walk into the fire
I'm searching for the higher ground
What a life
I live until I die
Won't fail unless I try
I'm searching for the higher ground
Get it, got it, want it
Tell me what to do and I'm on it
I am the witness, the genesis, the reason
Get it, got it, want it
Tell me what to do and I'm on it
I am the witness, the witness, the witness
(The witness, the witness, the witness)
This life is such a ride
I live until I die
I walk into the fire
I'm searching for the higher ground
What a life
I live until I die
Won't fail unless I try
Bleeding, keep on breathing
Higher ground, hey, hey
Higher, higher
Higher, higher ground
Higher ground, hey, hey
Higher, higher
Higher, higher ground
@lbroseven9177
“It’s over Anakin, I have the high ground!”
@christianrodriguez1465
Literally the first thing I thought when I saw the title
@LilMacMusic
You underestimate my power!
@josemariafelicesbarreto1363
Don’t try it 🙁
@SuniBiker
First thing I thought about whenever I saw the name
@trey4496
literally my brain
@wuxiejun4972
I think Mercury hits close to home for everyone who has ever thought a lot about death and depression, but Imagine Dragons is also telling us, through their music, how they are overcoming them. In a way these songs are really showing us a vulnerable side of the band, which makes a lot of their new songs so relatable. A huge thank you to Imagine Dragons; these songs really make me feel like I am not alone ❤️
@rise7056
cringe sad songs, negativity is trash they should keep making music like higher ground
@mattheartfollower4123
@@rise7056 I agree that there are too many sad ones in this album, but it's still very far from bad imo, a few of the songs I really enjoyed.
@angelaverschuur4169
You have worded exactly the way I feel about this album