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.
I'm Happy
Imagine Dragons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is there somebody else inside my head
That doesn't want me to be happy?
I know my rights, I live until I die
I've got this bed, each night I go to sleep and dream
I'm swimmin' in the deep end
You're my buoy and I'm sinkin'
Life flies by me but I'm thinkin'
I'm happy
'Cause finally I feel I got it all
Started out with nothing at all
And even when I might fall down
I know my luck come back around
They tellin' me that I should love myself
Sometimes I fail, but then you hit me like a whiplash
Yellin' in my corner
She's a wild one, yes, I should warn ya
Life flies by me every morning
You saved my life and now
I'm happy
'Cause finally, I feel I got it all
Started out with nothing at all
And even when I might fall down
I know my luck come back around
They tell me to write a paragraph of everything, I
Love about me
Write a paragraph and send it in the mail
To a future me, that's trying desperately
To start a family
Teach them to love themselves
Teach them to love themselves
Teach them to love themselves
I'm happy
'Cause finally I feel I got it all
Started out with nothing at all
And even when I might fall down
I know my luck come back around
I'm happy
'Cause finally I feel I got it all
Started out with nothing at all
And even when I might fall down
I know my luck come back around
(Happy, happy, happy, happy)
(Happy, happy, happy, happy)
(Ha)
In the song "I'm Happy" by Imagine Dragons, the lyrics express a sense of self-reflective introspection and personal growth. The opening lines "What's wrong with me? Is there somebody else inside my head that doesn't want me to be happy?" suggest a struggle with inner demons or negative thoughts that hinder the singer's ability to find happiness. This inner conflict may stem from feelings of self-doubt or past experiences that have impacted their ability to be content.
The lyrics continue with lines like "I know my rights, I live until I die" which highlight a determination to persevere and live life to the fullest despite the challenges faced. The mention of a bed where the singer goes to sleep and dreams indicates a desire for escape or inner peace, as if searching for solace in the unconscious mind. The following lines convey a sense of reliance on someone else, referred to as "my buoy," who has saved the singer's life figuratively, becoming a source of support and stability.
As the song progresses, the chorus emphasizes the singer's feeling of finally having it all, even after starting with nothing. It speaks to the idea that one's luck or fortunes can turn around, and despite potential setbacks or falls, there is a belief that things will ultimately work out.
The second verse introduces the influence of others, mentioning how they suggest the importance of self-love and how sometimes the singer may struggle with it. The mention of being hit by a "whiplash" suggests that when feeling low or uncertain, someone comes along and provides a wake-up call, reminding them of their worth. The line "Yellin' in my corner, she's a wild one, yes, I should warn ya" suggests that the support they receive is vibrant and passionate.
The song takes a slightly different direction in the bridge, with the lyrics shifting towards a future perspective. It suggests the idea of writing a letter to a future version of themselves, acknowledging the importance of loving oneself and teaching future generations to do the same. It reflects on the desire to start a family and pass on the valuable lesson of self-love and acceptance.
Overall, "I'm Happy" delves into the journey of finding happiness amidst inner struggles, acknowledging the importance of external support, and recognizing the power of self-love and growth.
Line by Line Meaning
What's wrong with me?
Is there something internally troubling me?
Is there somebody else inside my head
Is there a conflicting voice or presence within me?
That doesn't want me to be happy?
That opposes or hinders my happiness?
I know my rights, I live until I die
I am aware of my entitlements and intend to make the most of my life
I've got this bed, each night I go to sleep and dream
I have a place to rest and reflect, where I envision my aspirations
I'm swimmin' in the deep end
I am facing significant challenges or uncertainties
You're my buoy and I'm sinkin'
You provide support and stability when I feel overwhelmed
Life flies by me but I'm thinkin'
Time passes swiftly, yet I am constantly contemplating
You saved my life and now
You rescued me from despair, and as a result,
I'm happy
I experience genuine contentment
'Cause finally I feel I got it all
Because I finally possess everything I need or desire
Started out with nothing at all
I initially had no resources or advantages
And even when I might fall down
Despite potential setbacks or failures
I know my luck come back around
I believe that fortune will ultimately favor me
They tellin' me that I should love myself
Others advise me to have self-acceptance and self-esteem
Sometimes I fail, but then you hit me like a whiplash
Occasionally, I falter, but you shock me with your unwavering support
Yellin' in my corner
Cheering and supporting me from my side
She's a wild one, yes, I should warn ya
She is spirited and unpredictable, a quality to be aware of
Life flies by me every morning
Each day passes swiftly, with morning representing the beginning
You saved my life and now
You rescued me from despair, and as a result,
I'm happy
I experience genuine contentment
'Cause finally, I feel I got it all
Because I finally possess everything I need or desire
Started out with nothing at all
I initially had no resources or advantages
And even when I might fall down
Despite potential setbacks or failures
I know my luck come back around
I believe that fortune will ultimately favor me
They tell me to write a paragraph of everything, I
Others advise me to compose a detailed account of all the reasons why I
Love about me
I should have affection and appreciation for myself
Write a paragraph and send it in the mail
Put my affirmations in writing and send it via post
To a future me, that's trying desperately
Addressed to my future self, who is making an earnest effort to
To start a family
Establish a loving household
Teach them to love themselves
Pass on the lesson of self-love to my future family members
Teach them to love themselves
Instill the value of self-acceptance within them
Teach them to love themselves
Guide them in cultivating self-affection and appreciation
I'm happy
I experience genuine contentment
'Cause finally I feel I got it all
Because I finally possess everything I need or desire
Started out with nothing at all
I initially had no resources or advantages
And even when I might fall down
Despite potential setbacks or failures
I know my luck come back around
I believe that fortune will ultimately favor me
I'm happy
I experience genuine contentment
'Cause finally I feel I got it all
Because I finally possess everything I need or desire
Started out with nothing at all
I initially had no resources or advantages
And even when I might fall down
Despite potential setbacks or failures
I know my luck come back around
I believe that fortune will ultimately favor me
(Happy, happy, happy, happy)
(Expressing extreme joy)
(Happy, happy, happy, happy)
(Expressing extreme joy)
(Ha)
(A vocal expression often associated with amusement or satisfaction)
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Andrew Vaughn Tolman, Benjamin Arthur McKee, Daniel Coulter Reynolds, Daniel James Platzman, Daniel Wayne Sermon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
K3vin_O🎶
[Verse 1]
What's wrong with me?
Is there somebody else inside my head
That doesn't want me to be happy?
I know my rights, I live until I die
I've got this bed
Each night I go to sleep and dream
I'm swimmin' in the deep end
You're my buoy and I'm sinkin'
Life flies by me but I'm thinkin'
[Chorus]
You saved my life and now I'm happy
'Cause finally I feel I got it all
Started out with nothing at all
And even when I might fall down
I know my luck come back around
[Verse 2]
They tellin' me, that I should love myself
Sometimes I fail
But then you hit me like a whiplash
Yellin' in my corner
She's a wild one, yes, I should warn ya'
Life flies by me every mornin'
[Chorus]
You saved my life and now I'm happy
'Cause finally I feel I got it all
Started out with nothing at all
And even when I might fall down
I know my luck come back around
[Bridge]
They tell me to write a paragraph of everything I love about me
Write a paragraph and send it in the mail
To a future me, that's trying desperately to start a family
Teach them to love themself
Teach them to love themself
Teach them to love themself
[Chorus]
I'm happy
'Cause finally I feel I got it all
Started out with nothing at all
And even when I might fall down
I know my luck come back around
I'm happy
'Cause finally I feel I got it all
Started out with nothing at all
And even when I might fall down
I know my luck come back around
[Outro]
(Happy, happy, happy, happy)
(Happy, happy, happy, happy)
(Ha-)
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It doesn't matter if you are sad, happy, depressed, joyful or in any other emotion, Imagine dragons always has a song for you
nitin patil
That's seriously true
HENNA
That's really true
Deanna Engram
So true
Jesus_Christ_believer
For real bruh😂😂
teamjones8
DAMN RIGHT
david 999
I love how imagine dragons always experiment with different genres, different sounds and always being able to make songs magical
🔥Crossfire🔥
They're so creative :]
Akinpelu Joseph
@🔥Crossfire🔥 Really creative
Bella designs
Imagine Dragons always find the right lyrics, every song of theirs makes you feel the depth and simplicity of the lyrics at the same time.
They are really amazing, their songs lyrics give us the feels.