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 Wish
Imagine Dragons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To say all the words that I've wanted to say
The doctor said, "Oh, there's a fight up ahead"
I should've been there by your hospital bed
So it rains every day, oh, it rains every day
No, I haven't got the words to say
Before it was too late
I wish that I would've been there in the end
I wish I was a better friend
I wasn't there when you said your goodbye and I
Replay in my mind 'bout a thousand times
I wasn't there for those rivers you cried
I was always too busy, no, I didn't make the time
So it rains every day, oh, it rains every day
I haven't got the words to say
How I wish I was a better friend
Before it was too late
I wish that I would've been there in the end
I wish I was a better friend
And every day, I wish you were here
Oh, every day I wish
Oh, every minute of every year
I swear I feel you near
Near me
How I wish I was (how I wish) a better friend (better friend)
Before it was too late
I wish that I would've been there in the end
I wish I was a better friend
The lyrics of "I Wish" by Imagine Dragons depict a sense of regret and longing for the chance to be a better friend to someone who is no longer present. The singer expresses remorse for not reaching out or being there for their friend when they were needed the most. The first verse reflects a missed opportunity to express their feelings, as they never called the person when they could have, and now it's too late. The mention of a doctor and a fight ahead suggests that their friend might have been facing some health issues or personal struggles.
The recurring line "So it rains every day, oh, it rains every day" conveys a sense of sadness and emotional weight, emphasizing the constant presence of regret in the singer's life. They admit that they don't have the right words to express their remorse, indicating a genuine desire for redemption and a chance to make things right.
The second verse continues the theme of regret, as the singer replays in their mind the moment of saying goodbye to their friend countless times. They acknowledge that they were never there for their friend during difficult times, realizing that they were always too busy and failed to prioritize their friendship.
The chorus expresses the deepest longing for a chance to be a better friend. The singer wishes they had been there for their friend until the end, lamenting the missed opportunity for a stronger bond and more meaningful connection. The repetition of "I wish I was a better friend" emphasizes the heartfelt remorse and desire for redemption.
The lyric "And every day, I wish you were here" reveals the enduring pain of the singer's loss. They wish for their friend's presence and lament the missed moments they could have shared. The mention of feeling their friend's presence near indicates a spiritual connection or the lingering emotions associated with their absence.
Overall, "I Wish" by Imagine Dragons explores the theme of regret and longing for the chance to have been a better friend. It delves into the pain of realizing the missed opportunities and the desire for redemption and stronger connections before it's too late.
Line by Line Meaning
I never called you and now it's too late
I neglected to reach out to you, and now I can't make amends or express my true feelings.
To say all the words that I've wanted to say
I missed the opportunity to express the thoughts and emotions I've been holding inside.
The doctor said, "Oh, there's a fight up ahead"
The medical professional informed me about the challenging situation you were facing.
I should've been there by your hospital bed
I deeply regret not being by your side when you were hospitalized.
So it rains every day, oh, it rains every day
Metaphorically, life feels gloomy and full of sadness on a daily basis.
No, I haven't got the words to say
I don't possess the appropriate words or expressions to convey my remorse and regret.
How I wish I was a better friend
I desire to have been a more supportive and caring companion.
Before it was too late
Prior to the point where I could no longer rectify my mistakes or make a positive impact.
I wish that I would've been there in the end
I yearn to have been present and supportive during the final moments or stages of our relationship.
I wasn't there when you said your goodbye and I
I failed to be present when you were bidding farewell, and it's something I deeply regret.
Replay in my mind 'bout a thousand times
The memory of that missed opportunity keeps replaying continuously in my thoughts.
I wasn't there for those rivers you cried
I wasn't there to provide comfort and support during the times you shed tears.
I was always too busy, no, I didn't make the time
I prioritized other matters and failed to allocate time to be there for you, and I acknowledge this was a mistake.
And every day, I wish you were here
Each day, I long for your presence and wish you were still with us.
Oh, every day I wish
On a daily basis, I carry a persistent desire for things to be different and for us to have had a closer connection.
Oh, every minute of every year
Through every passing moment and year, my longing for a stronger friendship remains constant.
I swear I feel you near
I genuinely believe I can sense your close presence or influence in my life.
How I wish I was (how I wish) a better friend (better friend)
I genuinely regret not being a more loyal, caring, and attentive friend to you.
Before it was too late
I deeply wish I had recognized the importance of being a better friend earlier on, before it was too late to make amends.
I wish that I would've been there in the end
I deeply desire to have been present and supportive in the final stages or moments of our relationship.
I wish I was a better friend
I genuinely desire to have been a more reliable, understanding, and supportive friend to you.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Daniel Coulter Reynolds
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Adcmd19
this is one of those songs that will be so raw and full of emotions when sung live... my god...i can already picture it in my mind...
@Tabua265
About a year ago I discovered Wrecked, just weeks after I lost my mother to cancer. That song allowed me to face my feelings after weeks of staying busy preparing for her services. A year later I still mourn but with the release of this song I feel like I now face some of those feelings I still have not been able to deal with. Thank you for your music. Thank you for being so real and opening your own hearts in your music.
@angelaverschuur4169
So sorry for your loss. Take your time to mourn, it's very important to feel everything,even tough it hurts. I've been there. I wish you all the best!
@anOlie01
I'm so sorry for your loss. Take care 💔
@holdena831
The song has only been out for 4 months bro ... Clout?
@gn4sty731
@@holdena831 Wrecked was launched about an year ago, in Act I.
@rileysummer4148
Wow I hope you can push through that iv felt that pain before it’s hard for me it was like a sickness so I hope you get better and remember the happy times and not the sad or angry times
@AOimortal117
Its funny how yesterday I was feeling sad because ive lost a lot of people this last year, hits hard to listen this song right now
@TheBlueSascha
I get that. My best friend passed away from suicide last year and I blame myself each day for not noticing the signs. We fought the day before over some stupid shit, and I kept ignoring his calls, texts, and discord notifications. It wasn't until the next morning that I found out. I wish I was a better friend. This song describes my feelings exactly and it's so painful knowing I could have prevented it if I'd just *been there*.
Sorry for the rant, but I feel like music brings people together and helps them understand each others' pain.
@zuhraaryubi6176
@@TheBlueSascha don’t blame yourself just pray for him ..you will be fine💜