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.
Lean
Imagine Dragons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We all have pain, we all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me when you're not strong
I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show
You just call on me, brother
When you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a
Problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend I'll
Help you carry on for it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on
You just call on me, brother
When you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a
Problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry i'm right up the road
I'll share your load if you just call me
Call me if you need a friend
Call me, call me, uh huh
Call me when you need a friend
Call me if you ever need a friend
Call me, call me call me, call me
Call me, call me call me, call me
Call me if you need a friend
Call me, call me call me, call me
Call me, call me call me, call me
Call me
The lyrics to Imagine Dragons' song "Lean" speak to the universal experience of pain and sorrow that we all encounter in our lives. It acknowledges that everyone faces challenges and difficulties, but emphasizes the importance of not losing hope and recognizing that there is always a tomorrow to look forward to.
The opening lines convey the idea that pain and sorrow are inevitable aspects of life. Regardless of our age, background, or circumstances, we all go through moments of hardship. However, the lyrics suggest that wisdom lies in understanding that these tough times are temporary and that better days will come.
The chorus introduces the theme of leaning on others for support and finding solace in friendship. It encourages reaching out to someone when you feel weak and need help. By using the metaphor of leaning on someone, the song emphasizes the importance of relying on others during challenging times and the value of human connection.
A critical part of the lyrics is the notion of swallowing pride and allowing oneself to ask for assistance. It highlights the vulnerability required to ask for help, recognizing that no one can fulfill their needs if they are hidden or concealed. The song suggests that true friendship and support necessitate a willingness to be open and transparent about one's struggles.
The second verse reinforces the message of mutual support and understanding among friends. It emphasizes that everyone has their own struggles and problems, and it is crucial to be there for one another in times of need. The lyrics imply that by leaning on each other, we can gain a better understanding of each other's experiences and provide the comfort and understanding we all seek.
The bridge amplifies the idea of being there for someone who is burdened and struggling. It suggests that if there is a load someone cannot bear alone, the singer is ready to share the weight and help lighten the burden if they are called upon.
In summary, Imagine Dragons' song "Lean" encourages the importance of leaning on others and seeking support during challenging times. It emphasizes the necessity of reaching out, both as individuals needing help and as friends willing to lend support. The lyrics advocate for vulnerability, understanding, and the power of human connection in navigating the ups and downs of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes in our lives
At certain points in our lives
We all have pain, we all have sorrow
We all experience emotional and physical pain
But if we are wise
However, if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
We understand that there is hope for the future
Lean on me when you're not strong
Rely on me for support when you are feeling weak
I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on
I will be there for you as a friend and assist you in moving forward
For it won't be long
Because it won't take much time
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on
Until I require someone to lean on
Please swallow your pride
Kindly let go of your ego
If I have things you need to borrow
If I possess things you need to use temporarily
For no one can fill those of your needs
Because no one else can satisfy your needs
That you won't let show
That you refuse to reveal
You just call on me, brother
Simply reach out to me, brother
When you need a hand
When you require assistance
We all need somebody to lean on
Every one of us requires someone for support
I just might have a
I might possess a
Problem that you'll understand
Issue that you will comprehend
Lean on me when you're not strong
Depend on me when you are feeling weak
And I'll be your friend I'll
And I will be your friend and
Help you carry on for it won't be long
Assist you in moving forward because it won't take much time
'Til I'm gonna need somebody to lean on
Until I require someone to rely on
If there is a load you have to bear
In case there is a burden you must endure
That you can't carry i'm right up the road
That you are unable to handle, I am nearby
I'll share your load if you just call me
I will help you with your burden if you simply ask me
Call me if you need a friend
Reach out to me if you require a friend
Call me, call me, uh huh
Contact me, call me, yes
Call me when you need a friend
Phone me when you are in need of a friend
Call me if you ever need a friend
Phone me if you ever require a friend
Call me, call me call me, call me
Contact me, call me, call me, call me
Call me, call me call me, call me
Contact me, call me, call me, call me
Call me if you need a friend
Reach out to me if you require a friend
Call me, call me call me, call me
Contact me, call me, call me, call me
Call me, call me call me, call me
Contact me, call me, call me, call me
Call me
Reach out to me
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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