Thunder
Imagine Dragons (DJJOhAL.Com) Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Just a young gun with the quick fuse
I was uptight, wanna let loose
I was dreaming of bigger things
And wanna leave my own life behind
Not a yes sir, not a follower
Fit the box, fit the mold
Have a seat in the foyer, take a number
I was lightning before the thunder

Thunder, thunder
Thunder, thun', thunder
Thun-thun-thunder, thunder, thunder
Thunder, thun', thunder
Thun-thun-thunder, thunder

Thunder, feel the thunder
Lightning then the thunder
Thunder, feel the thunder
Lightning then the thunder
Thunder, thunder
Thunder

Kids were laughing in my classes
While I was scheming for the masses
Who do you think you are?
Dreaming 'bout being a big star
They say you're basic, they say you're easy
You're always riding in the back seat
Now I'm smiling from the stage while
You were clapping in the nose bleeds

Thunder
Thunder, thun', thunder
Thun-thun-thunder, thunder, thunder
Thunder, thun', thunder
Thun-thun-thunder, thunder

Thunder, feel the thunder
Lightning then the thunder
Thunder, feel the thunder
Lightning then the thunder
Thunder

Thunder, feel the thunder
Lightning then the thunder, thunder

Thunder, feel the thunder
Lightning then the thunder, thunder
Thunder, feel the thunder
Lightning then the thunder, thunder
Thunder, feel the thunder
Lightning then the thunder, thunder
Thunder, feel the thunder
Lightning then the thunder, thunder

Thunder, thunder, thunder
Thun-thun-thunder, thunder
Thunder, thunder, thunder
Thun-thun-thunder, thunder
Thunder, thunder, thunder
Thun-thun-thunder, thunder

Thunder, thunder, thunder
Thun-thun-thunder, thunder

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Imagine Dragons' "Thunder" describe the journey of a young individual who is determined to make something of themselves, break out of their mold and make an impact in the world. The "young gun with a quick fuse" is someone who was uptight and frustrated with their current life, dreaming of something greater. They refused to be a part of the stereotypical mold and chose not to follow the norm. They found themselves in the foyer, waiting in line like everyone else, but deep down, they knew they were destined for greatness.

Throughout the song, the individual faces criticism and doubt from their peers. The people around them, whom they viewed as basic and small-minded, laughed at their dreams of being a big star. But the individual didn't let that negativity hold them back, and in the end, they find themselves on stage, basking in the glory of their success, while the people who doubted them are left in the nosebleeds, clapping in awe. Overall, "Thunder" is a song about the power of perseverance and remaining true to oneself in the face of adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

Just a young gun with the quick fuse
I am a young person with a quick temper, ready to make things happen.

I was uptight, wanna let loose
I used to be anxious and nervous, but now I want to be carefree and wild.

I was dreaming of bigger things
I had aspirations for greater achievements in life.

And wanna leave my own life behind
I aspire to be different and break away from my current life.

Not a yes sir, not a follower
I don't want to just follow instructions, I want to think for myself.

Fit the box, fit the mold
I don't want to be restricted by society's expectations.

Have a seat in the foyer, take a number
I don't want to be just another person waiting in line for my chance to stand out.

I was lightning before the thunder
I had great potential even before I became noticed.

Thunder, thunder
repeating the word for emphasis and as part of the chorus

Thunder, thun', thunder
repeating the word for emphasis and as part of the chorus

Thun-thun-thunder, thunder, thunder
repeating the word for emphasis and as part of the chorus

Thunder, thun', thunder
repeating the word for emphasis and as part of the chorus

Thun-thun-thunder, thunder
repeating the word for emphasis and as part of the chorus

Thunder, feel the thunder
The sound is like the power of a storm.

Lightning then the thunder
The strike of lightning is always followed by the sound of thunder.

Thunder, feel the thunder
The sound is like the power of a storm.

Lightning then the thunder
The strike of lightning is always followed by the sound of thunder.

Thunder, thunder
repeating the word for emphasis and as part of the chorus

Kids were laughing in my classes
When I was younger, they would laugh at me in school.

While I was scheming for the masses
While they weren't taking me seriously, I was imagining how to become successful.

Who do you think you are?
Other people doubted my abilities.

Dreaming 'bout being a big star
I had dreams of achieving greatness and becoming famous.

They say you're basic, they say you're easy
People underestimated me and thought I was simple-minded.

You're always riding in the back seat
People thought I was not capable and would never lead a team or be in charge.

Now I'm smiling from the stage while
But now I have proven myself and can enjoy my success.

You were clapping in the nose bleeds
The people who didn't believe in me before are now in the back and away from the main action.

Thunder
repeating the word for emphasis and as part of the chorus