As a child, Grey performed professionally with her mother in a folk duo called Generations. In 2003, Grey moved to Los Angeles and recorded a demo under the alias Holly Brook, which would be her stage name for several years. In 2004 she signed a publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group and a recording contract with American rock band Linkin Park’s Warner Bros. Records’ label imprint, Machine Shop Recordings. She would later release her debut album, Like Blood Like Honey, under the labels in 2006.
In 2010, after moving to Oregon, she co-wrote Eminem and Rihanna's No.1 hit single "Love the Way You Lie" alongside British record producer Alex da Kid, who subsequently signed her to his label imprint, KIDinaKORNER. Her work with Eminem on Love the Way You Lie was the first of many collaborations between the two.
Grey's second album and first under the pseudonym Skylar Grey, Don't Look Down, was released in July 2013. Her third album, Natural Causes, was released in September 2016. In 2019, Grey announced that she had left Interscope Records, and released an EP, Angel With Tattoos, in October of the same year. She released her fourth album, the eponymous Skylar Grey, in April of 2022. In 2023, she announced her intention to re-record her hit songs after selling her music catalogue two years prior to be able to afford to settle a divorce suit.
Grey is perhaps best known as a guest vocalist on several hit singles, including Fort Minor's "Where'd You Go", P. Diddy's "Coming Home", Dr. Dre's "I Need a Doctor", Macklemore's "Glorious", and more. She has also written for number of other prominent artists, including but not limited to Kehlani, Pink, Nicki Minaj, Céline Dion, and Beyoncé. Her music has featured in multiple films, including Suicide Squad, The Fate of the Furious, Aquaman, and Venom: Let There Be Carnage. Over her career Grey has accumulated five Grammy nominations, including nominations in the categories of Song of the Year and Album of the Year.
Wreak Havoc
Skylar Grey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say that I'm cursed
But somethin' about me is makin' 'em jealous
So listen and learn
I herd 'em like cattle
'Cause I'm surrounded by cowards
And I don't give a fuck when I walk into battle
And thats why I got all the power
I'm where you wanna be
Ain't no one ahead of me
All of my enemies made a decision
It's better to follow me
I make no apologies
All of my sins I would repeat and I repeat
'Cause I'mma be me 'til the death of me, oh yeah
I can smell your fear
The only reason that I'm here
Is to wreak havoc
Everybody prayin' that I'll change, yeah
Maybe one day but tomorrow I'll be back at it
'Cause bad habits they die hard
We live fast we die hard
Go against me you'll die hard
Die hard
I dine with the blood on my hands
Thrive when I'm beatin' the man
All I learned in the pen
Is never get caught
Just get out and hit it again
Straight outta context
Ain't see me come like it's phone sex
Ain't hear me tick like a Rolex
'Cause I'm keepin' a nuclear conscience
I fly like an atom bomb
In a world riddled with conflict
Hate that you need me
Wanna destroy me but you can't
You're gonna deploy me in the end
Better believe that I'ma be me 'til the death of me, oh yeah
I can smell your fear
The only reason that I'm here
Is to wreak havoc
Everybody prayin' that I'll change, yeah
Maybe one day but tomorrow I'll be back at it
'Cause bad habits they die hard
We live fast we die hard
Go against me you'll die hard
Die hard
And if love is real
Maybe I'm just too bad
To remember how good it feels
My heart is still
I can smell your fear
The only reason that I'm here
Is to wreak havoc
Everybody prayin' that I'll change, yeah
Maybe one day but tomorrow I'll be back at it
'Cause bad habits they die hard
We live fast we die hard
Go against me you'll die hard
Die hard
Skylar Grey's song "Wreak Havoc" is an intense and powerful reflection on domination and the effects of power. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, as Grey asserts that she is called a "menace" and "cursed," and that there is something mysterious about her that makes people jealous. She then goes on to describe herself as a powerful figure who herds others like cattle in battle. Grey is unapologetic about her past sins and her current attitude, asserting that she will continue to be herself until the end.
Grey's lyrics are forceful and evocative, painting a picture of a person who is driven by a desire for power and control. She asserts her dominance over others, and in the process, she becomes almost godlike in her power. She is a force to be reckoned with, and those who oppose her will undoubtedly suffer the consequences. However, despite this powerful image, Grey also acknowledges her own vulnerability. She sings of love and the potential for change, suggesting that underneath her fierce exterior, she may be longing for something more.
Throughout the song, Grey uses vivid metaphors to create a sense of danger and risk. She compares herself to an atom bomb, and speaks of a world riddled with conflict. These images emphasize the destructive power lurking beneath the surface of the song's lyrics, and serve to heighten the tension and drama of the song.
Overall, "Wreak Havoc" is a haunting and intense song that explores themes of power, control, and vulnerability. Through her evocative lyrics and powerful vocals, Skylar Grey creates a sense of danger and unease, suggesting that true power can come at a great cost.
Line by Line Meaning
They call me a menace
People see me as a dangerous person
They say that I'm cursed
They believe my bad luck is caused by a curse
But somethin' about me is makin' 'em jealous
People are envious of something in me
So listen and learn
Pay attention to what I'm saying
I herd 'em like cattle
I control them like a shepherd controls his sheep
'Cause I'm surrounded by cowards
The people around me are afraid and weak
And I don't give a fuck when I walk into battle
I am fearless in the face of danger
And that's why I got all the power
My fearlessness gives me strength
I'm where you wanna be
People aspire to be in my position
Ain't no one ahead of me
I am at the top of the hierarchy
All of my enemies made a decision
My opponents have chosen to follow me instead of fight me
It's better to follow me
It's easier to support me than to oppose me
I make no apologies
I am unapologetic for my actions
All of my sins I would repeat and I repeat
I have no regrets for the things I have done
'Cause I'mma be me 'til the death of me, oh yeah
I will always be true to myself, even if it kills me
I can smell your fear
I can sense your anxiety
The only reason that I'm here
My purpose for being present is to cause chaos
Is to wreak havoc
To create disorder and destruction
Everybody prayin' that I'll change, yeah
People hope that I will become a different person
Maybe one day but tomorrow I'll be back at it
I may change one day, but for now, I will continue what I'm doing
'Cause bad habits they die hard
Negative behaviors are difficult to stop
We live fast we die hard
Our lifestyle is chaotic and dangerous
Go against me you'll die hard
Opposing me will end in severe consequences
I dine with the blood on my hands
I am guilty of violent acts
Thrive when I'm beatin' the man
I am successful when I overpower someone
All I learned in the pen
All I got out of prison
Is never get caught
To avoid getting caught breaking the law
Just get out and hit it again
To resume criminal activities once released from prison
Straight outta context
Misunderstood due to being taken out of context
Ain't see me come like it's phone sex
My arrival was unpredictable
Ain't hear me tick like a Rolex
My movements are swift, like a high-quality watch
'Cause I'm keepin' a nuclear conscience
I have a dangerous and explosive mindset
I fly like an atom bomb
I move quickly and destructively
In a world riddled with conflict
In an environment filled with violence and tension
Hate that you need me
You despise that you are reliant on me
Wanna destroy me but you can't
You want to eliminate me, but lack the ability
You're gonna deploy me in the end
Eventually, you will allow me to carry out my destructive actions
Better believe that I'ma be me 'til the death of me, oh yeah
No matter the circumstances, I will remain true to myself
And if love is real
If love is genuine
Maybe I'm just too bad
Perhaps I'm too evil or wicked to understand love
To remember how good it feels
I have forgotten the feeling of love
My heart is still
However, I still have emotions
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HOLLY BROOK HAFERMANN, GLENDA PROBY, JASON EVIGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@noellehay2157
They call me a menace
They say that I’m cursed
But somethin' about me is makin' 'em jealous
So listen and learn
I herd 'em like cattle
Cause I’m surrounded by cowards
And I don’t give a fuck when I walk into battle
And thats why I got all the power
I’m where you wanna be
Ain’t no one ahead of me
All of my enemies made a decision
It's better to follow me
I make no apologies
All of my sins I would repeat and I repeat
Cause I'ma be me 'til the death of me, oh yeah
[Chorus]
I can smell your fear
The only reason that I’m here
Is to wreak havoc
Everybody prayin' that I’ll change, yeah
Maybe one day but tomorrow I’ll be back at it
Cause bad habits they die hard
We live fast we die hard
Go against me you’ll die hard
Die hard
[Verse 2]
I dine with the blood on my hands
Thrive when I’m beatin' the man
All I learned in the pen
Is never get caught
Just get out and hit it again
Straight outta context
Ain't see me come like it's phone sex
Ain't hear me tick like a Rolex
Cause I’m keepin' a nuclear conscience
I fly like an atom bomb
In a world riddled with conflict
Hate that you need me
Wanna destroy me but you can’t
You're gonna deploy me in the end
Better believe that I'ma be me 'til the death of me, oh yeah
[Chorus]
I can smell your fear
The only reason that I’m here
Is to wreak havoc
Everybody prayin' that I’ll change, yeah
Maybe one day but tomorrow I’ll be back at it
Cause bad habits they die hard
We live fast we die hard
Go against me you’ll die hard
Die hard
[Bridge]
And if love is real
Maybe I’m just too bad
To remember how good it feels
My heart is still
[Chorus]
I can smell your fear
The only reason that I’m here
Is to wreak havoc
Everybody prayin' that I’ll change, yeah
Maybe one day but tomorrow I’ll be back at it
Cause bad habits they die hard
We live fast we die hard
Go against me you’ll die hard
Die hard
@alejandrachavesta1422
They call me a menace
They say that I’m cursed
But somethin' about me is makin' 'em jealous
So listen and learn
I herd 'em like cattle
'Cause I’m surrounded by cowards
And I don’t give a fuck when I walk into battle
And thats why I got all the power
I’m where you wanna be
Ain’t no one ahead of me
All of my enemies made a decision
It's better to follow me
I make no apologies
All of my sins I would repeat and I repeat
'Cause I'mma be me 'til the death of me, oh yeah
I can smell your fear
The only reason that I’m here
Is to wreak havoc
Everybody prayin' that I’ll change, yeah
Maybe one day but tomorrow I’ll be back at it
'Cause bad habits they die hard
We live fast we die hard
Go against me you’ll die hard
Die hard
I dine with the blood on my hands
Thrive when I’m beatin' the man
All I learned in the pen
Is never get caught
Just get out and hit it again
Straight outta context
Ain't see me come like it's phone sex
Ain't hear me tick like a Rolex
'Cause I’m keepin' a nuclear conscience
I fly like an atom bomb
In a world riddled with conflict
Hate that you need me
Wanna destroy me but you can’t
You're gonna deploy me in the end
Better believe that I'ma be me 'til the death of me, oh yeah
I can smell your fear
The only reason that I’m here
Is to wreak havoc
Everybody prayin' that I’ll change, yeah
Maybe one day but tomorrow I’ll be back at it
'Cause bad habits they die hard
We live fast we die hard
Go against me you’ll die hard
Die hard
And if love is real
Maybe I’m just too bad
To remember how good it feels
My heart is still
I can smell your fear
The only reason that I’m here
Is to wreak havoc
Everybody prayin' that I’ll change, yeah
Maybe one day but tomorrow I’ll be back at it
'Cause bad habits they die hard
We live fast we die hard
Go against me you’ll die hard
Die hard
@maniksworld1035
She always delivers quality records and yet so underrated. She's still phenomenal though
@cerberus1595
Now this is talent. Whatever genre Skylar does a song in, SHE OWNS IT.
@nickiponce9846
love this song. you can actually imagine being in the squad when you hear this song!
@emmalightwood3059
I'll never get tired of this song.
@EllenRoche1234
The gun shots is what makes this song amazing! The rhythm with it makes it more action filled just like the movie!
@angelinastone4870
I love this song its one of my favorites out of the soundtrack
@honeybudsx6217
My favorite part of this amazing song.
"And if love is real
Maybe I'm jsut too bad
To remember how good it feels
My heart is still"
@tammaraelizabeth1047
i love this song! i haven't really heard 2 much by her does anyone know if she has any other songs with this type of style???
@DarioDaversapiano
Awesome track, full of energy, i might cover it!
@Lost_Scarf
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