"Next to Me", by Imagine Dragon, was referred to as the band's first love song. Dan Reynolds, lead singer of the song, admitted that it was an unexpected theme change saying: "Yeah I don't typically write love songs. I started writing when I was about 13 years old and it was a source of an escape from school from depression from feeling lost and it was never a romance. So for me this is some of the first times that I've really explored diving into my mind and musicality and sonicality of romance." He regarded it as "something everybody can relate to", which is the "feeling like you are going to fail sometimes in a relationship and the true value of a relationship is what happens then".
I've heard this song multiple times but I've never listened intently to the full song lyrics until today. Perhaps it's because my mind is in a totally different space lately. I've been so introspective and truly channeling my inner spirit. In truth it reminds me of Emili Sande's "Next To Me" which is clearly gospel. With that said Imagine Dragon's "Next To Me" is low-key a gospel song. While you will not find the word God, Lord, Jesus, or Holy Spirit in the actual song lyrics, God is all throughout this piece. Who else will always be right there next to you during all your mess? Who else wants you when you're at your worst? Sometimes you may find that ride or die human there by your side but it's rare. Read the lyrics below and decide for yourself.
Something about the way that you walked into my living room Casually and confident lookin' at the mess I am But still you, still you want me Stress lines and cigarettes, politics and deficits Late bills and overages, screamin' and hollerin' But still you, still you want me Oh, I always let you down You're shattered on the ground But still I find you there Next to me And oh, stupid things I do I'm far from good, it's true But still I find you Next to me (next to me) There's something about the way that you always see the pretty view Overlook the blooded mess, always lookin' effortless And still you, still you want me I got no innocence, faith ain't no privilege I am a deck of cards, vice or a game of hearts And still you, still you want me
Oh, I always let you down You're shattered on the ground But still I find you there Next to me And oh, stupid things I do I'm far from good, it's true But still I find you Next to me So thank you for taking a chance on me I know it isn't easy But I hope to be worth it (oh) So thank you for taking a chance on me I know it isn't easy But I hope to be worth it (oh) Oh, I always let you down (I always let you down) You're shattered on the ground (shattered on the ground) But still I find you there Next to me And oh, stupid things I do (stupid things I do) I'm far from good, it's true But still I find you Next to me (next to me)
