whAtEveR it tAkes by Imagine Dragons Lyrics Meaning – Unraveling the Anthem of Determination

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Imagine Dragons's whAtEveR it tAkes at Lyrics.org.

Lyrics

Falling too fast to prepare for this
Tripping in the world could be dangerous
Everybody circling, it’s vulturous
Negative, nepotist

Everybody waiting for the fall of man
Everybody praying for the end of times
Everybody hoping they could be the one
I was born to run, I was born for this

Whip, whip
Run me like a racehorse
Pull me like a ripcord
Break me down and build me up
I wanna be the slip, slip
Word upon your lip, lip
Letter that you rip, rip
Break me down and build me up

Whatever it takes
‘Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
I do whatever it takes
‘Cause I love how it feels when I break the chains
Whatever it takes
Yeah, take me to the top I’m ready for
Whatever it takes
‘Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
I do what it takes

Always had a fear of being typical
Looking at my body feeling miserable
Always hanging on to the visual
I wanna be invisible

Looking at my years like a martyrdom
Everybody needs to be a part of ’em
Never be enough, I’m the prodigal son
I was born to run, I was born for this

Whip, whip
Run me like a racehorse
Pull me like a ripcord
Break me down and build me up
I wanna be the slip, slip
Word upon your lip, lip
Letter that you rip, rip
Break me down and build me up

Whatever it takes
‘Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
I do whatever it takes
‘Cause I love how it feels when I break the chains
Whatever it takes
Yeah, take me to the top, I’m ready for
Whatever it takes
‘Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
I do what it takes

Hypocritical, egotistical
Don’t wanna be the parenthetical, hypothetical
Working onto something that I’m proud of, out of the box
An epoxy to the world and the vision we’ve lost
I’m an apostrophe
I’m just a symbol to remind you that there’s more to see
I’m just a product of the system, a catastrophe
And yet a masterpiece, and yet I’m half-diseased
And when I am deceased
At least I go down to the grave and die happily
Leave the body and my soul to be a part of thee
I do what it takes

Whatever it takes
‘Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
I do whatever it takes
‘Cause I love how it feels when I break the chains
Whatever it takes
Yeah, take me to the top, I’m ready for
Whatever it takes
‘Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins
I do what it takes

Imagine Dragons has a knack for broadcasting anthems that resonate with the very core of the individual spirit, and ‘Whatever It Takes’ is a testament to this extraordinary ability. This track, much like the beaten path of a persistent climber, is woven with the fabric of unyielding resolve and the adrenaline-fueled pursuit of one’s own zenith.

Within the charged beats and emotive vocals, ‘Whatever It Takes’ lays bare a relentless drive that speaks directly to the dreamers, the fighters, and the undeterred spirits. The band manages not only to capture the essence of ambition but also to embody the tumultuous journey of self-mastery and the pursuit of excellence.

The Quest for Personal Triumph: A Dive into the Heart of Ambition

Beneath the bold drumbeats and the compelling voice of lead singer Dan Reynolds, lies an unfettered declaration of ambition. ‘Whatever It Takes’ invites listeners on a journey that mirrors the trials and tribulations of anyone who has ever aimed to step out of mediocrity. The lyrics ‘Falling too fast to prepare for this’ embody the urgency and unpredictability that come with chasing a colossal dream.

The song doesn’t just stimulate; it propels the listener into a world where limitations are but whispers easily drowned out by the roar of determination. Imagine Dragons has crafted an invigorating soundtrack for the relentless hustle required to reach the pinnacles of success.

Breaking the Chains: The Allure of Adrenaline-Packed Liberation

The recurring line ‘Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins’ is more than just a hook—it’s a siren call to the wild heart in all of us. The song recognizes the raw energy that comes with the destruction of barriers. It’s not just about loving the rush; it’s about thriving in it, embracing it, and using it as fuel to power through the chains of doubt and fear.

This track is a love letter to the adrenaline junkies of life—the ones who find intoxicating joy in the face of challenge and who are animated by the sheer force of breaking free from what holds them back.

An Elegy to the Fear of Normality: Chasing the Exceptional

While ‘Whatever It Takes’ celebrates the chase, it also touches on the artist’s fear of becoming ‘typical.’ Such confessions reveal a haunting terror of sinking into the abyss of the inconspicuous. The song’s imagery serves as an introspective mirror, reflecting the deep-seated anxiety of living an unremarkable life and the striving to leave an indelible stamp on the world.

Imagine Dragons taps into a universal sentiment—the dread of being invisible in a world that constantly moves. By doing so, they create a rallying cry for anyone who ever feared being lost in the crowd.

The Linguistic Alchemy within ‘Whip, whip’: Memorable Lines and Their Charge

It’s not just the anthemic chorus that underpins the song’s hypnotic appeal, but also the innovative turns of phrases dotted throughout the verses. ‘Run me like a racehorse’ and ‘Pull me like a ripcord’ are visceral analogies that convey an almost masochistic dedication to pursuing one’s goals, regardless of the pain and the process of rebuilding that may follow.

With a linguistic deftness, Imagine Dragons encapsulates the essence of what it means to push oneself to the limit. These words don’t just resonate—they vibrate with the frequency of grit and growth.

Decoding the Hidden Rebellion: Imagery as a Silent Protest

Buried within ‘Whatever It Takes’ is a silent yet potent protest against a conformist society. Phrases like ‘Hypocritical, egotistical’ and ‘I’m just a product of the system, a catastrophe’ serve as subtle jabs at the hollowness and hypocrisy that often infiltrate bureaucratic systems and societal expectations.

The song positions itself as a battle cry for creative insurrection, urging the listener to not just be content with being another cog in the machine. It’s a lyrically charged reminder to always seek the ‘more to see,’ as echoed in the clever metaphor of the singer being ‘an apostrophe.’