“Thunder” is a song by Imagine Dragons, a popular American pop rock band. It came out on April 27, 2017, as part of their album “Evolve.”
In the song, the lead singer, Dan Reynolds, talks about dreaming of being a famous performer when he was young. He remembers how his classmates used to laugh at him for wanting to be a star. But as he sings the second verse, he turns the tables on those who doubted him.
Let’s take a closer look at what the lyrics of “Thunder” really mean.
Table of Contents
“Thunder” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
Just a young gun with a 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
In verse 1, Reynolds begins with the line “Just a young gun with a quick fuse,” which suggests that he was energetic and ready to take action. He contrasts his uptight nature with his desire to break free and let loose. This implies that despite feeling constrained, he yearned for freedom and expression, as he sings, “I was uptight, wanna let loose.”
In the following line “I was dreaming of bigger things,” Reynolds reveals that he had grand dreams and ambitions beyond his current circumstances.
He felt a desire to leave behind his past or current life situation in pursuit of his dreams, singing, “And wanna leave my own life behind.” He was determined to chart his own course and not simply go along with what others expected of him, as expressed in the line “Not a ‘Yes, sir,’ not a follower.”
The line “Fit the box, fit the mold” implies that Reynolds didn’t conform to societal norms or expectations. He didn’t fit neatly into predefined categories or roles; he was unique and different.
In the line “Have a seat in the foyer, take a number,” the imagery suggests waiting in line or being relegated to a secondary position. Reynolds may feel like he’s biding his time before he can truly make his mark.
The metaphorical statement “I was lightning before the thunder” suggests that Reynolds had a powerful presence or energy even before achieving widespread recognition or success. It implies that he had potential and momentum building up, foreshadowing his eventual impact.
[Pre-Chorus]
Thunder, thunder
Thunder, thun-
Thunder, th-th-thunder, thunder
Thunder, thunder, thun-
Thunder, th-th-thunder, thunder
In the Pre-Chorus, Dan Reynolds repeatedly sings the word “thunder” to build anticipation and intensity. The repetition of “thunder” creates a rhythmic effect and emphasizes the upcoming climax of the song.
[Chorus]
Thunder, feel the thunder (Thunder, thunder, thun-)
Lightning then the thunder (Thunder, th-th-thunder, thunder)
Thunder, feel the thunder (Thunder, thunder, thun-, thun-)
Lightning then the thunder, thunder, thunder (Th-th-thunder)
Thunder (Thun-, thun-)
In the Chorus, Dan Reynolds describes the experience of thunder and lightning metaphorically, suggesting a powerful and electrifying feeling coursing through him.
The repetition of “thunder” and “lightning” emphasizes the intensity of these sensations, while also reinforcing the theme of overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.
[Verse 2]
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 backseat
Now I’m smiling from the stage
While you were clapping in the nosebleeds
In Verse 2, Reynolds recalls being ridiculed or belittled by his peers during his school days, as he sings, “Kids were laughing in my classes.”
Despite the ridicule, Reynolds was busy making plans and strategizing for a larger audience or greater success, singing, “While I was scheming for the masses.”
In the line “Who do you think you are? Dreaming ’bout being a big star,” Reynolds recounts the dismissive attitudes of those who doubted his aspirations, questioning his worthiness of dreaming big and aiming for stardom.
Reynolds reveals the derogatory remarks aimed at him, with others labeling him as ordinary or simple-minded. He sings, “They say, ‘You’re basic,’ they say, ‘You’re easy.'”
The line “You’re always riding in the backseat” suggests that Reynolds felt overlooked or marginalized, as if he was always relegated to a secondary role rather than being given a chance to shine.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Reynolds has achieved success and fulfillment. He now finds joy and satisfaction in performing on stage, as he sings, “Now I’m smiling from the stage.”
Reynolds contrasts his current position of prominence and success with the audience members who once looked down on him, as expressed in the line “While you were clapping in the nosebleeds.”
[Bridge]
Thunder, feel the thunder
Lightning then the thunder, thunder
In the Bridge, Dan Reynolds repeats the phrase “Thunder, feel the thunder” to evoke a sense of strength and intensity. This repetition builds momentum and creates a climactic moment in the song.
[Chorus 2]
Thunder, feel the thunder (Thunder, thunder, thun-)
Lightning then the thunder, thunder (Thunder, th-th-thunder, thunder)
Thunder, feel the thunder (Thunder, thunder, thun-, thun-)
Lightning then the thunder, thunder (Th-th-thunder)
Thunder, feel the thunder (Thunder, thunder, thun-)
(Never give up, never give up)
Lightning then the thunder, thunder (Thunder, th-th-thunder, thunder)
(Never give up on your dreams)
Thunder, feel the thunder (Thunder, thunder, thun-, thun-)
(Never give up, never give up)
Lightning then the thunder, thunder (Th-th-thunder)
(Never give up on your dreams)
In the second chorus, Dan Reynolds repeats the lines “Thunder, feel the thunder” and “Lightning then the thunder, thunder” to emphasize the intensity of these sensations.
The repetition reinforces the theme of resilience and overcoming obstacles, urging listeners to embrace their inner strength and pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Thunder”
In the song “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons, the lead singer Dan Reynolds reflects on his childhood dreams and ambition. He didn’t let negative influences deter him because they weren’t pursuing their own dreams.
The title “Thunder” represents him being the “lightning before the thunder” during his youth – full of potential while success loomed.
Reynolds explained to the Las Vegas Review Journal that the song is about finding oneself:
“‘Thunder’ is: ‘I’m so happy for a really (crappy) middle school and high school existence and getting kicked out of college,’ ” he said. “It’s reflecting on all those things and saying, ‘Good, I’m happy for all that because that brought me to this place of being. It created angst inside of me that bred art.'”
In the lyrics, Reynolds begins by describing himself as a “young gun with a quick fuse.” Perhaps he was a bit hot-tempered or just bursting with energy. He did what he wanted, and he admits to feeling “uptight” and wanting to “let loose” because he had all this bottled-up enthusiasm.
He had grand visions, dreaming “of bigger things” than his peers and yearned to escape from his own life. Dissatisfied with where he was, he longed for a better place.
He never saw himself as a “yes-sir” or a follower, refusing to fit into a box or mold. No one could tell him to sit in the foyer and take a number. This could refer to his endeavors in the music industry, where he auditioned for different opportunities. However, it might also reflect his approach to life as a whole.
And it’s in this verse’s closing lines that Imagine Dragons reveals Reynolds saw himself as “lightning before the thunder,” representing an idea or vision preceding its execution—a prelude to something greater.
In the second verse, Reynolds delves deeper into his experiences. He recounts classmates who laughed at his dreams of becoming a star. He remains unfazed, criticizing those who make excuses for not trying harder. He contrasts their complacency with his own effort and success, emphasizing that he’s now on stage while they’re distant spectators.
They say, “You’re basic,” they say, “You’re easy”
You’re always riding in the backseat
Now I’m smiling from the stage
While you were clapping in the nosebleeds
In “Thunder,” lightning could symbolize the fame and recognition that Dan Reynolds gains when he’s up there on stage, shining bright like a star. It’s like those sudden bursts of light that illuminate everything, representing the moments of achievement and visibility that come with being in the spotlight.
And then there’s thunder. That’s like the inner strength and resilience that Dan had all along, even when people doubted him or laughed at his dreams. It’s the power within him that drove him to keep pushing forward, overcoming obstacles, and surprising everyone who ever looked down on him.
When you hear the thunder in the song, it’s like the sound of his determination breaking through, proving all the naysayers wrong and showing the world what he’s made of.
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