"Next to Me"

"Next to Me" - Imagine Dragons

Having bought a phone without a headphone input, and not being good enough at charging bluetooth headphones, I've not listened to a hug amount of music of late.

This week I bought a new gadget, in order to try and remedy the situation, and I'm catching up with those random tracks I've "Shazamed" when they've made it on to Radio 2, or when I've been sat in a coffee shop and they've come on.

I've always appreciated the sounds that "Imagine Dragons" put together, but never remember that I like them for very long. I'm listening back over some of their newer and older stuff, and the lyrics are jumping out at me too...

"​Next to Me"
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

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

So thank you for taking a chance on me
I know it isn't easy
But I hope to be worth it (oh)

"Next To Me" - Imagine Dragons.
(Songwriters: Dan Reynolds / Wayne Sermon / Ben McKee / Daniel Platzman / Alexander Grant)

Having done a little bit of research, there's plenty of acclaim for the honesty and integrity, the vulnerability and rawness of the lyrics that Imagine Dragons use throughout their material.

Dan Reynolds, the band's main vocalist is quoted on their Spotify Bio as saying:

"Instead of hiding behind metaphors, I was able to be more direct in my lyrics... I really focused on searcher deeper for lyrical value. Right now the world can seem like a very dark and daunting place. We wanted to create something like a lot of the records we grew up on, where it feels like you're escaping into a world that's much more vibrant. Our hope is that it (the album, "Evolve") helps people focus on the beauty of each moment, and really see all the brilliance and colour of life."

In the faithfulness of the lyricist (Reynolds) to his life and experience, which is likely influenced by his Mormon upbringing, there's something that becomes accessible to anyone who has a faith, or indeed anyone who has known a love so deep that it gets right down next to you when you fall.

And if you're anything like me, when you realise you're onto a winner with the friends, lovers and family around you, and the kind of God that I know, you can't help but marvel that they're still "next to Me" in spite of the stupid things I do, still want me even though I'm a mess... And at that point there has to be a recommitment in gratitude for them taking a chance on me.

The real beauty is that I will never justify the cost of God taking countless chances on me, but whether I see it or not, he deems me worth it... So I'll try and try and try and keep getting up.