Enemy (with JID) - from the series Arcane League of Legends

“Enemy” delves into the complex themes of internal and external conflict, trust, and betrayal. At its core, the song is a powerful anthem about navigating a world where it feels impossible to distinguish friend from foe. Dan Reynolds, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons, explained that the song is about “reconciling internal conflict in a world where it feels impossible to trust even yourself.” This sentiment is deeply intertwined with the narrative of the animated series Arcane, for which the song serves as the opening theme. The series explores the fractured relationship between two sisters, Vi and Jinx, whose different paths lead to a city-wide conflict. The song mirrors this by being both deeply personal and a broader critique of a society that fosters division.

Lyrically, the song articulates the pain of being surrounded by duplicity. Phrases like “I wake up to the sounds of the silence that allows for my mind to run around” and “when my back is to the world, that was smiling when I turned” paint a picture of paranoia and the constant need for vigilance. The chorus, “Oh, the misery, everybody wants to be my enemy,” is a cry of both despair and defiance, reflecting a state of being where one feels universally targeted. This feeling can be applied to the struggles of the characters in Arcane, particularly Jinx, who feels abandoned and betrayed by those she once held dear. However, the lyrics are broad enough to resonate with anyone who has felt misunderstood, ostracized, or betrayed.

JID's rap verse adds another layer to the song's meaning, focusing on resilience and the determination to succeed despite the opposition. Lines like “I'm hoping that somebody pray for me” reveal a flicker of vulnerability, but it’s quickly followed by a declaration of readiness and strength: “The road is long, so put the pedal into the floor.” His verse embodies the spirit of an underdog who is ready to fight back and prove their worth.

Ultimately, “Enemy” is a song about the struggle for self-preservation in an antagonistic world. It captures the feeling of being an outcast while also serving as a battle cry for those who refuse to be defeated by the negativity and hostility surrounding them. It speaks to the conflict within oneself and the conflicts that arise within a society seemingly “intent on creating division.”

The song opens with a stark declaration, a warning to be self-reliant: “Look out for yourself!” This sets a tone of distrust and the necessity of self-preservation in a hostile world. The narrator describes waking up not to noise, but to a profound silence that allows their mind to race, constantly vigilant and listening for threats. They are on a quest to understand the hidden truths and stories that people tell, especially those who present a friendly face but harbor ill will, smiling to one's face and then turning against them the moment their back is turned. This hypocrisy is a central theme, highlighting the duplicity the narrator experiences from those around them.

The pre-chorus hammers this point home with the line, “Tell you you’re the greatest, but once you turn, they hate us.” This crystallizes the feeling of being surrounded by fair-weather allies who are quick to abandon and vilify. The chorus then erupts with a cry of anguish and defiance: “Oh, the misery, everybody wants to be my enemy.” It’s a lamentation of universal animosity, a world where the narrator feels targeted from all sides. They reject any offers of pity, singing “Spare the sympathy,” as they have accepted this adversarial reality and are prepared to face it head-on. The repetition of “my enemy” becomes a powerful, percussive chant of both pain and strength.

In the second verse, the narrator observes the overt hostility directed towards them. They see the hateful words written like graffiti, hear the mocking laughter in hallways, and feel the weight of the derogatory names they’ve been called. Instead of letting these attacks break them, they internalize them, “stacking” them away as fuel. There is a sense of biding their time, waiting for the perfect moment to retaliate and demonstrate the power of their own voice, to show their detractors what it truly means “to be words spit in a mic.” This verse builds on the theme of resilience, transforming victimhood into a source of future strength.

The bridge, delivered with rapid-fire intensity by JID, shifts the perspective slightly while maintaining the core themes of struggle and perseverance. He begins by expressing a hope for prayers and well-wishes, a moment of vulnerability amidst the conflict. He finds himself in a lonely, precarious position, a “wreck of emotions,” yet remains poised for action. Acknowledging the long and difficult path ahead, he is ready to accelerate forward, aware that the “enemy’s on my trail.” His energy is focused and not for waste. He speaks of outsmarting his opposition, “thinking out the box,” and causing a “catastrophe” for those who plot against him. His verse is a whirlwind of complex rhymes and boasts, a declaration of his readiness to confront any challenge, culminating in the defiant question, “Who the baddest?” He dismisses the competition, confident in his ability to overcome.

The song concludes by returning to the haunting chorus, reinforcing the central message of being surrounded by enemies. The final lines, a repetition of the initial warning “Look out for yourself,” bring the narrative full circle. It leaves the listener with the enduring sense that in this world of conflict and betrayal, the ultimate responsibility is to protect oneself, as no one else can be trusted to do so.

"Enemy" was written and recorded specifically for the Netflix animated series Arcane: League of Legends, which premiered in November 2021. The song was a collaboration between the American pop-rock band Imagine Dragons and the American rapper JID. It was released on October 28, 2021, serving as the lead single for the show's soundtrack. The creation of the song involved a team of songwriters, including the members of Imagine Dragons (Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, and Daniel Platzman), JID (Destin Route), pop songwriter Justin Tranter, and the Swedish production duo Mattman & Robin (Robin Fredriksson and Mattias Larsson). Mattman & Robin also handled the production, having previously worked with Imagine Dragons on their hit song "Believer."

The collaboration was born out of Imagine Dragons' long-standing relationship with Riot Games, the creators of League of Legends. The band had previously created the song "Warriors" for the 2014 League of Legends World Championship. For "Enemy," the band worked closely with the creators of Arcane to ensure the song's themes aligned with the show's narrative of conflict and division. Dan Reynolds stated the song is about grappling with internal conflict in a world where trusting even yourself is difficult, reflecting the schism between the show's main characters, sisters Vi and Jinx.

An interesting piece of the song's history comes from JID's contribution. He revealed on Instagram that he had written his verse a couple of years prior, and the opening lines were originally part of a song he had started with the late rapper Mac Miller. Miller had suggested that the lines would be a better fit for the track that would eventually become "Enemy."

The song was also included on the digital reissue of Imagine Dragons' fifth studio album, Mercury – Act 1. An alternate "Opening Title Version" with a more orchestral arrangement was released later, featured on the soundtrack for Arcane's second season.

“Enemy” features a meticulously crafted rhyme scheme and rhythmic structure that drives its aggressive and defiant tone.

Rhyme Scheme:

• The verses often employ a simple AABB-like structure with strong end rhymes, for example: “allows”/“ground” and “told”/“world” in the first verse, and “fall”/“called” and “mind”/“time” in the second. There is also significant use of internal rhyme and alliteration, such as “sounds of the silence,” which adds to the lyrical density.
• The pre-chorus uses a partial rhyme with “greatest” and “hate us,” creating a slightly unsettling effect that transitions into the chorus.
• JID's rap verse is a showcase of complex multi-syllabic and internal rhymes. He carries a rhyme scheme of “pray for me” and “hope for me,” and later uses a static/addict rhyme scheme with words like “catastrophe,” “had it,” “static,” “automatic,” and “baddest,” demonstrating a sophisticated command of lyrical flow.

Rhythm and Meter:

• The song has a distinct rhythmic journey. The verses are delivered in a rapid, almost percussive style with a pattern of semiquavers (16th notes), creating a sense of urgency. Dan Reynolds’ delivery is tight and has to be crisp to avoid devolving into a triplet feel.
• The pre-chorus provides a stark contrast by slowing down dramatically. The words are drawn out over sustained notes, effectively building tension and anticipation for the explosive chorus.
• The chorus erupts with a powerful, driving rhythm, punctuated by heavy, distorted drums and synthesized bursts that hit on the downbeat, emphasizing the anger and force of the lyrics.
• JID's verse is rhythmically the most complex part of the song. He employs a syncopated, polyrhythmic flow that weaves in and out of the beat. His delivery is often described as being like a drummer, using his voice to create intricate rhythmic patterns that are both on-beat and off-beat, a signature of his style. The beat even drops out at one point, leaving his voice to carry the rhythm alone, highlighting his skill.
• The overall rhythmic feel of the song is unsettling and full of tension, which is enhanced by the unresolved harmonic progression, perfectly mirroring the lyrical themes of conflict.

“Enemy” employs a range of literary and musical techniques to create its powerful and defiant atmosphere.

Literary Techniques:

• Alliteration: The song uses alliteration to create a rhythmic and memorable quality. This is particularly noticeable in the chorus with the repetition of the 'm' sound in “misery, everybody wants to be my enemy,” and the 's' in “spare the sympathy.”
• Assonance and Consonance: Dan Reynolds' verses feature strong use of assonance and consonance, creating internal rhymes and a percussive feel, such as in “sounds of the silence that allows for my mind to run around.”
• Metaphor: The entire concept of the “enemy” is a metaphor for both internal and external conflict, as well as societal division. Lines like “Your words up on the wall” metaphorically represent the lasting impact of insults and criticism.
• Rhetorical Questions: JID’s verse includes the rhetorical question, “Who the baddest?” to assert his dominance and confidence in the face of adversity.

Musical Techniques:

• Minimalist Chord Progression: A striking feature of the song is its use of only two chords throughout: F# minor and G major 7, in the key of B minor. This harmonic simplicity creates a tense, unresolved feeling that mirrors the lyrical themes of ongoing conflict. The root chord of B minor is never actually played, leaving the listener in a state of suspense.
• Dynamic Contrast: The song is built on extreme dynamic shifts. It moves from relatively sparse verses with plucking guitars and vocals to explosive, heavily distorted choruses. This contrast enhances the emotional impact, making the chorus feel like a powerful outburst.
• Rhythmic Variation: Imagine Dragons and JID utilize distinct rhythmic patterns for each section of the song. The verses have a quick, semiquaver pattern, while the pre-chorus slows down, building anticipation. JID’s rap verse is characterized by a complex, syncopated flow that often feels off-beat yet is precisely delivered, showcasing his signature rhythmic dexterity.
• Vocal Delivery: Dan Reynolds’ vocal style shifts from a rhythmic, almost rapped delivery in the verses to a powerful, soaring howl in the chorus. He also uses a lighter, head-voice harmony in the pre-chorus to create an atmospheric and ethereal feel before the explosive chorus. JID’s delivery is a trademark rapid-fire flow, packing intricate rhyme schemes and rhythms into his verse.
• Production and Sound Design: The production by Mattman & Robin is dense and layered. It features distorted drums, synthesized bursts, and subtle background effects like fizzing sounds and choral exclamations that create a vast, immersive sonic environment. The use of effects like risers and sudden drops in instrumentation heightens the drama and impact of the chorus.

"Enemy" achieved significant cultural influence and commercial success, largely driven by its prominent feature as the opening theme song for the critically acclaimed Netflix series Arcane: League of Legends. The song's release was strategically timed with the show's premiere, and its integration into the series, along with a visually stunning animated music video produced by Fortiche, propelled it to massive global listenership.

The song became a major chart hit worldwide. In the United States, it reached the top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100, marking Imagine Dragons' first top 5 hit since 2017's "Thunder" and a first for JID. It also performed exceptionally well on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, where it spent nine weeks at number one and was later ranked as the 14th most successful song in the chart's history. The song achieved multi-platinum certifications in numerous countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Italy, and diamond certification in France and Poland.

The collaboration itself was notable, bridging the worlds of pop-rock and hip-hop. It introduced JID to a wider, more mainstream audience and was praised for the seamless integration of his complex rap style with Imagine Dragons' anthemic rock sound. The song is often cited as a prime example of a successful crossover collaboration.

Within the context of Arcane, "Enemy" became an anthem for the show's themes of division, internal conflict, and the complex relationship between its protagonists, Vi and Jinx. Fans of the show and the League of Legends universe embraced the song, creating numerous fan edits and discussions online about its lyrical meaning in relation to the characters' journeys. The song's success further solidified the strong ties between Imagine Dragons and Riot Games, who had previously collaborated on the song "Warriors."

The track was also included on the reissue of Imagine Dragons' album Mercury – Act 1, cementing its place within the band's official discography beyond the Arcane soundtrack.

The lyrics and accompanying music video for "Enemy" are rich with symbolism and metaphors that tie directly into the narrative of Arcane and broader themes of conflict.

The Enemy Within and Without: The central theme of an "enemy" is multifaceted. It refers not only to external adversaries but also to internal demons and self-doubt. Dan Reynolds described the song as being about "reconciling internal conflict in a world where it feels impossible to trust even yourself." This is symbolized by the show's protagonists, Vi and Jinx, who are not only enemies to each other at times but also battle their own past traumas and insecurities. The song can be interpreted from the perspective of either sister, representing their feelings of betrayal and isolation.

The Wind-Up Monkey: The music video features a wind-up monkey with cymbals, a recurring symbol associated with the character Jinx since her introduction in the League of Legends game. Historically, the monkey represented her chaotic and destructive nature. In the context of Arcane and the music video, it becomes a more complex metaphor for her fractured psyche and the childhood innocence she lost. It's a visual signifier of her madness and a haunting reminder of her past.

Graffiti and Paint: The visual aesthetic of the music video incorporates stylized paint and graffiti, which is Jinx's artistic and chaotic signature in the series. This imagery symbolizes her desire to leave her mark on a world that has hurt her, transforming her pain into a vibrant, albeit destructive, form of expression. It represents her voice and her rebellion against the oppressive forces in her life.

The Last Drop: The music video is set in "The Last Drop," a significant location in the undercity of Zaun where Vi and Jinx grew up. This setting symbolizes their shared history and the roots of their conflict. It's a place of both community and danger, representing the complex environment that shaped them into who they are.

Smiling Faces and Turning Backs: The lyric "When my back is to the world, that was smiling when I turned" is a potent metaphor for duplicity and betrayal. It captures the painful realization that allies can quickly become enemies, a central experience for many characters in Arcane who navigate a world of shifting allegiances and political intrigue. This imagery speaks to a universal feeling of being let down by those you thought you could trust.

“Enemy” utilizes several recurring phrases and motifs to reinforce its central themes and create a memorable, anthemic quality.

“Look out for yourself!”: This phrase opens the song and is repeated at the end of the chorus sections. It acts as both a warning and a mantra, encapsulating the song's core message of self-preservation in a hostile world. Its repetition serves as a constant reminder of the pervasive distrust and the need to be vigilant. It frames the entire narrative of the song, starting and ending with this cautionary note.

“Everybody wants to be my enemy”: This is the song's most powerful and recurring lyrical hook, forming the centerpiece of the chorus. Its repetition transforms a statement of victimhood into a defiant battle cry. The phrase drills home the feeling of being universally targeted and isolated. The sheer repetition, combined with the powerful musical delivery, makes it an unforgettable and anthemic declaration of the song's primary conflict.

“Spare the sympathy”: Also part of the chorus, this line is crucial to the song's emotional tone. By rejecting pity, the narrator asserts their strength and resilience. They are not asking for help or understanding; they are stating their reality and their readiness to face it. This recurring refusal of sympathy underscores the theme of self-reliance and defiance.

“Tell you you're the greatest / But once you turn they hate us”: This couplet from the pre-chorus is a recurring motif that highlights the theme of duplicity and fair-weather friendship. It succinctly captures the painful experience of being praised to one's face and then betrayed. Its repetition before each chorus builds tension and reinforces the reasons behind the narrator's feelings of animosity and distrust.

Musical Motifs: The song is built on a recurring two-chord progression (F# minor and G major 7) that creates a constant, unresolved harmonic tension throughout the entire track. This musical motif is the bedrock of the song, providing a sense of unease that perfectly complements the lyrical themes of perpetual conflict. Different rhythmic patterns are layered on top of this constant harmonic loop, creating variation while maintaining the underlying sense of suspense.