Next To Me

"Next to Me" is a profound exploration of enduring love, forgiveness, and redemption in the face of personal flaws and repeated mistakes. It is considered Imagine Dragons' first true love song. Lead singer Dan Reynolds, who rarely wrote love songs, explained that the track delves into the complexities of romance and the feeling of sometimes failing in a relationship. The song's core message is about acknowledging one's own imperfections, failures, and the "mess" one can be, while simultaneously expressing overwhelming gratitude for a partner who chooses to stay despite it all. The lyrics candidly list personal struggles—"Stress lines and cigarettes, politics and deficits"—to paint a picture of a flawed individual who feels unworthy of the steadfast love they receive. The recurring chorus, "I always let you down... But still I find you there next to me," encapsulates the central theme of grace and unwavering loyalty. The song is a tribute to the kind of love that isn't perfect but is resilient, and finds its true value in navigating and overcoming challenges together.

The narrative opens with the speaker reflecting on the remarkable presence of their partner. This person entered their life, a space filled with acknowledged chaos and personal failings, yet chose to stay. The speaker catalogs their imperfections and the turmoil surrounding them—stress, bad habits like smoking, external pressures of politics and financial troubles, and volatile arguments. Despite this constant storm, their partner's desire for them remains, a fact that astounds the speaker.

The chorus serves as a recurring confession and a testament to their partner's loyalty. The speaker admits to consistently letting their partner down, leaving them metaphorically shattered. Yet, every time, they find this person right there, standing by their side. They label their own actions as foolish and acknowledge they are far from being a good person, but this truth does not change the outcome: their partner is always next to them. This repetition emphasizes a cycle of failure and forgiveness, highlighting the profound strength of their partner's love.

In the second verse, the focus shifts from the speaker's flaws to their partner's perception. The partner has an incredible ability to see beauty and positivity, to overlook the "blooded mess" of the speaker's life with an effortless grace. This perspective is a stark contrast to the speaker's self-image. They see themselves as lacking innocence, viewing faith not as a given but a privilege they may not possess. They use the metaphor of being a "deck of cards," a collection of vices and gambles, unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Still, the unwavering acceptance of their partner persists.

The bridge marks a significant emotional shift from confession to gratitude. The speaker directly thanks their partner for taking a chance on them, fully aware of the difficulty and the burden this entails. There is a palpable sense of humility and a hope that they can eventually prove themselves worthy of such devotion. This section is a raw, direct plea and acknowledgment, a moment of pure appreciation for the undeserved grace they have been shown.

The song culminates in a final, powerful reiteration of the chorus. The speaker's admission of fault and their partner's steadfast presence are sung with heightened emotion, underscoring the central theme. It's a declaration of love that is not based on perfection but on an incredible capacity for forgiveness and endurance. The relationship is defined by this dynamic: one person's repeated failings and the other's unwavering decision to remain, a beacon of stability in a life of chaos.

"Next to Me" was written by all four members of Imagine Dragons—Dan Reynolds, Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, and Daniel Platzman—along with producer Alex da Kid. The song was released on February 21, 2018, as the first new music from the band since their 2017 album, Evolve, and was added as the first track to a re-issue of that album. Dan Reynolds has stated that the song is deeply personal, written for his wife, Aja Volkman, and about the strains within their own relationship and the beauty of enduring love. In an interview with Zane Lowe for Beats 1 radio, where the song premiered, Reynolds revealed that he doesn't typically write love songs, as his songwriting has historically been an escape from depression and feeling lost. "Next to Me" marked one of the first times he explored the "sonicality of romance." The song was inspired by his own feelings of fallibility and frailties within a relationship and the realization that marriage isn't always perfect. The creation of the song and its accompanying short film was a collaborative process, particularly with director Mark Pellington, who Reynolds felt was passionately connected to the song's emotional depth.

The lyrics of "Next To Me" are rich with metaphors that illustrate the narrator's self-perception and the nature of his relationship.

• The "Blooded Mess": The narrator describes himself as a "blooded mess," a powerful image that symbolizes his flaws, mistakes, and the emotional or literal damage he has caused. His partner's ability to "overlook" this mess signifies deep acceptance and unconditional love.
• "A Deck of Cards, Vice or a Game of Hearts": This metaphor captures the narrator's feeling of being unpredictable, a gamble. He sees himself as a collection of vices and risks, suggesting that being with him is a game of chance. This highlights his insecurity and acknowledges the potential for him to cause pain, making his partner's loyalty even more profound.
• "Shattered on the Ground": This recurring image in the chorus describes the state he leaves his partner in after letting her down. It's a strong metaphor for emotional devastation and heartbreak, emphasizing the gravity of his failures and the incredible resilience of his partner who, despite being broken, remains "next to me."

The accompanying short film adds another layer of symbolism, particularly with the recurring motif of oranges, which can represent love, marriage, and happiness. These appear in the protagonist's fantasies of a happy life, contrasting sharply with the bleak reality of his situation on death row.

The emotional atmosphere of "Next To Me" is a rich tapestry of gratitude, vulnerability, and devotion, tinged with a deep sense of unworthiness and awe. The song operates on an emotional crescendo, starting with a contemplative and tender tone in the verses as the narrator reflects on his flaws and his partner's acceptance. Dan Reynolds' impassioned and soaring vocals are central to creating this emotional landscape, conveying a raw honesty that feels both personal and universal. As the song builds to its anthemic chorus, the emotion swells into a powerful, almost desperate expression of gratitude and wonder at the resilience of his partner's love. It's a beautiful, empowering, and melodramatic ballad that captures the feeling of being loved despite one's failings. The bridge, a direct thank you to his partner, is a moment of pure, unadulterated humility and hope, adding a layer of sincere appreciation. The overall feeling is one of profound love, not the easy, fairytale kind, but a tested, enduring love that finds its strength in forgiveness.

"Next to Me" was released on February 21, 2018, as a single for a re-issue of Imagine Dragons' third album, Evolve. While not reaching the same chart-topping heights as some of the band's other singles, it performed well internationally, reaching number 1 in Belgium and the top 25 in countries like France, Italy, and New Zealand. Critically, the song was generally well-received. Rolling Stone praised the track for blending "the experimental and accessible" and building to an "arena-worthy chorus." The most significant cultural impact of the song came from its accompanying music video, an ambitious 12-minute short film directed by Mark Pellington. The cinematic video stars Dan Reynolds and his real-life wife Aja Volkman, telling a dark and complex story of a man on death row fantasizing about forgiveness and redemption, which resonated deeply with fans and critics. The film was seen as a bold departure from traditional music videos, elevating the song's themes of love, mistakes, and the possibility of forgiveness. The song is also notable within the band's discography as their first explicit love song, a thematic departure for Dan Reynolds.

"Next To Me" utilizes a relatively straightforward rhyme scheme in its verses, often following an AABB or ABCB pattern, which lends a sense of lyrical coherence and simplicity that contrasts with the emotional complexity of the subject matter. For example, in the first verse, "room" rhymes with "am" is a slant rhyme, followed by the perfect rhyme of "deficits" and "hollerin'" being another slant rhyme which makes the lyrics feel conversational and earnest. The chorus employs a consistent rhyme scheme that reinforces its role as the song's central, memorable message. The rhythm of the song contributes significantly to its emotional arc. It begins with what some critics described as a "sleepy tempo" in the verses, creating an intimate and contemplative atmosphere. This pacing allows Dan Reynolds' emotional vocal delivery to take center stage. As the song transitions into the chorus, the rhythm becomes more powerful and expansive, driven by a steady drumbeat that has been likened to a "nervous heartbeat," enhancing the feeling of desperation and heartfelt plea. This dynamic shift from a gentle verse to a powerful, anthemic chorus mirrors the lyrical shift from quiet confession to a grand declaration of gratitude and awe.

"Next To Me" showcases a blend of accessible pop-rock sensibilities with experimental touches, creating a powerful ballad. Musically, the song builds from softer verses into an "arena-worthy chorus" characterized by massive, choral-style backing vocals and subtle electronic effects. The production creates a cinematic and melodramatic feel, with a structure that grows in intensity, almost like a waltz, which complements the song's romantic storyline. Dan Reynolds' vocal performance is a key stylistic element, noted for being soaring and impassioned, conveying raw emotion and vulnerability. Lyrically, the song employs a direct, confessional narrative voice. It uses stark contrasts to create impact, such as pitting the narrator's self-described "blooded mess" against his partner's ability to "always see the pretty view." This juxtaposition highlights the central theme of unconditional love. The repetition of the chorus acts as a powerful refrain, drilling home the song's core message of failure and forgiveness.

What is the meaning behind 'Next To Me' by Imagine Dragons?

The song is about the beauty of enduring love and forgiveness. Lead singer Dan Reynolds wrote it for his wife, Aja Volkman, expressing gratitude for her loyalty despite his personal flaws and mistakes. It's an admission of his frailties and a celebration of a love that persists through hardship.

Is 'Next To Me' Imagine Dragons' first love song?

Yes, 'Next to Me' is widely considered to be the band's first true love song. Dan Reynolds stated in an interview that he doesn't typically write love songs, as his music has often been an outlet for dealing with depression and other struggles, making this song a notable and intentional exploration of romance.

What is the story in the 'Next To Me' music video?

The 12-minute short film tells the tragic story of a man (played by Dan Reynolds) who, after being left by his partner (Aja Volkman), accidentally kills a pawn shop clerk in a fit of rage. While on death row, he has surreal fantasies about forgiveness and what his life could have been, ultimately questioning if redemption is possible before his execution.

Who is the woman in the 'Next To Me' music video?

The woman in the music video is Aja Volkman, who was Dan Reynolds' wife at the time. She is also a musician and the lead singer of the band Nico Vega. Their real-life relationship provided the inspiration for the song's themes.

When was 'Next To Me' by Imagine Dragons released?

The song was released on February 21, 2018. It was the fourth single from their third studio album, 'Evolve,' and was featured as the first track on a re-issue of the album.

What do the oranges symbolize in the 'Next To Me' video?

In the music video, oranges are believed to symbolize love, marriage, and happiness. They appear prominently in the protagonist's fantasies of a perfect life with his wife, contrasting with the dark reality of his imprisonment and impending death.