Whatever It Takes – Imagine Dragons
Released in 2017 as part of the album Evolve, “Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons has become an anthem for resilience, personal growth, and pushing through obstacles. The song is known for its powerful lyrics and high-energy production, capturing the band’s signature fusion of alternative rock and pop. Paired with its official music video, the song resonates deeply with listeners who relate to its themes of perseverance and self-empowerment.
Lyrical Exploration: The Power of Self-Determination
One of the most captivating aspects of “Whatever It Takes” is its lyrics, which reflect an inner dialogue about striving for greatness and overcoming self-doubt. Written by lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, along with Wayne Sermon, Ben McKee, and Daniel Platzman, the song opens with a sense of urgency: “Falling too fast to prepare for this / Tripping in the world could be dangerous.” The lyrics set the stage for a journey of self-discovery, acknowledging the dangers and fears that accompany any pursuit of success or change.
The chorus, “Whatever it takes / ‘Cause I love the adrenaline in my veins,” encapsulates the song’s message of pushing through challenges with relentless determination. The metaphor of adrenaline symbolizes the energy and drive needed to overcome life’s obstacles. It’s about being willing to endure hardship and difficulty, all in the name of personal fulfillment and growth.
Throughout the song, the lyrics explore themes of ambition, internal struggles, and the desire to break free from societal norms. The line, “Always had a fear of being typical / Looking at my body feeling miserable,” reflects the pressure to conform and the resulting dissatisfaction that many feel when they try to fit into a predefined mold. The desire to be unique and make a meaningful impact is a recurring theme, one that resonates with listeners who seek to carve their own paths in life.
Musical Composition: A Blend of Rock and Pop Energy
“Whatever It Takes” stands out for its dynamic composition, blending rock, electronic, and pop elements in a way that feels both modern and timeless. The song starts with a steady beat and builds into an explosive chorus that’s filled with energy and intensity. The heavy drums, pulsating bass, and electronic accents complement the song’s message, creating a sense of urgency and movement.
The chorus, with its chant-like repetition, is infectious and encourages listeners to sing along. The way the music swells during the chorus, especially with the soaring vocals of Dan Reynolds, makes it a powerful rallying cry. The pacing of the song, moving between quieter verses and booming choruses, mirrors the ebb and flow of emotions experienced during personal struggles and breakthroughs.
Imagine Dragons are known for creating high-energy, anthemic songs, and “Whatever It Takes” is no exception. Its production is polished and full of tension, with electronic flourishes that give it a futuristic feel, while the band’s rock roots keep the sound grounded and accessible. This blending of genres is one of the reasons why the song has broad appeal across different listener demographics.
The Official Music Video: Visual Symbolism and Imagery
The official music video for “Whatever It Takes,” directed by Matt Eastin, perfectly complements the song’s themes. It begins with a serene, almost surreal setting, where the band performs in a room gradually filling with water. As the video progresses, the flooding intensifies, symbolizing the rising challenges and overwhelming emotions one faces in life.
The underwater scenes, in which Dan Reynolds and other band members continue to play despite the water engulfing them, serve as a powerful metaphor for persistence and resilience. Even as the environment becomes more chaotic, they continue performing, illustrating the song’s message of enduring through difficulty.
The use of water in the video also ties into the song’s central metaphor of going through personal trials. Water often symbolizes emotion and change, and as the room fills up, it represents the growing pressure that one feels when trying to achieve something extraordinary. But the fact that the band members remain undeterred in their performance demonstrates their resolve and determination to push through, no matter the odds.
The video also includes quick flashes of lightning, electricity, and other intense imagery that mirrors the adrenaline-pumping energy of the song. These visual effects add a layer of excitement and drama to the performance, creating a heightened sense of anticipation that aligns with the song’s emotional peaks.
Resonance with Audiences: An Anthem for Overcoming Obstacles
“Whatever It Takes” struck a chord with fans not only because of its catchy melody but also because of its universally relatable message. It became an anthem for those striving to overcome personal challenges, whether in their careers, relationships, or personal growth journeys. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to embrace discomfort and uncertainty as part of the process of becoming who they are meant to be.
For many, the line “I’m an apostrophe / I’m just a symbol to remind you that there’s more to see” reflects a feeling of being part of something greater. It speaks to the desire to leave a lasting impact, to be more than just ordinary, and to constantly push oneself to achieve greater things.
Additionally, the song became popular in various motivational contexts, including sports events and personal development seminars. Its message of pushing through adversity and taking control of one’s destiny made it a fitting soundtrack for anyone looking for encouragement to keep going, no matter the obstacles.
Conclusion: A Timeless Anthem of Resilience
“Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons is more than just a song—it’s an anthem of resilience and empowerment. Its fusion of rock, pop, and electronic elements, coupled with powerful lyrics about overcoming fear and striving for greatness, makes it a standout track on the band’s Evolve album. The song’s high-energy production, combined with the visually symbolic music video, has made it a fan favorite and a source of motivation for listeners worldwide.
As the band continues to evolve musically, “Whatever It Takes” remains one of Imagine Dragons’ most impactful songs, inspiring people to embrace their own journey, face their fears, and do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.
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