“Demons” by Imagine Dragons was released in 2013 as part of their debut album, Night Visions. The song became one of the band’s biggest hits, known for its raw lyrics and emotional depth. It explores inner struggles, guilt, and the fear of hurting others. At its core, the song’s meaning revolves around the darkness that exists within everyone and the difficulty of keeping it hidden from the people we care about.
This article breaks down the meaning of “Demons” section by section, interpreting its themes of personal battles, darkness, and redemption.
“Demons” Lyrics Meaning: Line by Line
Verse 1: A World of Broken Dreams
When the days are cold and the cards all fold
And the saints we see are all made of gold
These lines paint a bleak picture of reality.
“Cold days” and “folded cards” symbolize failure, bad luck, or lost hope.
The phrase “saints made of gold” suggests that the people society admires—whether idols, leaders, or heroes—may not be as pure as they appear. Their perfection is artificial, possibly built on wealth or illusion rather than true virtue.
When your dreams all fail and the ones we hail
Are the worst of all, and the blood’s run stale
This continues the theme of disillusionment. Dreams don’t always come true, and the people we idolize sometimes turn out to be corrupt, selfish, or harmful.
“Blood’s run stale” implies that passion, drive, or even morality has faded, leaving behind exhaustion or numbness. The world isn’t as hopeful as it once seemed.
Pre-Chorus 1: Facing Inner Darkness
I wanna hide the truth, I wanna shelter you
But with the beast inside, there’s nowhere we can hide
These lines reveal a deep internal conflict.
There’s a strong desire to protect someone from painful truths, but the “beast inside” makes that impossible. The beast could represent anger, addiction, mental health struggles, or past mistakes that continue to haunt.
No matter how much someone tries to conceal their flaws, they eventually come to the surface.
No matter what we breed, we still are made of greed
This is my kingdom come, this is my kingdom come
This acknowledges that no one is truly free from selfishness or moral weakness.
“Kingdom come” is often associated with destiny or divine judgment, but here, it suggests an acceptance of one’s inner demons.
These struggles are inevitable, as if the singer is saying, “This is who I am, whether I like it or not.”
Chorus: The Struggle Within
When you feel my heat, look into my eyes
It’s where my demons hide, it’s where my demons hide
The “heat” could symbolize strong emotions—whether it’s passion, rage, or deep pain. It suggests an intensity that others can sense, even if they don’t fully understand it.
Looking into someone’s eyes is often said to reveal their soul, meaning this line is an invitation to see the truth beneath the surface. But what’s there isn’t comforting—it’s a battle with inner demons.
These demons could represent past mistakes, guilt, addiction, or personal suffering that can’t easily be escaped.
Don’t get too close, it’s dark inside
It’s where my demons hide, it’s where my demons hide
This is both a warning and a plea for distance.
“Dark inside” suggests something hidden, whether it’s pain, trauma, or self-destructive tendencies. The fear isn’t just about being judged—it’s about hurting someone else by letting them in too deeply.
This reinforces themes of self-loathing and emotional isolation, where the person believes their darkness is too much for someone else to handle. It also suggests a cycle—pushing people away out of fear, yet longing to be understood.
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Verse 2: The Consequences of One’s Actions
At the curtain’s call it’s the last of all
When the lights fade out, all the sinners crawl
This verse paints a picture of reckoning.
“Curtain’s call” refers to the final bow in a performance, suggesting the end of pretense.
When the “lights fade out,” meaning when the show is over and reality sets in, the truth about people is exposed.
“Sinners crawling” implies that when all illusions are stripped away, everyone has something to answer for.
So they dug your grave and the masquerade
Will come calling out at the mess you’ve made
This could symbolize being trapped by past mistakes.
“They dug your grave” suggests facing the consequences, whether it’s guilt, loss, or regret.
The “masquerade” could refer to lies or a false image that has now collapsed, leaving behind only the damage caused. There’s no more hiding—the truth has come for its reckoning.
Pre-Chorus 2: Accepting One’s Fate
Don’t wanna let you down, but I am hell-bound
Though this is all for you, don’t wanna hide the truth
These lines express guilt and a sense of inevitability. Despite wanting to do good, there’s a belief that the darkness inside is inescapable.
“Hell-bound” suggests feeling doomed by past mistakes or destructive tendencies.
The second line reinforces honesty—no matter how painful, the truth won’t be hidden, even if it risks hurting someone.
Bridge: Fate vs. Free Will
They say it’s what you make, I say it’s up to fate
It’s woven in my soul, I need to let you go
This contrasts two views: one that believes people shape their own destiny, and another that believes fate controls everything. The singer leans toward the latter, suggesting that some struggles are unavoidable.
The phrase “woven in my soul” implies that these demons are deeply ingrained and impossible to separate from identity.
Letting go might refer to pushing someone away for their own good or giving up on the hope of change.
Your eyes, they shine so bright, I wanna save that light
I can’t escape this now, unless you show me how
The person being addressed seems to represent innocence or hope. There’s admiration for their goodness, but also a fear of corrupting them.
The final line suggests that salvation might still be possible—but only if this other person can provide the way out. This adds a layer of desperation, as if the singer is clinging to the last shred of hope before fully succumbing to their demons.
“Demons” Song Meaning: Battling Inner Darkness
“Demons” is about struggling with personal darkness and fearing its impact on others. The lyrics express guilt, self-awareness, and the desire to shield loved ones from pain. The song acknowledges human flaws but also hints at redemption.
It can also be interpreted as a message about fame and success. The music industry often forces people to hide their true selves, and this song could reflect the fear of losing authenticity.
Songs Like “Demons”
If you connect with “Demons,” here are some similar songs:
1. “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” captures the loneliness and struggles of self-doubt. The lyrics explore isolation and searching for meaning in a world that feels empty.
2. “Monster” by Skillet
“Monster” shares the theme of fighting inner demons. The song describes the fear of losing control and becoming someone unrecognizable.
3. “Crawling” by Linkin Park
“Crawling” delves into personal battles and feelings of being trapped in one’s own mind. It’s a powerful song about struggling with inner pain.
Related: Best Rock Songs About Transformation
4. “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls
“Iris” touches on vulnerability and the fear of being truly seen. The lyrics reflect the struggle of letting someone in while dealing with personal issues.
Related: “Iris” Song Meaning
Conclusion: Fighting the Darkness Within
“Demons” is a deeply personal song about the struggle with inner darkness. It highlights the fear of hurting others and the difficulty of overcoming one’s flaws.
While it’s a song about pain, it also hints at hope—suggesting that with the right person, change might be possible.
You can listen to “Demons” on Spotify and Amazon.
Be sure to check out more of our Song Meanings articles!
