I never believed that I would concede
And let someone trample on me
You strung me along, I thought I was strong
But you were just gaslightin' me
I've opened my eyes and counted the lies
And now it is clearer to me
You are just a user and an abuser
Living vicariously
I never believed that I would concede
And get myself blown asunder
You strung me along, I thought I was strong
But now you have pushed me under
I've opened my eyes and counted the lies
And now it is clearer to me
You are just a user and an abuser
And I refuse to take it
[Chorus]
Won't stand down, I'm growing stronger
Won't stand down, I'm owned no longer
Won't stand down, you've used me for too long
Now die alone
[Verse 2]
Now I'm coming back, a counterattack
I'm playin' you at your own game
I'm cutting you out, a shadow of doubt
Is gonna hang over your name
I've opened my eyes, I see your disguise
I will never see you the same
I know how to win before you begin
I'll shoot you before you take aim
Now I'm coming back, a counterattack
A psychological war
I'm cutting you in, I'm under your skin
Now I'm gonna settle the score
I've opened my eyes, I see your disguise
I will never see you the same
I know how to win before you begin
I'll shoot you before you take aim
Won't stand down, I'm growing stronger
Won't stand down, I'm owned no longer
Won't stand down, you've used me for too long
Now die alone
[Breakdown]
Won't stand down
Breaking out
Won't stand down
[Chorus]
Won't stand down, I'm growing stronger
Won't stand down, I'm owned no longer
Won't stand down, you've used me for too long
Now die alone
[Outro]
Won't stand down
Won't stand down
About
“Won’t Stand Down”, one of Muse’s heaviest songs ever made, is their comeback single released on January 13th, 2022.
On December 26th, 2021, frontman Matt Bellamy revealed a snippet of the song on his Instagram stories, specifically the chorus, while driving with his son.
“Won’t Stand Down” is notable for the dramatic change in sound, stepping back from pop motifs to their heavier roots. Having taken the ‘80s aesthetic to its Weird Science extreme on 2018’s Simulation Theory, Bellamy told NME in 2020,
I like the idea of totally resetting and going back to where we come from… as in, physically moving back to our hometown and getting back to how we used to be at square one.
Lyrically, Muse take up iconic elements that characterised songs like “The Handler” and “MK Ultra”: an intimate uprising and revolution. There’s an internal and personal battle underway, where the protagonist has become the victim of a “user and abuser” situation.
As for the style, the use of heavy riffs, electronic elements, powerful falsetto vocals and harmonic minor scales can remind of Absolution and suggest vibes of the more recent album Drones.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
“Won’t Stand Down” is a song about standing your ground against bullies, whether that be on the playground, at work, or anywhere. Protecting yourself from coercion and sociopathic manipulation and to face adversity with strength, confidence, and aggression.
– Matt Bellamy (press statement)
- 2.Compliance
- 3.Liberation
- 4.Won’t Stand Down
- 8.Verona
- 9.Euphoria
