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About

Genius Annotation

“The Unknown” is the fifteenth song off of Imagine DragonsSmoke + Mirrors (Deluxe Edition). The song is a lamentation about Dan’s late, Mormon grandfather, and highlights Dan’s wishes toward his grandfather’s legacy, reunion with him in heaven, and questions about the future.

In an interview with USA Today, Dan recollects his legacy, “He was one of the most humble, funny and hardworking men I’ve ever known.”

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Who or what inspired them to write this song?
Genius Answer

The song was largely inspired by the passing of Dan’s grandfather. The connections between him and the song explicitly appear when he mentions his “papa” and the recurring theme of death.

What did Imagine Dragons say about "The Unknown"?
Genius Answer

In an exclusive interview, Dan says “The Unknown” is about “questioning the future, and about my grandfather, who passed away years ago. He was one of the most humble, funny and hardworking men I’ve ever known.”

Credits
Assistant Mixing Engineer
Recording Engineer
Mixing Engineer
Mastering Engineer
Recorded At
Ragged Insomnia Studio (Las Vegas, NV) and Domain Greasing Studio
Release Date
February 13, 2015
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