Meaning and Lyrics of Stricken by Disturbed

Disturbed’s “Stricken,” from their 2005 album *Ten Thousand Fists*, epitomizes the raw intensity and emotional complexity that the band is renowned for. With its dark, brooding lyrics and David Draiman’s unmistakable vocal delivery, the track serves as a primal scream into the void, capturing the agony and helplessness of being ensnared in a toxic relationship. It’s a sonic journey into the heart of emotional turbulence, driven by aggressive guitar riffs and pulsating rhythms.

Intro

The intro sets the stage with primal vocalizations—a precursor to the storm that’s about to unfold. It’s a simple but effective way to immediately grab the listener’s attention, creating an unsettling atmosphere that mirrors the chaotic emotions contained within the song.

Verse 1

“You walk on like a woman in suffering / Won’t even bother now to tell me why.” From the get-go, Draiman confronts a figure who is both enigmatic and destructive, likened to a “bloodstained hurricane.” The vivid imagery of natural disasters captures the uncontrollable and devastating impact this person has on his life. The repetition of “leaving me broken another time” suggests a cyclical pattern of harm, indicating a history of recurrent emotional abuse.

The line “You carry on like a holy man pushing redemption / I don’t want to mention” juxtaposes religious imagery with hypocrisy. The narrator sees through the facade of sanctity that this person projects, recognizing it as a hollow attempt at self-justification.

Chorus

The chorus strikes at the heart of the song’s emotional core: “That I am stricken and can’t let you go.” The word “stricken” evokes a sense of being hit or afflicted with a severe blow, underscoring the depth of the emotional and psychological damage. “When the heart is cold, there’s no hope” encapsulates the despair and sense of irrevocability that often accompanies broken relationships. The abyss into which the narrator is running symbolizes a descent into darkness, a surrender to the overwhelming weight of the emotional burden.

Verse 2

If the first verse laid out the havoc wrought by this enigmatic figure, the second delves deeper into the psychological aftermath. “You don’t know what your power has done to me / I want to know if I’ll heal inside.” These lines reveal a desperate search for understanding and a glimmer of hope for emotional recovery. The reference to a “holocaust about to happen” heightens the sense of impending doom, a catastrophic emotional event.

Draiman admits his vulnerability: “Another hole in the wall of my inner defenses / Leaving me breathless.” The imagery here powerfully conveys the erosion of mental and emotional fortitude, leaving the narrator exposed and defenseless.

Bridge

The bridge reiterates the initial sentiments, serving as a callback to the starting point of this emotional turmoil. This repetition emphasizes the inescapability of the pain and the cyclical nature of the suffering; it’s as if the narrator is caught in an endless loop of despair.

Post-Chorus

With the repeated phrase “Into the abyss will I run,” Draiman underscores the inevitability of his emotional descent. The final lines of “I can’t let you go / Yes, I am stricken and can’t let you go” drive home the tragic reality: despite recognizing the toxic impact, the narrator remains ensnared, unable to sever the ties that bind him to his tormentor.

Conclusion

“Stricken” is more than just a heavy metal anthem; it’s a profound exploration of emotional dependency and the toll it takes on the human psyche. The song marries these themes with a brutal, unrelenting musical backdrop that amplifies its intensity. In the grand tapestry of Disturbed’s discography, it stands as a testament to the band’s ability to channel complex emotions into powerful, visceral music. It’s a track that resonates deeply with anyone who has grappled with the despair of a love that destroys as much as it consumes.