Unpacking the Rage Inside King for a Day Lyrics
If you’ve ever felt like you’re one step away from snapping, you’re not alone—and that’s exactly the raw energy this song captures. Pierce the Veil’s explosive anthem featuring Kellin Quinn has become a scream-along favorite for anyone who’s ever needed to let it all out.
The mix of emotion, intensity, and rebellion speaks to something deep and real. And for those who want to relive every lyric, scream every line, or simply understand what it’s all about, diving into the King for a Day lyrics is the perfect place to start. Let’s break it down—rage, riffs, and all.
Full Lyrics to “King for a Day”
Dare me to jump off of this Jersey bridge
I’ll bet you’ve never had a Friday night like this
Keep it up, keep it up, let’s raise our hands
I take a look up at the sky and I see red
Red for the cancer, red for the wealthy
Red for the drink that’s mixed with suicide, everything red
Please, won’t you push me for the last time?
Let’s scream until there’s nothing left
So sick of playing, I don’t want this anymore
The thought of you is no fucking fun
You want a martyr? I’ll be one
Because enough’s enough, we’re done
You told me think about it, well I did
Now I don’t wanna feel a thing anymore
I’m tired of begging for the things that I want
I’m over sleeping like a dog on the floor
The thing I think I love will surely bring me pain
Intoxication, paranoia, and a lot of fame
Three cheers for throwing up, pubescent drama queen
You make me sick, I make it worse by drinking late
Scream until there’s nothing left
So sick of playing, I don’t want to anymore
The thought of you is no fucking fun
You want a martyr? I’ll be one
Because enough’s enough, we’re done
You told me think about it, well I did
Now I don’t wanna feel a thing anymore
I’m tired of begging for the things that I want
I’m over sleeping like a dog on the floor
Imagine living like a king someday
A single night without a ghost in the walls
And if the bass shakes the earth underground
We’ll start a new revolution now
Now
Hail Mary, forgive me
Blood for blood, hearts beating
Come at me
Now this is war
(Fuck with this new beat)
Now terror begins inside a bloodless vein
I was just a product of the street youth rage
Born in this world without a voice or say
Caught in the spokes with an abandoned brain
I know you well, but this ain’t a game
Blow the smoke in diamond shape
Dying is a gift, so close your eyes and rest in peace
You told me think about it, well I did
Now I don’t wanna feel a thing anymore
I’m tired of begging for the things that I want
I’m over sleeping like a dog on the floor
Imagine living like a king someday
A single night without a ghost in the walls
We are the shadows screaming, take us now
We’d rather die than live to rust on the ground (shit)
Source: Musixmatch
Song Meaning and Lyric Interpretation
King for a Day is an explosive anthem about frustration, rebellion, and finally reaching a breaking point. The lyrics tap into a feeling many people—especially young listeners—know all too well: the pressure to hold everything together while everything around you feels like it’s falling apart. The song captures that intense emotional moment when you decide you’re done playing along, done staying quiet, and ready to fight back.
The opening line, “Dare me to jump off of this Jersey bridge”, sets the tone with urgency and defiance. It’s not about literal danger but about emotional chaos—the feeling of standing on the edge, both metaphorically and mentally. From there, the song bursts into anger at the world’s injustices, corrupt systems, and personal betrayals.
The chorus, “King for a day, I dare you to make me…”, is all about reclaiming power, even if it’s just for one fleeting moment. It’s a call for control, for standing up to everything that’s been holding you down. The dual vocals from Vic Fuentes and Kellin Quinn heighten that sense of emotional turmoil—one voice represents tension, the other pure release.
Throughout the song, there’s a deep undercurrent of desperation. Lines like “We’re living like a time bomb” show how instability builds over time, and eventually explodes. It’s not just teenage angst—it’s a raw, honest look at the emotional overload that can come from being constantly pushed to your limit.
Background: How the Song Came to Be
Image source: Pinterest
King for a Day came together during a particularly pivotal time for Pierce the Veil. The band was working on their third studio album, Collide with the Sky, released in 2012—a project that would eventually catapult them further into the spotlight of the post-hardcore and alternative scene. The band wanted a track that would not only hit hard musically but also speak to something real, something raw. That’s where King for a Day was born.
According to interviews with frontman Vic Fuentes, the song was inspired by a conversation about feeling completely overwhelmed—emotionally, financially, and mentally. It reflected a shared frustration with societal pressure and the sense that everything was rigged against you. The idea was to capture the boiling point: that moment when you say, “I’ve had enough.” The result was a fast-paced, emotionally charged song that balanced melodic intensity with pure chaos.
One of the most iconic elements of the song is the collaboration with Kellin Quinn, lead vocalist of Sleeping with Sirens. Fans of both bands had long wanted a collab, and this track made that wish come true. Kellin’s high-pitched, emotionally raw vocals offered a sharp contrast to Vic’s smoother tone, creating a dynamic that elevated the tension and urgency of the track. Their vocal interplay almost feels like two inner voices battling it out—one panicked, one furious.
The band has shared that the collaboration came together quickly and naturally. Vic sent the demo to Kellin, who recorded his parts almost immediately. The chemistry between their voices and energies made King for a Day one of the most memorable songs on the album—and one of the most iconic songs in modern emo and post-hardcore history.
