Pressure

When Staind released their first album in 1996, they were very happy when it sold a few hundred copies the first day. Back then, they were struggling just to make ends meet. Their fortunes improved dramatically when they signed to Elektra Records, which released their second album, Dysfunction, in 1999, which eventually sold over 2 million copies. Now they had another problem: the pressure to follow up that album with another hit, which is what this song is about. They did: Break The Cycle sold an amazing 5 million and went to #1 in America. Through it all, lead singer Aaron Lewis stayed grounded in his demeanor and anguished in his lyrics.

This song is a good example of Aaron Lewis amplifying his own demons. Listening to his lyrics, you worry about the guy: I can't take this I come unglued I might breakdown in front of you Necessary to medicate I'm not sleeping, can't stay awake We can tell you that he's much more functional than what he sings about; one of his talents is for embracing the torment, which really connected with Staind's fans.