Disturbed - Down with the Sickness | SONG LYRICS Version

"Down with the Sickness" is one of the most iconic tracks by the American heavy metal band Disturbed, released as part of their debut album *The Sickness* in 2000. The song not only helped define the band’s sound but also established them as a prominent force in the metal and hard rock scene during the early 2000s. With its aggressive tone, primal vocal delivery, and intense instrumental arrangement, "Down with the Sickness" became an anthem for rebellion, inner turmoil, and overcoming adversity.

**Disturbed: The Band Behind the Sound**

Disturbed was formed in Chicago in 1994, initially under the name "Brawl." The band's founding members—Dan Donegan (guitar), Steve "Fuzz" Kmak (bass), and Mike Wengren (drums)—recruited vocalist David Draiman in 1996, and this lineup would go on to craft their signature sound. Draiman's powerful, distinctive voice, combined with Donegan's heavy riffing, Wengren's dynamic drumming, and Kmak's driving bass lines, formed a unique blend of alternative metal, hard rock, and nu-metal.

Disturbed's music often explores themes of inner conflict, societal issues, and personal struggles, reflecting a raw, emotional intensity that resonated with listeners. The band has remained influential in the heavy metal scene, producing multiple platinum albums and achieving commercial success worldwide. However, "Down with the Sickness" is arguably their most well-known track, a song that became a touchstone for many metal fans.

**The Sound of Rebellion: "Down with the Sickness"**

Musically, "Down with the Sickness" is a sonic assault on the senses. It opens with a thunderous, tribal-like drum pattern from Mike Wengren, setting the tone for the aggressive energy that follows. The song's signature moment, though, comes from David Draiman’s guttural, animalistic scream known as the "Ooh-wah-ah-ah-ah" at the beginning of the song. This primal vocalization is instantly recognizable and has become a defining feature of Draiman's style.

The lyrics of "Down with the Sickness" focus on themes of emotional abuse, inner rage, and the psychological effects of repression. While the verses feature Draiman’s intense, somewhat controlled vocals, the chorus erupts into a cathartic release of anger and frustration. Draiman's delivery in the song alternates between snarling aggression and melodic refrains, which adds to the overall emotional depth.

One of the most controversial parts of the song is the spoken-word bridge in which Draiman delivers a chilling portrayal of child abuse, using the character's voice to scream at his mother in a horrifying narrative of parental mistreatment. This part of the song is raw, disturbing, and deeply unsettling, enhancing the emotional intensity of the track. While some listeners found this part hard to digest, it contributed to the song's status as a voice for those who feel oppressed or mistreated.

**Cultural Impact**

"Down with the Sickness" became a staple of the metal genre, and its widespread popularity helped *The Sickness* go quadruple platinum. The song was frequently featured in media, including films, television shows, and even video games. Its visceral energy and emotional resonance made it an anthem for fans of aggressive, alternative metal. 

Beyond its commercial success, "Down with the Sickness" helped define Disturbed's identity as a band that uses music as a vehicle to confront personal and social issues, resonating with those who feel misunderstood or marginalized. The track remains a defining moment in the band’s career and continues to be a fan favorite during live performances.