Lyric discussion by ettegdirb 

Cover art for It's Time lyrics by Imagine Dragons

So this is what you meant when you said that you were spent? And now it's time to build from the bottom of the pit right to the top, Don't hold back Packing my bags and giving the academy a rain check

I believe this song is about a young musician/artist who has been constantly resisting and pushing back against his parents who want "better" for him, and are trying to push him in a direction his heart is not in. finally they give up trying and give him free rein to make his own decisions, telling him they will try their best to support him in whatever he does. He then takes full advantage of his situation, and drops out of school to pursue his dreams,not holding back anything because he is so passionate about his art. However, since his parents had disconnected him from his dreams as much as possible, he has to start from the bottom.

I don't ever want to let you down I don't ever want to leave this town 'Cause after all This city never sleeps at night...

I assume this part means he lives in NY, NY because NY is known as "the city that never sleeps." This provides him with a plethora of opportunity. Even though he strays from his parents' preferred path he still sets his sights on doing his best not to disappoint them with his decision.

It's time to begin, isn't it?

he's nervous

I get a little bit bigger, but then, I'll admit, I'm just the same as I was Now don't you understand That I'm never changing who I am?

reassuring his parents that as he gains popularity he won't change into the stereo-typical self-absorbed movie-star-monster.

So this is where you fell, and I am left to sell the path that heaven runs through miles of clouded hell, right to the top

He has come across some adversity. His parents say he is on his own because they can't either handle it financially or they just don't like the path he is on. Either that, or a label drops him.

Don't look back Turning to rags and give the commodities a rain check

He is still not giving up. He spends all of his money to try and make his dream come true and gives up a lot of things. Probably getting a job or at least more hours at work, not getting enough sleep.

(chorus)

He is still continuing to gain popularity

This road never looked so lonely, This house doesn't burn down slowly, to ashes, to ashes...

Basically he has done all he can do without killing himself, and his dream isn't turning out like he planned, and basically it fails. Yes, dream = crushed, failed, flopped.

BUT, The song is not over people! only his plan A failed. Now he moves onto plan B! NEVER giving up his dream, and ALWAYS listening to his heart. Never changing who he is!

Now THAT is inspirational my friends! perseverance at its finest

My Interpretation