Deadbolt (Thrice song)

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Deadbolt is a song by the American rock band Thrice from their 2002 album The Illusion of Safety. The track blends post-hardcore and pop-punk and runs about 2 minutes and 24 seconds. Guitars are tuned down (Eb/Drop Db), and the song uses a non-traditional structure where guitars and vocals mirror and respond to each other. Lyrically it uses metaphor to explore betrayal and temptation, with references to death and to Proverbs 9.

The song ends with a piano interlude that leads into the next track, In Years To Come. A music video was released in October 2002, filmed at Chain Reaction in Anaheim, and later uploaded to YouTube (in 2007). Deadbolt became a fan favorite and a highlight in live shows, even though the band initially disliked playing it because fans kept yelling for it. After Thrice’s 2015 reunion, they started playing it more often and even sold merchandise joking about its popularity.

Critics generally praised Deadbolt for its energy, hooks, and guitar work, though some reviews questioned how well it fit with the rest of the album. Over time it’s come to be seen as one of Thrice’s best songs and a landmark in the post-hardcore genre. Retrospectives have called it the album’s signature track, and it remains a staple in their live sets and releases.