Linkin Park

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Mike Shinoda]
What do I do to ignore them behind me?
Do I follow my instincts blindly?
Do I hide my pride from these bad dreams
And give in to sad thoughts that are maddening?
Do I sit here and try to stand it?
Or do I try to catch them red-handed?
Do I trust some and get fooled by phoniness?
Or do I trust nobody and live in loneliness?
Because I can't hold on when I'm stretched so thin
I make the right moves, but I'm lost within
I put on my daily façade, but then
I just end up gettin' hurt again

[Pre-Chorus: Mike Shinoda & Chester Bennington]
By myself (Myself!), I ask why
But in my mind, I find I can't rely on myself
(Myself!), I ask why
But in my mind, I find I can't rely on myself

[Chorus: Chester Bennington & Mike Shinoda]
I can't hold on to what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on to anything, watchin' everything spin
With thoughts of failure sinking in
[Verse 2: Mike Shinoda]
If I turn my back, I'm defenseless
And to go blindly seems senseless
If I hide my pride and let it all go on
Then they'll take from me 'til everything is gone
If I let them go, I'll be outdone
But if I try to catch 'em, I'll be outrun
If I'm killed by the questions like a cancer
Then I'll be buried in the silence of the answer

[Pre-Chorus: Mike Shinoda & Chester Bennington]
By myself (Myself!), I ask why
But in my mind, I find I can't rely on myself
(Myself!), I ask why
But in my mind, I find I can't rely on myself

[Chorus: Chester Bennington & Mike Shinoda]
I can't hold on to what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on to anything, watchin' everything spin
With thoughts of failure sinking in

[Interlude: Mike Shinoda]
How do you think I've lost so much?
I'm so afraid I'm out of touch
How do you expect I will know what to do
When all I know is what you tell me to?
[Bridge: Mike Shinoda & Chester Bennington]
Don't you know!?
I can't tell you how to make it go!
No matter what I do, how hard I try!
I can't seem to convince myself why!
I'm stuck on the outside, don't you know?!
I can't tell you how to make it go!
No matter what I do, how hard I try!
I can't seem to convince myself why!
I'm stuck on the outside

[Chorus: Chester Bennington & Mike Shinoda]
I can't hold on to what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on to anything, watchin' everything spin
With thoughts of failure sinking in
I can't hold on to what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on to anything, watchin' everything spin
With thoughts of failure sinking

If there is one thing that is always guaranteed with a Linkin Park song, it's that it will evoke some kind of emotion from the listener. 'By Myself' is no exception, as it takes the listener on a journey through the inner workings of a troubled mind. In this song, Chester Bennington bares all and gives the listener insight into his own struggles with self-confidence and drug addiction. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is struggling to keep their head above water, and the raw emotion poured into the song makes it a standout among Linkin Park's already impressive discography.

About By Myself

Like many of Linkin Park's songs, 'By Myself' has an interesting backstory that adds depth to the lyrics. Originally titled 'Sad', the song was also known as 'SuperXero' before the band officially signed with Warner Bros Records and released their debut album, Hybrid Theory. The song deals with two major themes, self-doubt and drug addiction, both of which were struggles that Chester Bennington faced throughout his lifetime. The unmastered version of the album can be downloaded for fans who want to experience the song in its rawest form.

The song opens with an explosive guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It's a heavy, almost aggressive sound that feels like it's trying to break through a barrier. The lyrics are equally as forceful, with Chester Bennington screaming out, "What do I do to ignore them behind me? Do I follow my instincts blindly?" These lines set the stage for the rest of the song, as it becomes clear that the narrator is struggling to make sense of the world around them.

As the song progresses, the music goes through several changes that reflect the narrator's emotional journey. There are moments where the music becomes more subdued and introspective, as the narrator reflects on their own shortcomings. Other times, the music is explosive and chaotic, mirroring the narrator's own inner turmoil. Throughout it all, Chester's vocals are powerful and emotive, bringing a sense of authenticity to the lyrics that is hard to ignore.

One of the most powerful parts of the song is the chorus, where Chester belts out, "Can't face the fact you left me here alone, and I know that I should have just walked away, but I felt like I was safe. Nothing lasts. I've been wasting way too long giving endless chances, dumb excuses, like with my head in the clouds." These lines perfectly encapsulate the feeling of being stuck in a toxic situation, even when you know it would be better for you to leave. It's a sentiment that many listeners can relate to, and it's this kind of emotional resonance that makes Linkin Park such a beloved band.

Overall, 'By Myself' is a powerful and emotional song that showcases the raw talent of Linkin Park. With its introspective lyrics and intense musical composition, it's a standout track that has become a fan favorite over the years. For those who are looking to experience the song in its rawest form, the unmastered version of the album is a must-listen. It's a testament to the band's dedication to their craft, and it's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.

• Release Date: October 24, 2000
• Artist: Linkin Park