Linkin Park’s song “What I’ve Done” delves into feelings of regret, making amends, and taking responsibility. It’s a song that many people connect with because it talks about facing up to your mistakes and trying to move forward.
Verse 1: Facing Regret
The song starts with Chester Bennington singing about saying goodbye to something. He says, “In this farewell, There’s no blood, there’s no alibi.” This means he’s admitting there are no excuses left for what he’s done. He also talks about regretting things he did that weren’t true to himself, which is like feeling bad about a big lie you told.
Chorus: Taking Responsibility
In the chorus, Bennington sings, “What I’ve done, I’ll face myself.” This means he’s ready to admit to himself the things he’s done wrong. He wants to erase those bad parts of himself and move on. It’s like when you know you did something you shouldn’t have, and you want to fix it and feel better about yourself.
Verse 2: Dealing with What Others Think
In the second verse, Bennington talks about what other people think of him. He says, “Put to rest what you thought of me.” He wants to clear up any misunderstandings people might have about him. It’s like when you want to show others that you’ve changed for the better, even if they had the wrong idea about you before.
Bridge: Starting Fresh
The bridge is like a fresh start. Bennington sings, “For what I’ve done, I start again.” This means he’s ready to begin anew, no matter what pain or challenges come his way. He’s forgiving himself for his past actions and wants to move forward positively.
Final Chorus: Forgiving Yourself and Letting Go
The last chorus repeats the theme of self-forgiveness and closure. Bennington sings about facing himself and letting go of the mistakes he’s made. “Done, I’ll face myself, to cross out what I’ve become” emphasizes the ongoing journey of self-examination and growth. The closing lines, “And let go of what I’ve done, forgiving what I’ve done,” bring the song full circle, echoing a sense of closure and the possibility of redemption through self-forgiveness.
Conclusion
Linkin Park’s “What I’ve Done” speaks to everyone who’s ever felt regretful about something they did. It’s about owning up to mistakes, trying to fix them, and starting fresh. The song’s powerful message of redemption and self-forgiveness resonates with listeners, reminding us all that we have the power to make things right and move forward positively.