“Bleed It Out” is the second single from the third studio album by American rock band Linkin Park, Minutes to Midnight. Linkin Park and Mike Shinoda produced the song, which was written by co-lead guitarist Brad Delson and the band’s main singer, Chester Bennington.
Speaking to Kerrang! at the time, Mike Shinoda said of the song coming together, “I said to the band, ‘I don’t think anyone but us could have made a song like this. ‘It’s a f*cking bizarre death-party-rap-hoedown!’”
Song Lyrics Meaning
“Bleed It Out” is a song about a person dealing with their feelings and looking for a way to express them. When the song’s writer says, “knot it tight so I won’t get loose” they are most likely feeling overwhelmed and wishing to leave their inner anguish. The phrase “bleed myself out and no one cares” could be analyzed as the writer feeling forgotten of being alone in their agony.
As the song progresses, it quickly becomes evident that “Bleed It Out” is about more than just individual hardships; it is also about societal concerns. The phrase ” say your prayers and stomp it out” might be understood as a call to action to combat injustice and negativity in the world. The expression “digging deeper just to throw it away” is a metaphor for the never-ending cycle of addressing and conquering issues only to have them recur.
Use of Imagery
The song’s depth and complexity are enhanced by the use of vivid imagery and comparisons. The lyrics “hand grenade pins in every line / throw ’em up and let something shine” might be seen as a reference to the concept of transforming negative energy into good energy. The lyrics “shotgun opera, lock and load / c*ck it back and then watch it go” might be seen as a metaphor for the destructive force of wrath and aggressiveness. Some people may interpret the phrase “candy paint on his brand new hearse” as a reference to the way death and violence are wished upon toxic people.
Disillusionment and discontent with the world are hinted at in the lines “half the words don’t mean a thing / and I know that I won’t be satisfied.” Generally, “Bleed It Out” is a song about seeking meaning and purpose in a harsh and often chaotic world. It inspires the listener to take good action in the face of their feelings and disappointments and to never give up on attempting to create a better future.
“Bleed It Out” delves into the difficulties that people experience as individuals and as a society. It was lauded for its strong sound and passionate lyrics, and it quickly soared to the top of concert playlists. It has also appeared in a variety of films and television series such as Transformers and Supernatural. Its compelling words and vivid pictures motivate listeners to overcome obstacles and never lose hope for a brighter future.
The song was featured on TV shows like My Life on MTV and America’s Got Talent.
Lyrics
Yeah, here we go for the hundredth time
Hand grenade pins in every line
Throw ’em up and let something shine
Going out of my f*cking mind
Filthy mouth, no excuse
Find a new place to hang this noose
String me up from atop these roofs
Knot it tight so I won’t get loose
Truth is, you can stop and stare
Bled myself out and no one cares
Dug a trench out, laid down there
With a shovel up out of reach somewhere
Yeah, someone pour it in
Make it a dirt dance floor again
Say your prayers and stomp it out
When they bring that chorus in
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
Just to throw it away
Just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Go, stop the show
Choppy words in a sloppy flow
Shotgun opera, lock and load
C*ck it back and then watch it go
Mama, help me, I’ve been cursed
Death is rolling in every verse
Candy paint on his brand new hearse
Can’t contain him
He knows he works
F*ck, this hurts, I won’t lie
Doesn’t matter how hard I try
Half the words don’t mean a thing
And I know that I won’t be satisfied
So why try ignoring him?
Make it a dirt dance floor again
Say your prayers and stomp it out
When they bring that chorus in
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
Just to throw it away
Just to throw it away
I bleed it out
I’ve opened up these scars
I’ll make you face this
I’ve pulled myself so far
I’ll make you face this now
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
Just to throw it away
Just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
I bleed it out
Digging deeper just to throw it away
Just to throw it away
Just to throw it away
I bleed it out
I bleed it out
I bleed it out
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Brad Delson / Chester Charles Bennington / Dave Farrell / Joseph Hahn / Mike Shinoda / Robert G. Bourdon
Bleed It Out lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Listeners that enjoy this song from the 2000’s may also be interested in the song All My Life by the Foo Fighters.
Editor’s Note: This article was first published February 1, 2023 and last updated May 28, 2023.
