What I've Done
♫ Linkin Park Lyrics


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In this farewell
There's no blood, there's no alibi
'Cause I've drawn regret
From the truth of a thousand lies
So let mercy come and wash away
What I've done

I'll face myself to cross out what I've become
Erase myself
And let go of what I've done

Put to rest what you thought of me
While I clean this slate
With the hands of uncertainty
So let mercy come and wash away
What I've done

I'll face myself to cross out what I've become
Erase myself
And let go of what I've done

For what I've done
I start again
And whatever pain may come
Today this ends
I'm forgiving what I've done

I'll face myself to cross out what I've become
Erase myself
And let go of what I've done

(Na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na)
What I've done
(Na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na)
Forgiving what I've done




(Na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na)
(Na na na na)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "What I've Done" by Linkin Park are about acknowledging one's past actions and seeking forgiveness for them. The first stanza talks about admitting one's guilt and regret and hoping for mercy to cleanse oneself. The second stanza is about taking responsibility for the past and erasing the negative impact one's actions have had. In the chorus, the singer forgives themselves for their actions and starts again.


The line "I'll face myself to cross out what I've become" suggests that the person wants to change and break free from the negative aspects of their past. They want to erase their mistakes and move forward. The song's message conveys a sense of self-reflection and atonement for one's actions. The phrase "Let mercy come and wash away what I've done" is a plea for forgiveness and redemption.


Overall, "What I've Done" has a powerful message about acknowledging one's mistakes and seeking to make things right. The lyrics are a call to take responsibility for one's actions and move forward with a clean slate.


Line by Line Meaning

In this farewell
As I depart, I must leave behind all that I have done


There's no blood, there's no alibi
I cannot justify my actions with any excuses or explanations


'Cause I've drawn regret
I feel remorse and guilt for my choices


From the truth of a thousand lies
I now understand that my past actions were built upon many falsehoods


So let mercy come and wash away
I hope that I can be forgiven and my misdeeds forgotten


What I've done
The mistakes and sins of my past


I'll face myself to cross out what I’ve become
I will confront who I have become and strive to be a better person


Erase myself
I will let go of the negative traits and habits that have defined me


And let go of what I've done
I will accept responsibility for the consequences of my choices


Put to rest what you thought of me
I want to leave behind the perceptions and judgments others had of me


While I clean this slate
I will start over with a blank slate and strive to improve my character


With the hands of uncertainty
Although I am unsure of what lies ahead, I am hopeful and determined to make positive changes


For what I've done
Because of my past actions


I start again
I have a chance to begin anew


And whatever pain may come
I will endure whatever pain is necessary to do what is right


Today this ends
Today marks the end of my former self and the beginning of a better person


I'm forgiving what I've done
I will practice self-forgiveness and let go of any lingering guilt or shame




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRAD DELSON, CHESTER CHARLES BENNINGTON, DAVE FARRELL, JOSEPH HAHN, MIKE SHINODA, ROBERT G. BOURDON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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