Bennington first gained prominence as a vocalist following the release of Linkin Park's debut album Hybrid Theory (2000), which was a worldwide commercial success. The album was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2005, making it the best-selling debut album of the decade, as well as one of the few albums ever to achieve that many sales. Linkin Park's following studio albums, from Meteora (2003) to One More Light (2017), continued the band's success.
Bennington formed his own band, Dead by Sunrise, as a side project in 2005. The band's debut album, Out of Ashes, was released on October 13, 2009. He became the lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots in 2013 to release the extended play record High Rise on October 8, 2013, via their own record label, Play Pen, but left in 2015 to focus solely on Linkin Park. As an actor, he appeared in films such as Crank (2006), Crank: High Voltage (2009), and Saw 3D (2010).
On July 20, 2017, Bennington was found dead at his home in Palos Verdes Estates, California; his death was ruled a suicide by hanging. Hit Parader magazine placed Bennington number 46 on their list of the "100 Metal Vocalists of All Time". Writing for Billboard, Dan Weiss stated that Bennington "turned nu metal universal".
Bennington possessed a three octave tenor vocal range, beginning at the low bass G (G2), and reaching its peak at the tenor G (G5). His vocals showed tremendous durability for the entirety of his career. Altheapi of Rolling Stone wrote: "Bennington's voice embodied the anguish and wide-ranging emotions of the lyrics, from capturing life's vulnerable moments to the fury and catharsis found in his belted screams, which he would often move between at the turn of a dime."
Talking about his favorite bands and influences, Bennington mentioned Stone Temple Pilots, Alice in Chains, Arcade Fire, Circle Jerks, Descendents, Deftones, Jane's Addiction, Metallica, Ministry, Minor Threat, Misfits, The Naked and Famous, Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Refused, Skinny Puppy, Soundgarden, and A Tribe Called Quest. Bennington also considered himself as "a huge Madonna fan", crediting her for making him grow up wanting to be a musician.
After Bennington's death, his widow Talinda Bennington launched a campaign called 320 Changes Direction in honor of her husband to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness.
System
Chester Bennington Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The feelings evolved, I won't let it out
I can't replace your screaming face
Feeling the sickness inside
[Chorus]
Why won't you die?
Your blood in mine
Then your body will be mine
So many words can't describe my face
This feelings evolved, so soon to break out
I can't relate to a happy state
Feeling the blood run inside
Chorus
Why is everything so fucking hard for me?
Keep me down to what you think I should be
Must you tempt me and provoke the ministry?
Keep on trying I'm not dying so easily
(I will not die) 3x
Why is everythins so fucking hard for me? 2x
Chorus2x
The lyrics of Chester Bennington's song "System" are a portrayal of the inner turmoil and frustration that the singer is feeling. He starts by addressing someone who has left or fallen away, stating that he cannot do much about it, even though he feels sick inside. He then proceeds to describe the maddening feeling of being unable to express his emotions clearly or find any peace of mind.
In the chorus, Chester screams out his frustration and anger, wishing for the other person to disappear, taking their blood with them, so that he can be fine on his own. In the second verse, he talks about being unable to find any words to describe his face in this state of distress. At this point, he seems to be at the edge of a breakdown, unable to connect with any happiness or positive emotions as he feels his blood running inside.
The overarching theme of this song is the mental and emotional turmoil that Chester was going through at the time, which is sadly relatable to so many people today. The anger, frustration, and helplessness that he expresses are all typical of someone who is battling depression, addiction, or other mental health issues. It is a powerful song that speaks to the human experience of feeling lost, hopeless, and struggling to find any relief from the pain.
Line by Line Meaning
You fell away, what more can I say?
I'm disappointed that you left, but I don't have anything more to say about it.
The feelings evolved, I won't let it out
I have complicated emotions that have developed, but I won't express them.
I can't replace your screaming face
I can't forget how much you hurt me and the memories of you causing me pain.
Feeling the sickness inside
I'm feeling unwell and upset.
Why won't you die?
I wish you were gone and out of my life.
Your blood in mine
I want to hurt you because of the pain you've caused me.
We'll be fine
Once you're gone, I'll be okay.
Then your body will be mine
I want revenge and to cause you harm.
So many words can't describe my face
I have too many emotions and they're difficult to convey.
This feelings evolved, so soon to break out
My complicated emotions are becoming more and more intense.
I can't relate to a happy state
I'm not able to feel happiness due to everything I'm going through.
Feeling the blood run inside
I'm feeling intense emotions.
Why is everything so fucking hard for me?
I'm overwhelmed and struggling with everything.
Keep me down to what you think I should be
You're trying to control and limit me.
Must you tempt me and provoke the ministry?
You're trying to cause me problems and are instigating a conflict.
Keep on trying I'm not dying so easily
I'm strong and won't let you defeat me.
(I will not die) 3x
I won't give up or let you break me down.
Why is everything so fucking hard for me? 2x
I'm still struggling with everything that's going on.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RICHARD KENDALL GIBBS, JONATHAN HOWSMAN DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@trimotio1
You fell away,
What more can I say?
The feelings evolved,
I won't let it out,
I can't replace...
Your screaming face,
Feeling the sickness inside
Why won't you die?
Your blood in mine.
We'll be fine.
Then your body will be mine
So many words
Can't describe my face
This feeling's evolved
So soon to break out
I can't relate
To a happy state
Feeling the blood run inside
Why won't you die?
Your blood in mine.
We'll be fine.
Then your body will be mine
Why is everything so fucking hard for me?
Keep me down to what you think I should be!
Must you tempt me and provoke the ministry?
Keep on trying I’m not dying so easily
I will not die.
Why is everything so fucking hard for me?
I will not die.
Why is everything so fucking hard for me?
I will not die.
[2x]
Why won't you die?
Your blood in mine.
We'll be fine.
Then your body will be mine
@thevampirecielphantomhive2342
Akasha: Hmmm the scent is fading...he was here not long ago.
Vampire: You like him do you?
Akasha: He reminds me of someone...
Vampire: Soon all hell remond you of is apile of bones. We're going to dismember him... bleed him dry.
Akasha: Really? Is that what your going to do....
Akasha: Lestat come out come out wherever you are...
@ladylequvia7
Wow......I never knew Chester was on this. I always heard Jonathan Davis. This song always stood out to me from the soundtrack. RIP Aaliyah and Chester.
@malozar9214
Damnn... realising I have to say RIP to Aalyah and Chester just 💔
@shellblacker6582
Magnificent Movie & Spataclor Sound Track ❤❤️❤️❤️😇😇😇😇
@anscenic7421
90% of Chester fans didn't know this masterpiece.
@duolonpanik
90% of those fans are just fans because he dies most of they didn't even listen to all his songs
@urxntia
I do hehe
@felipeoliveira6543
@duolonpanik true.
@bemondra
in to 10%
@louishernandez4422
I didn't know he sang it, only 2 years ago I learned of it lol
@rarityclarity3724
A song sung by Chester Bennington and written and co-produced by Jonathan Davis… what's more dope than that?