Formed in 1996, Linkin Park rose to international fame with their debut studio album, Hybrid Theory (2000), which became certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Released during the peak of the nu metal scene, the album's singles' heavy airplay on MTV led the singles "One Step Closer", "Crawling" and "In the End" all to chart highly on the US Mainstream Rock chart. The lattermost also crossed over to the nation's Billboard Hot 100. Their second album, Meteora (2003), continued the band's success. The band explored experimental sounds on their third album, Minutes to Midnight (2007). By the end of the decade, Linkin Park was among the most successful and popular rock acts.
The band continued to explore a wider variation of musical types on their fourth album, A Thousand Suns (2010), layering their music with more electronic sounds. The band's fifth album, Living Things (2012), combined musical elements from all of their previous records. Their sixth album, The Hunting Party (2014), returned to a heavier rock sound, and their seventh album, One More Light (2017), was a substantially more pop-oriented record. Linkin Park went on a hiatus when longtime lead vocalist Bennington died in July 2017. In April 2022, Shinoda revealed the band was neither working on new music nor planning on touring for the foreseeable future.
Linkin Park is among the best-selling bands of the 21st century and the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 100 million records worldwide. They have won two Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, 10 MTV Europe Music Awards and three World Music Awards. In 2003, MTV2 named Linkin Park the sixth-greatest band of the music video era and the third-best of the new millennium. Billboard ranked Linkin Park No. 19 on the Best Artists of the Decade list. In 2012, the band was voted as the greatest artist of the 2000s in a Bracket Madness poll on VH1. In 2014, the band was declared as "The Biggest Rock Band in the World Right Now" by Kerrang!.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linkin_Park
Studio albums
Hybrid Theory (2000)
Meteora (2003)
Minutes to Midnight (2007)
A Thousand Suns (2010)
Living Things (2012)
The Hunting Party (2014)
One More Light (2017)
Friendly Fire
Linkin Park Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What we were fighting for
Staring right into the darkness
Through an empty open door
Can't put back what′s been broken
Can't change the moment
We went too far
We're pulling apart for no reason
We′re pulling a trigger in the useless war
And if we come back and go into the black (black)
What are we fighting for?
What are we fighting for?
I was supposed to protect you
No matter what′s to come
But somehow forgot when they told me
"We hurt the ones we love"
Can't put back what′s been broken
Can't change the moment
We went too far
We′re pulling apart for no reason
We're pulling a trigger in the useless war
And if we come back and go into the black
What are we fighting for?
What are we fighting -?
It′s just friendly fire, fire
Fire, fire
We're strangers in between the darkness
Diving underneath
I'll find you out on the horizon
We′ll never be enemies
Can′t put back what's been broken
Can′t change the moment
We went too far
Pulling part for no reason
We're pulling a trigger in the useless war
And if we come back and go into the black
What are we fighting for?
What are we fighting -?
It′s just friendly fire, fire
Fire, fire
Fire, fire
Fire, fire
The lyrics of Linkin Park's song "Friendly Fire" delve deep into themes of regret, loss, and the destructive nature of conflict. The singer laments the loss of memory and clarity about the original purpose of their fight, feeling lost and directionless as they stare into the darkness through an empty open door. This imagery conveys a sense of confusion and frustration, highlighting the futility of their actions and the inability to repair what has been damaged or lost in the heat of battle.
The lyrics emphasize the inability to undo the damage that has been done, acknowledging the irreversible nature of the past and the consequences of their actions. Despite the desire to protect and care for a loved one, the singer grapples with the realization that they have caused harm, echoing the age-old adage that "we hurt the ones we love." This internal conflict adds layers of guilt and remorse to the narrative, further complicating the tangled web of emotions and consequences.
The repetition of the phrase "we went too far" serves as a somber refrain throughout the song, underscoring the deep regret and understanding that the line has been crossed. The imagery of pulling apart for no reason and pulling a trigger in a useless war paints a picture of senseless destruction and division, questioning the motivations behind their actions and the ultimate purpose of the conflict they find themselves in.
The chorus's mention of "friendly fire" introduces a poignant metaphor for the self-inflicted wounds and collateral damage that can occur in the midst of a personal or interpersonal battle. The acknowledgment of being strangers in the darkness and the hope to reconcile and find common ground in the future adds a glimmer of optimism amidst the chaos and despair. Ultimately, the lyrics provoke reflection on the nature of conflict, the weight of regret, and the quest for understanding and reconciliation in the face of past mistakes.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me the words I′ve forgotten
Asking for clarity on the things that were once clear but have since been lost
What we were fighting for
Questioning the purpose and reason behind the conflicts we've engaged in
Staring right into the darkness
Facing the uncertainty and unknown with courage and strength
Through an empty open door
Venturing into new possibilities or opportunities that appear bleak or unwelcoming
Can't put back what′s been broken
Acknowledging the impossibility of fixing the damage that has already been done
Can't change the moment
Accepting that the past cannot be altered or reversed
We went too far
Realizing that actions or decisions have crossed a point of no return
We're pulling apart for no reason
Drifting away from each other without a valid cause or justification
We′re pulling a trigger in the useless war
Engaging in conflict or hostilities without a meaningful or worthwhile purpose
And if we come back and go into the black (black)
Considering the possibility of returning to a dark or negative state
What are we fighting for?
Questioning the motives and goals of the ongoing struggle
I was supposed to protect you
Having a duty or responsibility to safeguard another person
No matter what′s to come
Regardless of the challenges or obstacles that may arise
But somehow forgot when they told me
Failing to uphold the commitment or promise when influenced by external factors
"We hurt the ones we love"
Recognizing the painful truth that those closest to us often bear the brunt of our actions
It′s just friendly fire, fire
Referring to the unintentional harm caused by those who are meant to be allies or supporters
We're strangers in between the darkness
Feeling disconnected or unfamiliar amidst challenging or bleak circumstances
Diving underneath
Seeking refuge or escape from the pressures or conflicts above
I'll find you out on the horizon
Promising to reunite or seek out a lost connection in the distant future
We′ll never be enemies
Affirming that despite challenges or conflicts, a bond of friendship or understanding will endure
Writer(s): Brad Delson, Jon Green, Mike Shinoda
Contributed by Avery L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@chrisng6425
Lyris -----
Tell me the words I've forgotten
What we were fighting for
Staring right into the darkness
Through an empty open door
Can't put back what's been broken
Can't change the moment
We went too far
We're pulling apart for no reason
We're pulling a trigger in a useless war
And if we come back and go into the black
What are we fighting for?
What are we fighting for?
I was supposed to protect you
No matter what's to come
Somehow forgot when they told me
We hurt the ones we loved
Can't put back what's been broken
Can't change the moment
We went too far
We're pulling apart for no reason
We're pulling a trigger in a useless war
And if we come back and go into the black
What are we fighting for?
What are we fighting?
It's just friendly fire
Fire
Fire
Fire
We're strangers in between the darkness
Diving underneath
I'll find you out on the horizon
We'll never be enemies
Can't put back what's been broken
Can't change the moment
We went too far
We're pulling apart for no reason
We're pulling a trigger in a useless war
And if we come back and go into the black
What are we fighting for?
What are we fighting?
It's just friendly fire
Fire
Fire
Fire
Fire
Fire
Fire
Fire
Linkin Park Forever !!!
@NicoleHorrellMorley7269
Thank you for sharing your personal story of how Linkin Parks music helped you through the rough times in your life.
I will be honest I'm not a huge
Linkin Park fan (never followed there music that closely) but I love there song
In The End.
I can definitely see why the fans loved Chester Bennington so much as he was one of the most fascinating people ever.
Chesters personality and charm are just a few more reasons why people were drawn to him.
@Yenzi769
Linkin Park's music truly has a way of bringing people together from all walks of life. Chester will always be remembered through their timeless songs. Thank you for this beautiful tribute.
@Man2Media
Yes indeed!
@paulaser11
Vhqiq
@englewoodmusic
🙏
@The_lone_warrior.
YES NOW
@MR_MARRANO
Уже много времени прошло, но До сих пор не могу поверить что Честера нету. Привет из России с любовью.
@metalheadlacy
My son is 4 years old, He's named Chester. We decided to name him this after Chester saved both mine and my wives lives separately when we were younger. Chester will always be with us and my 4 year old is proof that it doesn't have to end the nasty way, not if you talk. Not if a light is left on. Thank you Chester, we wish you could have been there to help shape our son as you helped shape us. If you're feeling down, feeling alone, stranded. Allow yourself to talk.
@AkeePheonix-rh4py
🖤😇
@unicornbatgirl8800
My nephew is 6 and is called Chester ❤
@KennethReinertsen
❤