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)
Hands Held High
Linkin Park Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got to say something
Lightweights stepping aside
When we come in
Feel it in your chest
The syllables get pumping
People on the street
They panic and start running
Sheet complete coming
I jump on my mind
I summon the rhyme I'm dumping
Healing the blind
I promise to let the sun in
Sick of the dark ways
We march to the drumming
Jump when they tell us
They want to see jumping
Fuck that, I want to
See some fist pumping
Risk something
Take back what's yours
Say something that you know
They might attack you for
'Cause I'm sick of being treated
Like I had before
Like it's stupid standing for
What I'm standing for
Like this war is really just
A different brand of war
Like it doesn't cater the rich
And an abandon the poor
Like they understand you
In the back of the jet
When you can't put gas in your tank
These fuckers are laughing their way
To the bank and cashing their check
Asking you to have compassion and to have some respect
For a leader so nervous
In an obvious way
Stuttering and mumbling
For nightly news to replay
And the rest of the world
Watching at the end of the day
In the living room laughing
Like what did he say?
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
In my living room watching
But I am not laughing
'Cause when it gets tense
I know what might happen
The world is cold
The bold men take action
Have to react
Or get blown into fractions
Ten years old is something to see
Another kid my age drugged under a jeep
Taken and bound and found later under a tree
I wonder if he thought the "next one could be me"
Do you see?
The soldiers they're out today
That brush the dust from bulletproof vests away
It's ironic
At times like this you pray
But a bomb blew the mosque up yesterday
There's bombs in the buses, bikes, roads
Inside your markets, your shops, your clothes
My dad, he's got a lot of fear I know
But enough pride inside not to let that show
My brother had a book he would hold with pride
A little red cover with a broken spine
In the back he hand wrote a quote inside
When the rich wage war, it's the poor who die
Meanwhile, the leader just talks away
Stuttering and mumbling
For nightly news to replay
And the rest of the world
Watching at the end of the day
Both scared and angry
Like what did he say?
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
With hands held high
Into a sky so blue
As the ocean opens up
To swallow you
With hands held high
Into a sky so blue
The ocean opens up
To swallow you
With hands held high
Into a sky so blue
The ocean opens up
To swallow you
With hands held high
Into a sky so blue
The ocean opens up
To swallow you
With hands held high
Into a sky so blue
The ocean opens up
To swallow you
With hands held high
Into a sky so blue
The ocean opens up
To swallow you
The lyrics to Linkin Park's song Hands Held High are a commentary on the state of the world, particularly in the context of war and politics. The opening lines express a desire to make a strong statement and be heard, with the rapper asking for his microphone to be turned up louder. He calls out those who are not taking action, referring to them as "lightweights stepping aside," and urges people to speak up for what they believe in. The chorus is a repetition of the word "amen," which can be taken as both a plea for justice and a recognition of the harsh realities of the world.
As the song continues, the rapper discusses the experience of living in a war-torn country, where bombs can be found in buses, markets, and even clothing. He acknowledges the fear and sadness that are present in his community but also celebrates the bravery and resilience of those who refuse to let their spirits be broken. The song ends with a haunting image of the ocean opening up to "swallow" the singer, perhaps a metaphor for the sense of helplessness and despair that can come from living in a world that feels hostile and dangerous.
Overall, Hands Held High is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the struggles of those living in difficult circumstances. It is a call to action and a reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice and fighting for what is right.
Line by Line Meaning
Turn my mic up louder
Increase the volume on my microphone, I have something important to say
I got to say something
I have a message that needs to be heard
Lightweights stepping aside
Those who cannot handle the intensity should move out of the way
When we come in
We are bringing a powerful force that creates a reaction
Feel it in your chest
Our words have a physical impact on your body
The syllables get pumping
The rhythm and flow of the words intensify
People on the street
The general public hears and reacts to our message
They panic and start running
People become frightened and try to leave the situation
Words on loose leaf
My message is written on a sheet of paper without a specific plan
Sheet complete coming
The message is finished and ready to be shared
I jump on my mind
I retrieve my unique thoughts and ideas
I summon the rhyme I'm dumping
I bring forth my lyrical ability and release it forcefully
Healing the blind
I'm shedding light on important issues that people may not see
I promise to let the sun in
I offer hope and positivity in a dark world
Sick of the dark ways
I am tired of the negative and destructive attitudes in society
We march to the drumming
We move forward with determination and purpose
Jump when they tell us
We are expected to follow orders blindly
They want to see jumping
The system demands obedience and conformity
Fuck that, I want to
I refuse to give in to their expectations
See some fist pumping
I want to see people standing up and fighting for what's right
Risk something
We must be willing to take chances to make positive change
Take back what's yours
Reclaim the rights and freedoms that have been taken away
Say something that you know
Speak up for what you believe in, even if it's unpopular
They might attack you for
There will be consequences for speaking out against the system
'Cause I'm sick of being treated
I'm tired of being oppressed and controlled
Like I had before
I see patterns of injustice repeating
Like it's stupid standing for
People question the value of fighting for what you believe in
What I'm standing for
I have a clear purpose and reason to fight for change
Like this war is really just
The conflict we face is just one piece of a larger problem
A different brand of war
Our battle may look different, but it's still a fight worth having
Like it doesn't cater the rich
The system privileges those with money and power
And an abandon the poor
The most vulnerable populations are neglected and left behind
Like they understand you
Those in power claim to know and represent the people, but they don't
In the back of the jet
They are removed from the struggles of everyday people
When you can't put gas in your tank
Common people struggle to afford the basic necessities of life
These fuckers are laughing their way
Those in power mock and disregard the struggles of everyday people
To the bank and cashing their check
They profit off the same system that oppresses others
Asking you to have compassion and to have some respect
They ask us to show empathy and understanding, while they lack it themselves
For a leader so nervous
Our supposed leader lacks confidence and appears unsure
In an obvious way
Their lack of confidence is clear and noticeable
Stuttering and mumbling
Their speech is unclear and uncertain
For nightly news to replay
Their incompetence and lack of direction is broadcasted for all to see
And the rest of the world
People all over the globe witness the struggles we face
Watching at the end of the day
At the end of it all, we are being watched and judged
In the living room laughing
People are passively entertained by our struggles
Like what did he say?
People are confused and unsure of what our leader is trying to communicate
Amen, amen, amen, amen, amen
This repeated phrase could signify a prayer or a call for unity, strength, and perseverance
In my living room watching
I am personally experiencing and witnessing these struggles
But I am not laughing
I refuse to be passive and amused by the issues at hand
'Cause when it gets tense
During trying times and conflicts
I know what might happen
I understand the dangers and risks that come with fighting for what's right
The world is cold
The world can be cruel and harsh
The bold men take action
Those who dare to step up and fight for change will make a meaningful impact
Have to react
We need to take initiative and respond to the issues at hand
Or get blown into fractions
If we don't take action, we will be divided and defeated
Ten years old is something to see
Even at a young age, we witness the injustice and violence around us
Another kid my age drugged under a jeep
Other children like me are faced with horrible situations of brutality and cruelty
Taken and bound and found later under a tree
They are abducted, restrained, and eventually found dead
I wonder if he thought the "next one could be me"
I wonder if he feared for his own life and the possibility of him being the next victim
Do you see?
Can you comprehend the gravity of what's happening?
The soldiers they're out today
The presence of military forces is noticeable
That brush the dust from bulletproof vests away
The soldiers are ready for combat and are preparing themselves
It's ironic
The situation is contradictory and unexpected
At times like this you pray
During moments of despair, people turn to faith and prayer for hope and guidance
But a bomb blew the mosque up yesterday
Even places of worship and sanctuaries are not safe from violence and destruction
There's bombs in the buses, bikes, roads
The danger and threat of explosive devices are everywhere
Inside your markets, your shops, your clothes
Even the everyday places and things we rely on for survival are at risk
My dad, he's got a lot of fear I know
I am aware of my father's fear, concern, and anxiety regarding the current situation
But enough pride inside not to let that show
Despite this fear, my father remains proud, strong, and steadfast
My brother had a book he would hold with pride
My brother treasured his book and held it close to his heart
A little red cover with a broken spine
The book had a worn and damaged appearance, but was still cherished
In the back he hand wrote a quote inside
My brother added a personal touch to the book with a written quote
When the rich wage war, it's the poor who die
The consequences of war disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and marginalized populations
Meanwhile, the leader just talks away
Our supposed leader speaks without taking meaningful action
Stuttering and mumbling
Their message is incoherent and unclear
Both scared and angry
People are feeling simultaneous emotions of fear and anger
Like what did he say?
Everything that our leader said seems confusing and incomprehensible
With hands held high
We raise our hands in surrender, desperation, and surrender
Into a sky so blue
We look up at the open and vast sky
The ocean opens up
The vastness of the earth seems to swallow us up
To swallow you
We feel overwhelmed, engulfed, and helpless in the face of the challenges we face
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brad Delson, Chester Charles Bennington, Dave Farrell, Joseph Hahn, Mike Shinoda, Robert G. Bourdon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@IProvideLyrics1924
[Verse 1: Mike Shinoda]
Turn my mic up louder, I got to say something
Lightweights step it aside when we come in
Feel it in your chest, the syllables get pumping
People on the street, they panic and start running
Words on loose-leaf sheet complete coming
I jump in my mind and summon the rhyme I'm dumping
Healing the blind, I promise to let the sun in
Sick of the dark ways we march to the drumming
Jump when they tell us that they wanna see jumping
Fcuk that, I wanna see some fists pumping
Risk something, take back what's yours
Say something that you know they might attack you for
'Cause I'm sick of being treated like I have before
Like it's stupid standing for what I'm standing for
Like this war's really just a different brand of war
Like it doesn't cater to rich and abandon poor
Like they understand you in the back of the jet
When you can't put gas in your tank
These fcukers are laughing their way to the bank and cashing the check
Asking you to have compassion and have some respect
For a leader so nervous in an obvious way
Stuttering and mumbling for nightly news to replay
And the rest of the world watching at the end of the day
In the living room laughing, like, "What did he say?"
[Refrain]
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
[Verse 2: Mike Shinoda]
In my living room watching, but I am not laughing
'Cause when it gets tense, I know what might happen
The world is cold, the bold men take action
Have to react or get blown into fractions
Ten years old, something to see
Another kid my age drugged under a Jeep
Taken and bound and found later under a tree
I wonder if he had thought the next one could be me
Do you see the soldiers that are out, today?
They brush the dust from bulletproof vests away
It's ironic, at times like this you'd pray
But a bomb blew the mosque up, yesterday
There's bombs on the buses, bikes, roads
Inside your market, your shops, your clothes
My dad, he's got a lot of fear, I know
But enough pride inside not to let that show
My brother had a book he would hold with pride
A little red cover with a broken spine
On the back, he hand-wrote a quote inside
"When the rich wage war it's the poor who die"
Meanwhile, the leader just talks away
Stuttering and mumbling for nightly news to replay
The rest of the world watching, at the end of the day
Both scared and angry, like, "What did he say?"
[Refrain]
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
Amen
[Chorus: Mike Shinoda]
With hands held high into a sky so blue (Amen)
As the ocean opens up to swallow you (Amen)
With hands held high into a sky so blue (Amen)
As the ocean opens up to swallow you (Amen)
With hands held high into a sky so blue (Amen)
As the ocean opens up to swallow you (Amen)
With hands held high into a sky so blue (Amen)
As the ocean opens up to swallow you (Amen)
With hands held high into a sky so blue (Amen)
As the ocean opens up to swallow you (Amen)
With hands held high into a sky so blue (Amen)
As the ocean opens up to swallow you (Amen)
@Kagranth
"When the rich wage war, it's the poor who die".
@tank___
sad, but that's one of the most true quotes I've ever heard
@soldierboytilltheend7246
***** so my son, father,brothers wer poor fuck u my son died in my fucking hands he was 25 i stand hear knowing that i will never see them again till my time comes... WE ARNT POOR WE FIGHT FOR YOUR ASS BECAUSE U CANT!
@RealHurdle69
***** The truth cometh, and with it shalt come pain and regret.
@RealHurdle69
soldier boy till the end Dude, he means that the "rich", as in men with hundreds upon thousands of dollars in their bank account and do nothing with it, refuse to fight for what is right. I understand, and , trust me, we are not poor, we are wealthy, but in other ways. Ways most men cannot understand. Good luck, and god be with you. I pray that you are safe.
@soldierboytilltheend7246
treyton nugent thanks man
@syedhasnainali8282
Shinoda is so underrated.
@SoLao
agreed
@onlineauthors8539
Whether it's for Linkin Park or Fort Minor, he's always so smart and talented
@syedhasnainali8282
yes thats true