Released: 2007
Linkin Park’s ‘Given Up’ is a raw, gut-wrenching exploration of despair and self-loathing. It’s a powerful anthem that captures the struggle of mental health, particularly depression and anxiety, with an unflinching honesty that’s characteristic of the band’s work.
Wake in a sweat again / Another day’s been laid to waste / In my disgrace. These opening lines set the tone for the song. The protagonist is waking up, already in distress, feeling like they’ve wasted another day. The term ‘disgrace’ suggests a sense of self-loathing and regret.
Stuck in my head again / Feels like I’ll never leave this place / There’s no escape / I’m my own worst enemy. Here, the protagonist is trapped in their own thoughts, unable to escape the negative self-talk. The phrase ‘I’m my own worst enemy’ is a common saying, meaning that the person is causing their own problems or making their situation worse.
I’ve given up / I’m sick of feeling / Is there nothing you can say? / Take this all away / I’m suffocating / Tell me, what the fuck is wrong with me? This chorus is a desperate plea for help. The protagonist is tired of feeling this way and is asking for someone to take away their pain. The use of the word ‘suffocating’ symbolizes the overwhelming nature of their feelings.
I don’t know what to take / Thought I was focused, but I’m scared / I’m not prepared / I hyperventilate / Looking for help somehow, somewhere / And no one cares. The protagonist is feeling lost and scared, not knowing how to handle their situation. They’re seeking help, but feel ignored or neglected, which only amplifies their sense of despair.
Put me out of my misery / Put me out of my misery / Put me out of my, put me out of my fucking misery. These lines are a desperate cry for relief. The repetition of ‘put me out of my misery’ emphasizes the protagonist’s desperation and the intensity of their suffering.
Overall, ‘Given Up’ is a stark portrayal of the struggle with mental health. It’s a raw and honest depiction of despair and self-loathing, serving as a reminder that it’s okay to not be okay, and the importance of seeking help when needed.
