Linkin’ Park front man Chester Bennington completed suicide yesterday. He died alone by hanging. To those familiar with his life and music, this news is tragic but not altogether surprising. Chester had been open about the impact of abuse in his childhood and the problems created in his life by his use of drugs and alcohol.
His death comes on the heels of his friend Chris Cornell taking his life in May. In an open letter to his friend, Chester wrote:
“Your voice was joy and pain, anger and forgiveness, love and heartache all wrapped up into one. I suppose that’s what we all are.”
In their latest album, One More Light, Linkin Park went in a completely new direction from their past music. The song, “Heavy” is so clearly autobiographical. It’s a song about the struggles of recovery from both trauma and addiction and the video leaves no room for interpretation. The lyrics appear below, right after a brief sentiment:
“Who cares if one more light goes out in the sky of a million stars? Well, I do.” Linkin Park
Me too. I care and I hate losing my heroes (locally or in stardom) to the destruction of mental illness and addiction. It’s time to love and actively support each other more. I’m more than tired of losing people I love.
“Heavy” – Linkin Park
I don’t like my mind right now Stacking up problems that are so unnecessary Wish that I could slow things down I wanna let go but there’s comfort in the panic And I drive myself crazy Thinking everything’s about me Yeah, I drive myself crazy ‘Cause I can’t escape the gravity
I’m holding on Why is everything so heavy? Holding on So much more than I can carry I keep dragging around what’s bringing me down If I just let go, I’d be set free Holding on Why is everything so heavy?
You say that I’m paranoid But I’m pretty sure the world is out to get me It’s not like I make the choice To let my mind stay so fucking messy I know I’m not the center of the universe But you keep spinning ’round me just the same I know I’m not the center of the universe But you keep spinning ’round me just the same
I’m holding on Why is everything so heavy? Holding on So much more than I can carry I keep dragging around what’s bringing me down If I just let go, I’d be set free Holding on Why is everything so heavy?
I know I’m not the center of the universe But you keep spinning ’round me just the same I know I’m not the center of the universe But you keep spinning ’round me just the same And I drive myself crazy Thinking everything’s about me
Holding on Why is everything so heavy? Holding on So much more than I can carry I keep dragging around what’s bringing me down If I just let go, I’d be set free Holding on Why is everything so heavy? Why is everything so heavy? Why is everything so heavy?