Linkin Park – What I've Done

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In this farewell
There's no blood, there's no alibi
'Cause I've drawn regret
From the truth of a thousand lies
So let mercy come and wash away
What I've done

I'll face myself to cross out what I've become
Erase myself
And let go of what I've done

Put to rest what you thought of me
While I clean this slate
With the hands of uncertainty
So let mercy come and wash away
What I've done

I'll face myself to cross out what I've become
Erase myself
And let go of what I've done

For what I've done
I start again
And whatever pain may come
Today this ends
I'm forgiving what I've done

I'll face myself to cross out what I've become
Erase myself
And let go of what I've done

(Na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na)
What I've done
(Na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na)
Forgiving what I've done
(Na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na, na na na)
(Na na na na)

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Lyrics submitted by minuteman

Track duration: 03:26

"What I've Done" as written by Chester Charles Bennington, Robert G. Bourdon, Brad Delson, Mike Shinoda, Dave Farrell, Joseph Hahn

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


What I've Done song meanings
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199 Comments

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  • 0
    My Interpretation:Politics, environment, God, Sin, repentance, redemption? I say, all of the above. I think that's the beauty of the song. Some have already said that the interpretation is in the eye of the beholder, but I go a little bit further and think two things: (1) interpretation is based on your world-view, and (2) LP is writing with that intent.

    What's the song's problem or tension? Guilt over past actions. I'm a Christian, so I am naturally going to interpret this, very easily, as a song about sin, God's forgiveness, and the need to move beyond the guilt. This is not to say that LP is in any way religious, however they have chosen certain phrases ("So let mercy come and wash away..." for example) that they must know will appeal to a religious listener, particularly one that is Christian. If this song was performed by a band in the Christian fringe line Underoath, Head (Brian Welch), or even Lifehouse, how would it be interpreted? It would get heavy play on Christian radio and in Christian Youth Groups.

    What's your world-view? Are you a secular-humanist? An environmentalist? Supporter of animal rights? The good thing about the song is that there is a positive message in there for you, too.

    And in the end, if you begin to ponder the idea of God and His Grace and Mercy, that's great, too. Have an open mind and heart.
    Flag jayintheukon August 20, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Jesus. Does anyone really listen to Linkin Park's lyrics? No, it's not about things "he" regrets or has done wrong. It's about the chaos and apathy of generations that done't give a fuck about the extinction of animals, or global warming or starvation or disasters. Do something about what we've all done. Give a fuck for god's sake. It doesn't matter what God you believe in or what religion you are. The world doesn't revolve around you or me or any ONE of us.
    Flagged ninareneeon July 17, 2012   Link
  • 0
    Song Meaning:what i've done basically admitting things that u've regretted in the past (mistakes) and trying 2 forgive urself cos ur a human being not some sort of a monster
    Flag ritesh01on September 29, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Good song. He's screwed up repeatedly and he believes he can wash the slate clean with her "mercy." He wants to leave his sins behind and move forward. Forgiveness of self (which is what he is attempting to do) is the way to more forward.
    Flag MaryMaryQuiteContraryon September 08, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:first off, i love how this song is more rock less rap(can't spell crap without rap)and is some of the best the band's ever sounded. anyways, i think this song is about someone who knows they've done some really bad stuff in their past but they want to be forgiven and make amends for "what they've done".
    Flag SilentSong19on March 30, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:To me this song is about the fact that you've hurt people in your life (A family member, close friend etc.) and your asking them to forgive you as you forgive yourself
    Flag AustinG010on July 15, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I was introduced to this song last year in English class. We were talking about climate change and our teacher brought this song to class. I love the song and the music video is extremely well made.
    Flag crazyclaude92on April 30, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song is about a soldier. Of how he or she has commited so many heinous acts of war. of killing. He or she wants to erase the war like shelves and become normal members of society :P
    Flag Drag0nkingon April 09, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:this song is about what we as people have done to our environment if you watch the music video youll under stand
    Flag tiktikboomon January 10, 2010   Link
    • 1 Reply
  • 0
    Song Meaning:yeah the song is good and all but take a very close look at the lyrics of the song, "erase myself" that pretty much says that i want to die. But still the song is very good and all i'm not a real big fan of the lyrics of the song

    Tho i've also heard that numb is a good song that they made as well and there lyrics are not that bad or suicidal for that note
    Flag EAlexander20on November 04, 2009   Link

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