Lies Greed Misery by Linkin Park Lyrics Meaning – Peeling Back the Layers of Retribution
Lyrics
Sayin’ that I soften
I was duckin’ down to reload
So you can save your petty explanations
I don’t have the patience
Before you even say it I know
You let your pride and your ego
Talk slick to me no
That is not the way I get down
And look at how you lose your composure
Now let me show ya exactly how the breaking point sound
I wanna see you choke on your lies
Swallow up your greed
Suffer all alone in your misery
Choke on your lies
Swallow up your greed
Suffer all alone in your misery
What is it you want me to tell ya?
I’m not the failure
I would rather live and let be
But you can’t make the right kinda threat to
Push me to let you
No, you can’t intimidate me
You disrespect me so clearly
Now you better hear me
That is not the way it goes down
You did it to yourself and it’s over
Now let me show ya exactly how the breaking point sounds
I wanna see you choke on your lies
Swallow up your greed
Suffer all alone in your misery
Choke on your lies
Swallow up your greed
Suffer all alone in your misery
I wanna see you choke on your lies
Swallow up your greed
Suffer all alone in your misery
Choke on your lies
Swallow up your greed
Suffer all alone in your misery
You did it to yourself
You did it to yourself
You did it to yourself
You did it to yourself
You did it to yourself
You did it to yourself
You did it to yourself
You did it to yourself
I wanna see you choke on your lies
Swallow up your greed
Suffer all alone in your misery
Choke on your lies
Swallow up your greed
Suffer all alone in your misery
Linkin Park has always been a band to push the envelope, to delve into the darker creases of the human psyche with a potent mix of aggression and melody. ‘Lies Greed Misery,’ a track from their 2012 album ‘Living Things,’ continues this legacy with its searing indictment of betrayal and the thirst for vengeance.
This composition doesn’t just snake through the ear canals with its catchy hooks and relentless energy; it deconstructs the bitter emotions that come with deception and the hunger to see justice – or perhaps revenge – served. Below, we explore the intricate layers of Linkin Park’s sonic assault on falsehood and avarice.
The Countdown to Retribution Begins
The opening lines of ‘Lies Greed Misery’ serve as a battle cry, a signal that the protagonist is loading up for a confrontation. With a backdrop of electro-infused hard rock, listeners are pulled into a narrative of conflict, preparedness for a reckoning. The narrator’s refusal to accept excuses, paired with the rawness of Chester Bennington’s delivery, ignites a fuse that burns throughout the track.
The message here is clear: there are consequences to mendacity and self-interest. The protagonist is seemingly scorned, pushed past a point of acceptance, heralding a transformation from victim to assertive counter-attacker. It’s a visceral illustration of the moment when one chooses to stop absorbing blows and starts distributing them instead.
Exposing the Virulent Trio: Lies, Greed, and Misery
The title itself is an incisive summary of the themes that course through the song: ‘Lies Greed Misery.’ These are not incidental character flaws but cardinal sins in the realm of personal relationships. They signify a rot, a corruption at the heart of interpersonal betrayals. Linkin Park positions these words as poisons, each one to be choked on, as the due repercussions for the antagonist’s actions.
The repetitive nature of the chorus, its chant-like quality, becomes a mantra for karma, suggesting a just desserts scenario. There’s a Shakespearean quality to the idea of reaping what one sows; it runs through the ages and manifests here in this modern alt-rock anthem.
The Hidden Meaning: A Mirror to Society’s Woes
While on the surface the song seems to speak to personal grudges, there’s a deeper resonance with society at large. ‘Lies Greed Misery’ reflects the collective disillusionment with the systems of power and control surrounded by scandals, corruption, and the suffering of individuals left in their wake.
The personal becomes political, as the pleas and grievances of the individual voice mirror the larger societal outcry against the rampant dishonesty and self-serving actions that characterize much of modern governance and corporate maneuvering. Linkin Park has often transcended the personal, and here too they craft a narrative that calls for accountability on a grand scale.
Beneath the Surface: Refusing Intimidation and Disrespect
Key lines within the verses bring forth an individual’s declaration of autonomy and resistance in the face of manipulation. There is an outright rejection of threats and an affirmation of self-worth against someone who tries to undermine it. This stance provides a relatable backbone to the song, as listeners are invited to consider their own boundaries and the moments they’ve defended them.
Linkin Park’s message is resolute: confronting the entities that try to belittle or sway is not only acceptable, it’s necessary. The act of standing firm against disrespect, even when it comes from sources of perceived authority, is lauded – and that message is as empowering as it is timeless.
Memorable Lines: The Inescapable Karma of ‘You did it to yourself’
Among the song’s most impactful moments are the repeated phrases, ‘You did it to yourself.’ These words, simple and direct, encapsulate the song’s essence. They place the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of the antagonist, a stark reminder that we are often architects of our downfall, especially when driven by ignoble pursuits.
This refrain is a convincing end to the debate, the final nail, so to speak, in the coffin. There’s a universality to this sentiment, a thread that ties together notions of cause and effect, making it one of the most resonant messages delivered by the band. It’s the declaration that everyone, at some point, must face the music – a testament to the inexorable nature of consequences.
