Linkin Park, “the name that virtually connects every city in America” (ABC News), is a great band with a combination of several elements of “rap, punk, metal, and electronic into their music”, which thrived on the top of music billboard from the 2000s to 2010s (Patton). One of the most successful albums of all time “Meteora” by Linkin Park was released in 2003 with over 10 million copies worldwide, and the song “Numb” is the reason behind that success with almost 2 billion views on YouTube (Gordon). Three main elements that turn the song “Numb” by Linkin Park into an artwork that has a massive impact on pop culture: are the strong connection to mental health, emotional resonance through lyrics and themes, and commercial performance.
With the strong themes connected to mental health issues, Linkin Park made a huge contribution to conveying and improving awareness of depression in the late 2000s, making the song “Numb” closer to the audiences who had the issues at that time. First, the rise of depression and anxiety was noticeable in the early 21st century in the United States (Hyde). These mental health issues rapidly increased up to 63 % from 2005 to 2017, and they thrived among young adults in the U.S. (Hyde). In the modern day, this kind of illness mostly comes from the stress of chasing people’s expectations, the stress of hiding their emotions, and the stress of not believing in one’s self (Hyde). At the time, according to the statistics of Hyde’s article, the effect of these health problems was tremendously dangerous when it led to several consequences such as suicide, impaired performance, and substance abuse. Sadly, the main vocal of Linkin Park passed away due to suicide by suffering from substance abuse and depression. It significantly remarked the downfall of the band and later on, the band stopped working after over a decade in the industry (Negi). It remarked an important influence on the fans as well as other audiences of Linkin Park in the early 21st century. And it remarked an important sign of the danger of these mental health issues to people. Especially, the song “Numb” has a powerful attachment to depression and anxiety, as it deals with the “numbing effect” of these mental unstabilities (Nikola). Thus, this song was popular with young adults who suffered from depression and anxiety at the time it was released:
As a result of these lyrics, I became more aware of myself and knew that those whom I love are important to me, regardless of how many people I love or care about (Nikola).
The common comments of the audience after listening to the song clearly state the effect of “Numb” on changing people’s thoughts and raising people’s belief in themselves:
When I’m in a quandary, these lyrics help me stay on track…It’s wonderful to see how these lyrics can validate and bring truth to so many people who feel alone, especially when many are experiencing something for the first time (Nikola).
Linkin Park effectively tapped into the themes of depression and anxiety within their songs, creating a powerful connection with those experiencing these mental health challenges. Their music resonated deeply with individuals grappling with these issues, offering a sense of empathy and understanding. In doing so, the band not only connected with those facing darkness but also offered a guiding light, potentially aiding in their journey toward healing and recovery. Therefore, the song has become a strong pop culture influence.
The lyrics from “Numb” by Linkin Park exquisitely show how the narrator has been through the numbness of anxiety and depression, which creates a source of sympathy for those with struggles in their mentality. In the first line of the lyric: “I’m tired of being what you want me to be”, Linkin Park shows the tiredness of chasing to please someone else, rather than themselves. The very first line of work hints at the vulnerability we often experience in defining ourselves, as it reflects a concern rooted in the evaluation of our worth through the lens of others’ perceptions and behaviours. Later on, the artist also illustrates the helpless and internal struggle in the modern world throughout the song (Herbert). “Feeling so faithless, lost under the surface/Don’t know what you’re expecting of me/Put under the pressure of walking in your shoes” (Linkin Park), is the beginning verse of the song. The singer expresses the depression throughout his life by being buried under endless thoughts and internal emotions, not being able to reach expectations from others, and being under pressure by chasing someone else. This is a perfect example of how people get depression nowadays (Herbert). Moreover, the chorus is the centre of the song when it reflects the emotional drain and lack of connection of people after the depression actually happens. Also, the narrator no longer has the ability to control their emotional state. By the end, after realising the problem, it was time for them to understand the desire for things they wanted to do, to understand the desire to embrace individuality and to understand the desire to accept themselves.
I’ve become so numb, I can’t feel you there
Become so tired, so much more aware
I’m becoming this, all I want to do
Is be more like me and be less like you.
The essence of “Numb” lies in its exploration of emotional detachment, internal strife, and the pursuit of individuality amidst societal norms. Its ability to resonate deeply with diverse audiences stems from its nuanced portrayal of these universal themes (Herbert). Thereby, it became an implication for pop culture in the early 2000s to late 2010s
In conclusion, Linkin Park’s legacy, embodied in their song “Numb”, has transcended music and resonated globally. Their fusion of rap, punk and electronic elements created a common struggle against depression and the search for individuality. The tragic loss of Chester Bennington highlighted the band’s profound impact on mental health awareness, amplifying their message of empathy and understanding. “Numb” has become an anthem, speaking to a common experience of emotional detachment and inner conflict. Its profound resonance propelled the song to chart-topping success worldwide, cementing its place in popular culture. Beyond music, their Linkin Legacy lives on as a beacon of hope, touching millions with its honest, authentic depiction of human emotion
References:
ABC News. “Linkin Park: Everyone’s Hometown Band.” ABC News, 6 Jan. 2006, abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=106644&page=1.
Aniftos, Rania. “Billboard.” Billboard, 1 June 2023, www.billboard.com/music/rock/linkin-park-numb-video-2-billion-youtube-views-1235344533.
Patton, A., & Patton, A. (2022, December 30). Behind the band name: Linkin Park. American Songwriter. https://americansongwriter.com/behind-the-band-name-linkin-park/
Gordon, Jeremy. “Linkin Park’s ‘Meteora’ Surprise: Unheard Chester Bennington Songs.” The New York Times, 10 Feb. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/02/10/arts/music/linkin-park-meteora-chester-bennington.html.
Hyde, Emma Kauana Osorio &. Emily. “The Rise of Anxiety and Depression Among Young Adults in the United States — Ballard Brief.” Ballard Brief, 30 Oct. 2023, ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/the-rise-of-anxiety-and-depression-among-young-adults-in-the-united-states.
Negi, Ritika, and Ritika Negi. “Why Did Linkin Park Break up? Here’S What We Know.” LiveAkhbar, 24 Dec. 2021, www.liveakhbar.in/2021/12/24/why-did-linkin-park-break-up-heres-what-you-should-know.
Nikola. The Emotional Impact of Numb by Linkin Park | TaprootMusic.com. taprootmusic.com/the-emotional-impact-of-numb-by-linkin-park.
Herbert, Matthew. “The Meaning Behind the Song: Numb by Linkin Park.” Old Time Music, 12 Oct. 2023, oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-numb-by-linkin-park.
Injection, Metal. “The Impact and Legacy of LINKIN PARK’s Work.” Metal Injection, 25 July 2017, metalinjection.net/editorials/the-impact-and-legacy-of-linkin-parks-work.
Robinson, Amanda. “Chester Bennington Was the Hero of My Adolescence [Editorial].” Dance Music NW, 23 Aug. 2017, www.dancemusicnw.com/chester-bennington-editorial/3.