Linkin Park’s “Numb” Lyrics Meaning

Linkin Park’s “Numb” is a song that is being relayed from the perspective of someone who would logically be a child (i.e. teenager) still living under his or her parents. Indeed the lyrics are focused on the singer’s relationship with his parents. And to make a long story short, they are putting pressure on him to conform to their expectations. And such is killing him internally.

Or phrased differently, the narrator is very-depressed as a result of the stress he experiences via his parents. And the implication is that he does not have the wherewithal to confront them directly concerning the issue.

However, the situation appears as if his discontent is palpable, as in his parents being able to perceive he is not who they want him to be. But this “disappointment” is mutual, as the situation has also resulted in him not being too fond of his parents. Indeed he has conscientiously decided to be “less like” them.

So conclusively, this appears to be an unenviable matter for all parties involved. And unfortunately for the singer, it appears that he is going to have to deal with the associated depression into the foreseeable future.

“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”

Music Video

Joe Hahn, Linkin Park’s DJ, also directed the music video for “Numb”.

It is actually one of the greatest music videos of all time, having amassed in excess of one-billion views by late 2018. And in doing so it became the third-oldest video on YouTube to have achieved this milestone.

The music video to “Numb”, which was filmed in both the Czech Republic and Los Angeles, starred Hollywood actress Briana Evigan.

Release Date of “Numb”

“Numb” was released by the Warner Music Group on 25 March 2003 as the final song on the playlist of Linkin Park’s sophomore album, “Meteora”.  Later it also served as the third single issued from that project.

A Linkin Park Signature Tune

This track is one of the band’s signature tunes, having charted in over 20 countries all across the world. This is pretty amazing considering that Linkin Park put the song “together quickly and almost effortlessly”.

And whereas it stalled at number 11 on the Hot 100, it did top Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart. It topped that chart for an outstanding 12 weeks.

Moreover “Numb” has been certified multi-Platinum in both Italy and the United States. In fact even its ringtone has been achieved Platinum status in America.

Multiple Versions of “Numb”

“Numb” is known to have been remixed or covered by artists such as Nicki Minaj (2007) and Machine Gun Kelly (2018).

Moreover Linkin Park dropped a famous remix of this tune alongside rap superstar Jay-Z entitled “Numb/Encore” in 2004. That rendition was also quite successful, even winning a Grammy Award.

Who wrote “Numb”?

“Numb” was written by Linkin Park members. The official writing credits for “Numb” are as follows:

• Chester Bennington
• Rob Bourdon
• Brad Delson
• Dave Farrell
• Joe Hahn
• Mike Shinoda

And the track was produced by someone who has worked extensively with the band, Don Gilmore.