Meaning of "Rebellion" by Linkin Park

The lyrics of "Rebellion" delve into the idea of conformity and the need for rebellion in society. The opening lines present a bleak picture of the world, with references to blood, brokenness, and the unseen suffering. The narrator desires a flood or an ocean as a metaphorical cleanse for their confusion, suggesting a need for change and transformation. However, they acknowledge that they can't resolve the empty story or repair the damage done, implying a sense of helplessness.

The song then shifts to describing society's imitation of rebellion. People act out and wear the colors defined by their possessions, trying to establish a sense of individuality and uniqueness. However, they are not truly independent but rather like each other, pretending that they are alone in their experiences. This highlights the irony of the situation, where individuals strive for rebellion but end up imitating one another.

The chorus emphasizes the idea of being fortunate, suggesting that the characters have never experienced true oppression or faced the consequences of rebellion. They are merely imitations of rebels, going through the motions without truly understanding or experiencing the weight of their actions. The repetition of "we are the fortunate ones" reinforces this sense of detachment and insincerity.

Towards the end of the song, there is a shift in tone as the lyrics mention distant buildings burning in the face of the damage done. This could be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of true rebellion happening elsewhere, while the characters in the song are lost in their imitations. The repetition of the word "rebellion" becomes more intense, possibly symbolizing a longing for genuine rebellion and a recognition of their own flawed attempts.

The repeated phrase "we fall apart" could represent the consequences of this imitation rebellion, where individuals lose their sense of self and purpose. The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, once again highlighting the characters' privileged position and their imitation of true rebellion.

Overall, "Rebellion" by Linkin Park conveys a sense of emptiness and detachment in the face of conformity and the desire for rebellious action. It asks listeners to question their own authenticity and motivations, urging them to seek genuine rebellion rather than settling for imitation.