Burning In The Skies
Linkin Park
The Haunting Regret of 'Burning In The Skies'
Linkin Park's 'Burning In The Skies' is a poignant track that delves into themes of regret, loss, and the consequences of one's actions. The lyrics, rich with metaphor, paint a picture of destruction and the aftermath of one's choices. The opening lines, 'I used the deadwood to make the fire rise / The blood of innocence burning in the skies,' suggest a sense of responsibility for a catastrophic event, using the imagery of fire and blood to symbolize damage and guilt.
The chorus, 'I'm swimming in the smoke / Of bridges I have burned,' reinforces the theme of regret. The metaphor of burning bridges is commonly used to describe the destruction of relationships or opportunities due to one's actions. The protagonist in the song acknowledges this self-inflicted isolation and expresses a sense of unworthiness, claiming they are 'losing what I don't deserve.' This could imply a recognition of the loss of something valuable, like trust or love, that they feel they no longer have the right to claim.
The song also touches on the inevitability of separation and the natural end of things, as seen in the lines, 'And in the end we were made to be apart / Like separate chambers of the human heart.' This suggests that some relationships or situations are destined to end, regardless of the actions of those involved. The recurring theme of accepting blame and the refrain 'What I don't deserve' speaks to a deep-seated feeling of guilt and the acceptance of the consequences that come with one's actions.