Over Again

Mike Shinoda's song 'Over Again' is a poignant exploration of grief and the struggle to find closure after the loss of a loved one. The lyrics reflect the emotional turmoil and the repetitive nature of saying goodbye, not just once, but over and over again. This repetition underscores the ongoing process of mourning, where each day brings a new wave of sorrow and remembrance. The song is deeply personal, likely referencing the passing of Shinoda's bandmate Chester Bennington, and it captures the raw, unfiltered emotions that come with such a profound loss.

The verses delve into the immediate aftermath of the loss, describing the confusion and helplessness felt by those left behind. The lines 'It was a month since he passed, maybe less / And no one knew what to do, we were such a mess' highlight the disarray and the struggle to find a way to honor their friend. The decision to perform a tribute show becomes a focal point, symbolizing both a tribute and a challenge. Shinoda's internal conflict about performing, despite rehearsing for a month, reveals the depth of his grief and the difficulty of moving forward.

The chorus, with its repetitive 'Sometimes, sometimes you don’t say goodbye once / You say goodbye over and over and over again,' emphasizes the cyclical nature of grief. It suggests that closure is not a one-time event but a continuous process. The frustration and anger in the lyrics, particularly in lines like 'All the sudden you hear what I’ve said a hundred ways before?' and 'Only my life’s work hanging in the fucking balance,' convey the overwhelming pressure and the sense of being misunderstood by those who haven't experienced such a loss. The song ultimately portrays the relentless and exhausting journey of coping with grief, where each step forward can feel like a step back, and the farewell is never truly final.