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{{Infobox song
{{Release
| Name         = By Myself
| Name=By Myself
| Artist       = [[Linkin Park]]
| Artist=Linkin Park
| Album        = [[Hybrid Theory]]
| Type=song
| Cover     = Studio-Hybrid_Theory_Cover.jpg
| Release=[[Hybrid Theory]]
| Working title     = Super Xero / Super Zero
| Cover=Studio-Hybrid_Theory_Cover.jpg
| Recorded     = 1999 - 2000
| Working title=Super Xero / Super Zero
| Released     = <!-- {{Start date|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| Recorded=1999 - 2000
| Format     =  
| Released=<!-- YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| Length       = <!-- {{Duration|m=MM|s=SS}} -->
| Format=
| Stems     = "Parts" CD
| Length=<!-- {{Duration|m=MM|s=SS}} -->
| Time signature     = 4/4
| Stems="Parts" CD
| Tempo     = 103
| Time signature=4/4
| Key     = Ab Minor
| Tempo=103
| Samples     =  
| Key=Ab Minor
| References     =  
| Samples=
| Live debut     = Unknown
| References=
| Last played     = [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2014/20140614 June 14, 2014]
| Live debut=Unknown
| Writer       = Brad Delson, Chester Bennington, Joe Hahn, Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon
| Last played=[[Live:20140614|June 14, 2014]]
| Producer     = Don Gilmore
| Writer=Brad Delson, Chester Bennington, Joe Hahn, Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon
| Label         = Warner Bros.
| Producer=Don Gilmore
| Misc      = {{Extra track listing
| Label=Warner Bros.
| Album      = [[Hybrid Theory]]
| Tracklist=
| Type        = studio
| Tracks      =  
# [[Papercut]]
# [[Papercut]]
# [[One Step Closer]]
# [[One Step Closer]]
Line 37: Line 35:
# [[Pushing Me Away]]
# [[Pushing Me Away]]
}}
}}
}}
"By Myself" is the seventh song on the album ''Hybrid Theory''. It is known for its aggressive energy and atmospheric, electronic-laced verses.  
"By Myself" if the seventh song on the album ''Hybrid Theory''. It is renowned for its aggressive energy and atmospheric, electronic-laced verses.  


==Background==
==Background==
"By Myself" originated from elements of a demo called "Sad", which was released on November 23, 2009 on the ''[[LP Underground 9: Demos|LP Underground 9.0: Demos]]'' CD. The song was originally called "Super Xero".
"By Myself" originated from elements of a demo called "Sad", which was released on November 23, 2009 on the ''[[LP Underground 9: Demos|LP Underground 9.0: Demos]]'' CD. The song was originally called "Super Xero".


Before Fort Minor's show on September 8, 2015<ref>[http://lplive.net/shows/db/fortminor/20150908 LPLive - Fort Minor 2015.09.08]</ref>, Mike Shinoda did an interview with Daniel P. Carter, from BBC Radio 1's Rock Show, where he explained how recording ''[[Hybrid Theory]]'' was a learning curve for Chester Bennington, who had recently joined the band and was ''"still green and imitating his favourite singers"''.
Before Fort Minor's show on September 8, 2015<ref>[[Live:20150908|LPLive - Fort Minor 2015.09.08]]</ref>, Mike Shinoda did an interview with Daniel P. Carter, from BBC Radio 1's Rock Show, where he explained how recording ''[[Hybrid Theory]]'' was a learning curve for Chester Bennington, who had recently joined the band and was ''"still green and imitating his favourite singers"''.


He said Chester had never screamed in a song before Linkin Park and they had to loan him CDs to get tips on how to do it. He eventually found it ''"fun to let all that energy out"'' when screaming, Mike added.<ref>[http://www.nme.com/news/linkin-park/89290 Linkin Park discuss making of debut album 'Hybrid Theory' to mark its 15th anniversary - listen], October 26, 2015</ref>
He said Chester had never screamed in a song before Linkin Park and they had to loan him CDs to get tips on how to do it. He eventually found it ''"fun to let all that energy out"'' when screaming, Mike added.<ref>[http://www.nme.com/news/linkin-park/89290 Linkin Park discuss making of debut album 'Hybrid Theory' to mark its 15th anniversary - listen], October 26, 2015</ref>
Line 49: Line 46:
The interview was broadcasted on October 25, 2015 as part of a Hybrid Theory 15th Anniversary special.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06jp8gq BBC Radio 1 - Rock Show with Daniel P Carter, Hybrid Theory Anniversary Special], October 25, 2015</ref>
The interview was broadcasted on October 25, 2015 as part of a Hybrid Theory 15th Anniversary special.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b06jp8gq BBC Radio 1 - Rock Show with Daniel P Carter, Hybrid Theory Anniversary Special], October 25, 2015</ref>


In 1999, the band, at the time known as "Hybrid Theory", distributed a two-track demo CD containing early versions of "[[A Place For My Head]]" and "By Myself" during their shows.
Later on the album, the strings at the end of "[[Cure For The Itch]]" are featured at the beginning of the "[[High_Voltage#Mike_Shinoda_Remix|High Voltage (Mike Shinoda Remix)]]." Mike was asked about this in July 2020 on Twitch and mentioned "By Myself", saying, ''"So I had this rack mounted keyboard unit and I forget what it was, it was a Roland keyboard unit with these certain string sounds and I used those on a few songs at the time. I forget which ones I used it on. I used it on those two, I think I used them on "By Myself." I used them a couple of times, so that's why that sound popped up, because I liked that sound and I used it on a few things."''<ref>[https://lplive.net/forums/topic/14303-mike-qa-summary-7292020/ LPLive: Mike Q&A Summary 7/29/2020], July 29, 2020</ref>
 
==Composition==
Due to Phoenix being out of the band at this time (1999 to October 2000) to tour with The Snax, he did not record bass on any songs on the [[Hybrid Theory EP]] or ''Hybrid Theory''. Brad Delson recorded the bass on "[[With You]]", "[[Points Of Authority]]", "[[Crawling]]", "[[Runaway]]", "By Myself", "[[In The End]]", and "[[Pushing Me Away]]".
 
==Demos==
Linkin Park released the earliest known demo of "By Myself" on the ''[[LP Underground 9: Demos]]'' CD in November 2009, titled "Sad." It is an instrumental beat of the origin of the song. A slightly longer version (by 12 seconds) was released on the LPU 9 EU promo CD.
 
In October 2010, fans became aware of alternate versions of three tracks on the ''[[LP Underground 9: Demos]]'' album. A European WBR promo version of the CD exists, with alternate versions of "[[Across The Line]]", and the demos of "[[Faint]]" and "By Myself". "Across The Line" had an extended intro, which was just an instrumental version of the bridge of the track, while "Faint" and "Sad" had entirely new/longer intros. These were the longer versions of the tracks before they were edited and shortened for their release on the CD by Mike Shinoda. The acetate CD was posted on LPLive on October 31, 2011 by BPERCY.
 
Adam Ruehmer confirmed the legitimacy of the tracks on November 1, 2011: ''"I have some good news for you. The songs are legit. I finally found the file Mike sent me before we went to mastering. The extended intros are there. Congrats! I'm REALLY confused at how this stuff got put on a promo CD in Europe. Strangest thing ever!!"''<ref>[https://lplive.net/forums/topic/7918-exclusive-lpu-9-acetate-demos-3-songs/ Exclusive: LPU 9 Acetate Demos (3 Songs) - LPLive Exclusives and Specials - Linkin Park Live], November 01, 2011</ref>
 
In the ''[[Hybrid Party Of A Thousand Things]]'' leak in June 2019, two different instrumental MPC demos by Mike that are similar to the LPU 9 version, but different, were included. "Sad Song01" is 3:07 and "Sad Song02" is 2:11.
 
In 1999, the band, at the time known as "Hybrid Theory", distributed a two-track demo CD containing early versions of "[[A Place For My Head]]" and "By Myself" during their shows. This is the first full demo of "By Myself".


Another early version of "By Myself" can be found on Warner Brothers Records' ''Raw Power'' sampler CD, which dates from 2000. On this CD, the song is credited to Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, and Chester Bennington.
The second full demo dates from January 2000 and is titled "SuperXero" or "Super Zero." It was featured on four different demos - the ''[[Demos (Hybrid Theory 9-Track Demo CD)|Hybrid Theory 9-Track Demo]]'' CD from January 2000, the''[[Hybrid Theory 8-Track Demo]]'' CD and ''[[Linkin Park - Demos From 02-2000|Hybrid Theory 7-Track Demo]]'' CD, which are both from February 2000, and the ''Hybrid Theory 2-Track Demo CD''. This version of the demo has Mike whispering, ''"so, what do you think?"'' at the beginning of the song. There is a drum beat going on in the background of the bridge, and the lyrics are unique (''"If I hide my pride I'll lie sleepless / And won't be able to cope with my weakness"'').
 
The third full demo of "By Myself" was featured on the ''Raw Power'' sampler CD by Warner Bros. Records and is attributed to Hybrid Theory (band). It is lyrically identical to the other demo, but it has a different vocal take. Mike comes in offbeat at the beginning rather than right on beat and his vocals are more intense and higher pitched. This sampler was released sometime before May 30, 2000. The song is credited to Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson and Chester Bennington.


A clip of another early version of the song was being played in Mike's headphones when he was recording his final vocals for "By Myself". It was caught by his microphone and can be heard in the multitracks when amplified a considerable amount. The actual demo in question was never in circulation.<ref>[http://lplive.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=13162#entry284300 &#34;Much-Too-Easy&#34; By Myself Demo - Got News? - Linkin Park Live], March 08, 2018</ref>
A clip of another early version of the song was being played in Mike's headphones when he was recording his final vocals for "By Myself". It was caught by his microphone and can be heard in the multitracks when amplified a considerable amount. The actual demo in question was never in circulation.<ref>[http://lplive.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=13162#entry284300 &#34;Much-Too-Easy&#34; By Myself Demo - Got News? - Linkin Park Live], March 08, 2018</ref>
The version of "By Myself" found on the ''[[Hybrid Theory (Unmastered Studio Finals 5/7/00)]]'' CD features a different mix of the song among other changes - the scratching/vocal samples are present in the intro by Joe (he scratches Chester's "myself" scream), the drums come in before the bridge, and guitar is present at the end of the bridge.
==Remix==
Linkin Park released a remix of "By Myself" on ''[[Reanimation]]'' in July 2002 titled "[[By Myslf|By_Myslf]]." The remix was done by producer Josh Abraham and Mike Shinoda, and it features guitars by Stephen Carpenter from Deftones.


==Versions==
==Versions==
Line 77: Line 95:
| ''[[LP Underground 9: Demos|LP Underground 9.0: Demos]]''
| ''[[LP Underground 9: Demos|LP Underground 9.0: Demos]]''
''[[Compilation]]''
''[[Compilation]]''
''[[Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition)]]''
| 1:08
| 1:08
| 1999
| 1999
Line 98: Line 118:
|  
|  
|  
|  
*Lacks various sounds present in the LPU version.
<!--*Lacks various sounds present in the LPU version.-->
*Pre-chorus of the LPU version during the first verse.
*Pre-chorus of the LPU version during the first verse.
*Ends in the chorus.
*Ends in the chorus.
*Released on [https://lplive.net/forums/topic/13876-download-hybrid-party-of-a-thousand-things/ LPLive] for free download on August 5, 2019.
|-
|-
| Sad Song02
| Sad Song02
Line 110: Line 131:
*Beginning is similar to the LPU version.
*Beginning is similar to the LPU version.
*Ends in the third verse of Song01.
*Ends in the third verse of Song01.
*Released on [https://lplive.net/forums/topic/13876-download-hybrid-party-of-a-thousand-things/ LPLive] for free download on August 5, 2019.
|-
| By Myself
| ''[[Hybrid Theory 2-Track Demo]]''
| 3:13
| 1999
| 1999
|
*On the first words of the song, "What do I do," Mike comes in right on the beat.
*During the bridge Mike says "I'm so afraid."
|-
|-
| SuperXero
| SuperXero
Line 116: Line 147:


''[[Linkin Park - Demos From 02-2000]]''
''[[Linkin Park - Demos From 02-2000]]''
''Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition)''
| 3:16
| 3:16
| 1999
| 1999
Line 154: Line 187:
|  
|  
|  
|  
*The CD dates from July 5, 2000.
*The CD dates from May 7, 2000.
*Different mix.
*Different mix.
*Scratching/vocal samples ("myself" scream) in the intro.
*Scratching/vocal samples ("myself" scream) in the intro.
Line 197: Line 230:
| 2002
| 2002
|  
|  
*Longer ending.
*Longer ending (very low).
*This version replaced the album version in the initial iTunes release of Reanimation. This was fixed in subsequent releases.
*This version replaced the album version in the initial iTunes release of Reanimation. This was fixed in subsequent releases.
|-
|-
Line 235: Line 268:
| ''[[Crawling|Crawling (DVD)]]''
| ''[[Crawling|Crawling (DVD)]]''
| 0:30
| 0:30
| [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2000andearlier/20001211 December 11, 2000]
| [[Live:20001211|December 11, 2000]]
| 2001
| 2001
|  
|  
*Incomplete video recording.
*Incomplete video recording.
*Professional audio.
*Professional audio.
*This video was used in the very first [[LPTV]] which is available on the ''[[Frat Party At The Pankake Festival]]'' DVD.
|-
|-
| By Myself
| By Myself
| ''[[LP Underground 3.0]]''
| ''[[LP Underground 3.0]]''
| 4:06
| 4:06
| [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2003/20030802 August 02, 2003]
| [[Live:20030802|August 02, 2003]]
[http://lplive.net/shows/db/2003/20030803 August 03, 2003]
[[Live:20030803|August 03, 2003]]
| November 17, 2003
| November 17, 2003
|  
|  
Line 252: Line 286:
| By Myself
| By Myself
| ''[[Live In Texas]]''
| ''[[Live In Texas]]''
|  
| 5:38
| [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2003/20030802 August 02, 2003]
| [[Live:20030802|August 02, 2003]]
[http://lplive.net/shows/db/2003/20030803 August 03, 2003]
[[Live:20030803|August 03, 2003]]
| November 18, 2003
| November 18, 2003
|  
|  
Line 263: Line 297:
| ''[[Hybrid Theory (Live At Download Festival 2014)|Hybrid Theory - Live At Download Festival 2014]]''
| ''[[Hybrid Theory (Live At Download Festival 2014)|Hybrid Theory - Live At Download Festival 2014]]''
| 3:23
| 3:23
| [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2014/20140614 June 14, 2014]
| [[Live:20140614|June 14, 2014]]
| August 12, 2014
| August 12, 2014
|  
|  
*''[[The Hunting Party]]'' pre-order bonus album through [http://www.linkinpark.com linkinpark.com].
*''[[The Hunting Party]]'' pre-order bonus album through [http://www.linkinpark.com linkinpark.com].
|-
| By Myself
| ''[[Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition)]]''
| 3:05
| [[Live:20010130|January 30, 2001]]
| October 9, 2020
|
*DVD only.
*''[[The Fillmore 2001]]''.
|-
| By Myself
| ''Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition)''
| 3:04
| [[Live:20010603|June 03, 2001]]
| October 9, 2020
|
*DVD only.
*''[[Rock Am Ring 2001]]''.
|-
| By Myself
| ''Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition)''
| 3:15
| [[Live:20020223|February 23, 2002]]
[[Live:20020224|February 24, 2002]]
| October 9, 2020
|
*DVD only.
*''[[Projekt Revolution 2002|Projekt: Revolution 2002]]''.
|-
| By Myself (Live In Texas)
| ''[[Meteora (20th Anniversary Edition)]]''
| 4:07
| [[Live:20030802|August 02, 2003]]
[[Live:20030803|August 03, 2003]]
| April 7, 2023
|
*Edited differently from the 2003 release.
*''Live In Texas''.
|-
| By Myself
| ''Meteora (20th Anniversary Edition)''
| 5:28
| [[Live:20030712|July 12, 2003]]
| April 7, 2023
|
*DVD only.
*''[[Veterans Stadium 2003]]''.
|-
| By Myself
| ''Meteora (20th Anniversary Edition)''
| 4:44
| [[Live:20031029|October 29, 2003]]
| April 7, 2023
|
*DVD only.
*''[[Live In Seoul 2003]]''.
|-
|-
|}
|}


==Live==
==Live==
"By Myself" was a large part of the setlists in the ''Hybrid Theory'' touring cycle. The exact debut of the song is unknown, but it happened something on the Kottonmouth Kings' ''Ridin' High'' Tour, between the shows in [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2000andearlier/20001006 St. Louis, Missouri] and [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2000andearlier/20001011 Springfield, Missouri]. The song was performed mid-set throughout the second half of 2000. 2001 rolled around and the song remained in the mid-set for the better half of the year. At the show at [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2001/20010603 Rock am Ring], Brad began to play a short guitar tease intro before the song. At the very next show in [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2001/20010604 London, England], "By Myself" was finally moved down in the set, becoming the second-to-last song in the set. The song returned to its original mid-set position on the Ozzfest, only briefly being performed at the end of the set on the tour, at the second stop in [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2001/20010609 East Troy, Wisconsin] (also the last show were Brad played the guitar tease intro). "By Myself" returned to the encore spot in [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2001/20010916 London, England], where it gained an interlude entitled the "Blow Your Mind Interlude" before it. The song remained in this position for the rest of the ''Hybrid Theory'' European Tour. The song returned to its mid-set slot after this tour, and remained there for the rest of 2001. In 2002, it returned to the encore, being performed with its pre-song interlude. At the show in [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2002/20020302 Mexico City, Mexico], since there was no encore, it was performed third-to-last in the set.
"By Myself" was a large part of the setlists in the ''Hybrid Theory'' touring cycle. The exact debut of the song is unknown, but it happened sometime on the Kottonmouth Kings' ''Ridin' High'' Tour, between the shows in [[Live:20001006|St. Louis, Missouri]] and [[Live:20001011|Springfield, Missouri]]. The song was performed mid-set throughout the second half of 2000. 2001 rolled around and the song remained in the mid-set for the better half of the year. At the show at [[Live:20010603|Rock am Ring]], Brad began to play a short guitar tease intro before the song. At the very next show in [[Live:20010604|London, England]], "By Myself" was finally moved down in the set, becoming the second-to-last song in the set. The song returned to its original mid-set position on the Ozzfest, only briefly being performed at the end of the set on the tour, at the second stop in [[Live:20010609|East Troy, Wisconsin]] (also the last show were Brad played the guitar tease intro). "By Myself" returned to the encore spot in [[Live:20010916|London, England]], where it gained an interlude entitled the "Blow Your Mind Interlude" before it. The song remained in this position for the rest of the ''Hybrid Theory'' European Tour. The song returned to its mid-set slot after this tour, and remained there for the rest of 2001. In 2002, it returned to the encore, being performed with its pre-song interlude. At the show in [[Live:20020302|Mexico City, Mexico]], since there was no encore, it was performed third-to-last in the set.


"By Myself" survived for the first half of the ''[[Meteora]]'' touring cycle, where it returned to the setlists on the second tour of the era, Projekt Revolution 2003. The song was performed mid-set and featured a brand new extended intro, entitled the "2003 Intro". The song was finally dropped after the ''Meteora'' Australian and Asian Tour.
"By Myself" survived for the first half of the ''[[Meteora]]'' touring cycle, where it returned to the setlists on the second tour of the era, Projekt Revolution 2003. The song was performed mid-set and featured a brand new extended intro, entitled the "2003 Intro". The song was finally dropped after the ''Meteora'' Australian and Asian Tour.
Line 288: Line 378:
| Intro
| Intro
| Brad Guitar Tease Intro
| Brad Guitar Tease Intro
| [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2001/20010603 June 3, 2001]
| [[Live:20010603|June 3, 2001]]
| [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2001/20010609 June 9, 2001]
| [[Live:20010609|June 9, 2001]]
|-
|-
| Intro
| Intro
| Blow Your Mind Interlude
| [[Blow Your Mind Interlude]]
| [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2001/20010916 September 16, 2001]
| [[Live:20010916|September 16, 2001]]
| [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2002/20020224 February 24, 2002]
| [[Live:20020224|February 24, 2002]]
|-
|-
| Intro
| Intro
| 2003 Intro
| 2003 Intro
| [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2003/20030409 April 9, 2003]
| [[Live:20030409|April 9, 2003]]
| [http://lplive.net/shows/db/2003/20031029 October 29, 2003]
| [[Live:20031029|October 29, 2003]]
|-
|-
|}
|}
Line 317: Line 407:


==Lyrics==
==Lyrics==
{{collapse top|Album Version|width=500px|left=true}}
{{hidden begin|title=Album Version}}
<poem>
<poem>
What do I do to ignore them behind me?
What do I do to ignore them behind me?
Line 340: Line 430:
I can't hold on
I can't hold on
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in (it's much too easy being lost)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
I can't hold on
To anything watching everything spin
To anything watching everything spin
Line 362: Line 452:
I can't hold on
I can't hold on
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in (it's much too easy being lost)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
I can't hold on
To anything watching everything spin
To anything watching everything spin
Line 393: Line 483:
I can't hold on
I can't hold on
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in (it's much too easy being lost)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
I can't hold on
To anything watching everything spin
To anything watching everything spin
Line 399: Line 489:
I can't hold on
I can't hold on
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in (it's much too easy being lost)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
I can't hold on
To anything watching everything spin
To anything watching everything spin
With thoughts of failure sinking in</poem>
With thoughts of failure sinking in</poem>
{{collapse bottom}}
{{hidden end}}
{{collapse top|2-Track Demo|width=500px|left=true}}
{{hidden begin|title=2-Track Demo}}
<poem>
<poem>
What do I do to ignore what's behind me?
What do I do to ignore what's behind me?
Line 489: Line 579:
With thoughts of failure from with-
With thoughts of failure from with-
</poem>
</poem>
{{collapse bottom}}
{{hidden end}}
{{collapse top|hybridtheory.com Demo|width=500px|left=true}}
{{hidden begin|title=hybridtheory.com Demo}}
<poem>
<poem>
What do I do to ignore what's behind me
What do I do to ignore what's behind me
Line 575: Line 665:
With thoughts of failure from with-
With thoughts of failure from with-
</poem>
</poem>
{{collapse bottom}}
{{hidden end}}
{{collapse top|Super Zero|width=500px|left=true}}
{{hidden begin|title=Super Zero}}
<poem>
<poem>
So
So
Line 663: Line 753:
(Running against me, I can't win)
(Running against me, I can't win)
With thoughts of failure from with-</poem>
With thoughts of failure from with-</poem>
{{collapse bottom}}
{{hidden end}}


==Gallery==
==Gallery==

Latest revision as of 21:50, 22 February 2024

"By Myself"
Song by Linkin Park
from the album Hybrid Theory
Working title:Super Xero / Super Zero
Recorded:1999 - 2000
Stems:"Parts" CD
Time signature:4/4
Tempo:103
Key:Ab Minor
Live debut:Unknown
Last performed:June 14, 2014
Writer:Brad Delson, Chester Bennington, Joe Hahn, Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon
Producer:Don Gilmore
Label:Warner Bros.
Hybrid Theory tracklist
  1. Papercut
  2. One Step Closer
  3. With You
  4. Points Of Authority
  5. Crawling
  6. Runaway
  7. By Myself
  8. In The End
  9. A Place For My Head
  10. Forgotten
  11. Cure For The Itch
  12. Pushing Me Away

"By Myself" is the seventh song on the album Hybrid Theory. It is known for its aggressive energy and atmospheric, electronic-laced verses.

Background

"By Myself" originated from elements of a demo called "Sad", which was released on November 23, 2009 on the LP Underground 9.0: Demos CD. The song was originally called "Super Xero".

Before Fort Minor's show on September 8, 2015[1], Mike Shinoda did an interview with Daniel P. Carter, from BBC Radio 1's Rock Show, where he explained how recording Hybrid Theory was a learning curve for Chester Bennington, who had recently joined the band and was "still green and imitating his favourite singers".

He said Chester had never screamed in a song before Linkin Park and they had to loan him CDs to get tips on how to do it. He eventually found it "fun to let all that energy out" when screaming, Mike added.[2]

The interview was broadcasted on October 25, 2015 as part of a Hybrid Theory 15th Anniversary special.[3]

Later on the album, the strings at the end of "Cure For The Itch" are featured at the beginning of the "High Voltage (Mike Shinoda Remix)." Mike was asked about this in July 2020 on Twitch and mentioned "By Myself", saying, "So I had this rack mounted keyboard unit and I forget what it was, it was a Roland keyboard unit with these certain string sounds and I used those on a few songs at the time. I forget which ones I used it on. I used it on those two, I think I used them on "By Myself." I used them a couple of times, so that's why that sound popped up, because I liked that sound and I used it on a few things."[4]

Composition

Due to Phoenix being out of the band at this time (1999 to October 2000) to tour with The Snax, he did not record bass on any songs on the Hybrid Theory EP or Hybrid Theory. Brad Delson recorded the bass on "With You", "Points Of Authority", "Crawling", "Runaway", "By Myself", "In The End", and "Pushing Me Away".

Demos

Linkin Park released the earliest known demo of "By Myself" on the LP Underground 9: Demos CD in November 2009, titled "Sad." It is an instrumental beat of the origin of the song. A slightly longer version (by 12 seconds) was released on the LPU 9 EU promo CD.

In October 2010, fans became aware of alternate versions of three tracks on the LP Underground 9: Demos album. A European WBR promo version of the CD exists, with alternate versions of "Across The Line", and the demos of "Faint" and "By Myself". "Across The Line" had an extended intro, which was just an instrumental version of the bridge of the track, while "Faint" and "Sad" had entirely new/longer intros. These were the longer versions of the tracks before they were edited and shortened for their release on the CD by Mike Shinoda. The acetate CD was posted on LPLive on October 31, 2011 by BPERCY.

Adam Ruehmer confirmed the legitimacy of the tracks on November 1, 2011: "I have some good news for you. The songs are legit. I finally found the file Mike sent me before we went to mastering. The extended intros are there. Congrats! I'm REALLY confused at how this stuff got put on a promo CD in Europe. Strangest thing ever!!"[5]

In the Hybrid Party Of A Thousand Things leak in June 2019, two different instrumental MPC demos by Mike that are similar to the LPU 9 version, but different, were included. "Sad Song01" is 3:07 and "Sad Song02" is 2:11.

In 1999, the band, at the time known as "Hybrid Theory", distributed a two-track demo CD containing early versions of "A Place For My Head" and "By Myself" during their shows. This is the first full demo of "By Myself".

The second full demo dates from January 2000 and is titled "SuperXero" or "Super Zero." It was featured on four different demos - the Hybrid Theory 9-Track Demo CD from January 2000, theHybrid Theory 8-Track Demo CD and Hybrid Theory 7-Track Demo CD, which are both from February 2000, and the Hybrid Theory 2-Track Demo CD. This version of the demo has Mike whispering, "so, what do you think?" at the beginning of the song. There is a drum beat going on in the background of the bridge, and the lyrics are unique ("If I hide my pride I'll lie sleepless / And won't be able to cope with my weakness").

The third full demo of "By Myself" was featured on the Raw Power sampler CD by Warner Bros. Records and is attributed to Hybrid Theory (band). It is lyrically identical to the other demo, but it has a different vocal take. Mike comes in offbeat at the beginning rather than right on beat and his vocals are more intense and higher pitched. This sampler was released sometime before May 30, 2000. The song is credited to Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson and Chester Bennington.

A clip of another early version of the song was being played in Mike's headphones when he was recording his final vocals for "By Myself". It was caught by his microphone and can be heard in the multitracks when amplified a considerable amount. The actual demo in question was never in circulation.[6]

The version of "By Myself" found on the Hybrid Theory (Unmastered Studio Finals 5/7/00) CD features a different mix of the song among other changes - the scratching/vocal samples are present in the intro by Joe (he scratches Chester's "myself" scream), the drums come in before the bridge, and guitar is present at the end of the bridge.

Remix

Linkin Park released a remix of "By Myself" on Reanimation in July 2002 titled "By_Myslf." The remix was done by producer Josh Abraham and Mike Shinoda, and it features guitars by Stephen Carpenter from Deftones.

Versions

Note: Only the date of the very first release of each version is listed.

Studio

Title Album Length Recorded Released Notes
By Myself Hybrid Theory 3:09 2000 October 24, 2000
Sad ("By Myself" Demo 1999) LP Underground 9.0: Demos

Compilation

Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition)

1:08 1999 November 23, 2009
  • Original seed.
Sad ("By Myself" Demo 1999) LP Underground 9.0: Demos (EU Promo) 1:20 1999 2009
  • Extended intro.
  • Released on LPLive for free download on October 31, 2011.
Sad Song01 Hybrid Party Of A Thousand Things 3:07
  • Pre-chorus of the LPU version during the first verse.
  • Ends in the chorus.
  • Released on LPLive for free download on August 5, 2019.
Sad Song02 Hybrid Party Of A Thousand Things 2:11
  • Beginning is similar to the LPU version.
  • Ends in the third verse of Song01.
  • Released on LPLive for free download on August 5, 2019.
By Myself Hybrid Theory 2-Track Demo 3:13 1999 1999
  • On the first words of the song, "What do I do," Mike comes in right on the beat.
  • During the bridge Mike says "I'm so afraid."
SuperXero Demos

Hybrid Theory 8-Track Demo

Linkin Park - Demos From 02-2000

Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition)

3:16 1999
  • Mike whispers "So, what do you think?" at the beginning.
  • During the bridge there is a drum beat going in the background.
  • The lyrics are significantly different than the other demo versions, particularly the "If I hide my pride I'll lie sleepless/And won't be able to cope with my weakness" part in the second verse.
  • Listed as "Super Zero" in the January 7, 2000 Demos CD.
  • Released on LPFuse for free download on Christmas 2004.
By Myself 3:15 2000 2000
  • Released for free download on Hybrid Theory's official website.
  • The WebArchive snapshot which shows this demo dates from April 8, 2000.
  • Almost the same as the 2-track version, except Mike comes in off the beat on the first line of the song, and during the bridge he says "Always afraid" instead of "I'm so afraid."
By Myself Raw Power 3:09 2000 2000
  • Lyrically identical to the 2-track version.
  • Mike comes in off-beat at the beginning rather than right on the beat.
  • Mike's vocal parts are more intense and higher-pitched.
  • The Raw Power sampler was released before May 30, 2000 (Brougham's Le Cock Sportif release date).
  • Released on LPLive for free download on March 10, 2017 in FLAC format.
By Myself Studio Finals 5/7/00 3:15 2000
  • The CD dates from May 7, 2000.
  • Different mix.
  • Scratching/vocal samples ("myself" scream) in the intro.
  • Drums come in before the bridge.
  • Guitar at the end of the bridge.
  • Released on LPLive for free download on April 9, 2011.
By Myself Hybrid Theory - Instrumentals 3:11 2000
  • Official instrumental version.

Remix

Title Album Length Recorded Released Notes
By_Myslf Reanimation 3:42 2001 July 30, 2002
  • Remix by Josh Abraham and Mike Shinoda.
  • Features guitars by Stephen Carpenter.
  • The ending of this version continues in the beginning of "Kyur4 Th Ich".
By_Myslf Songs From Reanimation 3:44 2001 2002
  • Longer ending (very low).
  • This version replaced the album version in the initial iTunes release of Reanimation. This was fixed in subsequent releases.
Buy Myself Remix Pts.Of.Athrty

Reanimation

Compilation

4:26 2002 July 19, 2002
  • Remix by Marilyn Manson and Tim Sköld.
  • Features guitars by John 5 and keyboards by Marilyn Manson and Madonna Wayne Gacy.
By_Myslf Reanimation - Instrumentals 3:42 2001
  • Official instrumental version.

Live

Title Album Length Recorded Released Notes
By Myself Crawling (DVD) 0:30 December 11, 2000 2001
By Myself LP Underground 3.0 4:06 August 02, 2003

August 03, 2003

November 17, 2003
  • Live From Summer Sanitarium.
By Myself Live In Texas 5:38 August 02, 2003

August 03, 2003

November 18, 2003
  • DVD only.
  • Recorded live August 2nd 2003 at Reliant Stadium in Houston, TX and August 3rd 2003 at Texas Stadium in Irving, TX on the Summer Sanitarium Tour.
By Myself (Live At Download Festival 2014) Hybrid Theory - Live At Download Festival 2014 3:23 June 14, 2014 August 12, 2014
By Myself Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition) 3:05 January 30, 2001 October 9, 2020
By Myself Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition) 3:04 June 03, 2001 October 9, 2020
By Myself Hybrid Theory (20th Anniversary Edition) 3:15 February 23, 2002

February 24, 2002

October 9, 2020
By Myself (Live In Texas) Meteora (20th Anniversary Edition) 4:07 August 02, 2003

August 03, 2003

April 7, 2023
  • Edited differently from the 2003 release.
  • Live In Texas.
By Myself Meteora (20th Anniversary Edition) 5:28 July 12, 2003 April 7, 2023
By Myself Meteora (20th Anniversary Edition) 4:44 October 29, 2003 April 7, 2023

Live

"By Myself" was a large part of the setlists in the Hybrid Theory touring cycle. The exact debut of the song is unknown, but it happened sometime on the Kottonmouth Kings' Ridin' High Tour, between the shows in St. Louis, Missouri and Springfield, Missouri. The song was performed mid-set throughout the second half of 2000. 2001 rolled around and the song remained in the mid-set for the better half of the year. At the show at Rock am Ring, Brad began to play a short guitar tease intro before the song. At the very next show in London, England, "By Myself" was finally moved down in the set, becoming the second-to-last song in the set. The song returned to its original mid-set position on the Ozzfest, only briefly being performed at the end of the set on the tour, at the second stop in East Troy, Wisconsin (also the last show were Brad played the guitar tease intro). "By Myself" returned to the encore spot in London, England, where it gained an interlude entitled the "Blow Your Mind Interlude" before it. The song remained in this position for the rest of the Hybrid Theory European Tour. The song returned to its mid-set slot after this tour, and remained there for the rest of 2001. In 2002, it returned to the encore, being performed with its pre-song interlude. At the show in Mexico City, Mexico, since there was no encore, it was performed third-to-last in the set.

"By Myself" survived for the first half of the Meteora touring cycle, where it returned to the setlists on the second tour of the era, Projekt Revolution 2003. The song was performed mid-set and featured a brand new extended intro, entitled the "2003 Intro". The song was finally dropped after the Meteora Australian and Asian Tour.

Over the next decade or so, the song has only been performed once (and possibly twice). It was rumored to return in 2009, when the band allegedly rehearsed the song before their International Tour. Evidently, the song did not make it to future sets. The only confirmed performance of the song since 2003 was when the band performed Hybrid Theory in its entirety in 2014, at the Download Festival.

Variations

Last Updated: September 27, 2015

Type Description First Played Last Played
Intro Brad Guitar Tease Intro June 3, 2001 June 9, 2001
Intro Blow Your Mind Interlude September 16, 2001 February 24, 2002
Intro 2003 Intro April 9, 2003 October 29, 2003

Personnel

Linkin Park

  • Chester Bennington: vocals
  • Rob Bourdon: drums, backing vocals
  • Brad Delson: guitars, bass, backing vocals
  • Joseph Hahn: records, sampling, backing vocals
  • Mike Shinoda: emcee, vocals, beats, sampling

Production

  • Don Gilmore: producer
  • Jeff Blue: executive producer
  • Andy Wallace: mixer

Lyrics

Album Version

What do I do to ignore them behind me?
Do I follow my instincts blindly?
Do I hide my pride from these bad dreams?
And give in to sad thoughts that are maddening?
Do I sit here and try to stand it?
Or do I try to catch them red-handed?
Do I trust some and get fooled by phoniness,
Or do I trust nobody and live in loneliness?
Because I can't hold on when I'm stretched so thin
I make the right moves but I'm lost within
I put on my daily facade but then
I just end up getting hurt again
By myself (MYSELF)
 
I ask why, but in my mind
I find I can't rely on myself (MYSELF)
I ask why, but in my mind
I find I can't rely on myself (MYSELF)
 
I can't hold on
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
To anything watching everything spin
With thoughts of failure sinking in
 
If I turn my back, I'm defenseless
And to go blindly seems senseless
If I hide my pride and let it all go on then they'll
Take from me 'till everything is gone
If I let them go I'll be outdone
But if I try to catch them I'll be outrun
If I'm killed by the questions like a cancer
Then I'll be buried in the silence of the answer
By myself (MYSELF)
 
I ask why, but in my mind
I find I can't rely on myself (MYSELF)
I ask why, but in my mind
I find I can't rely on myself (MYSELF)
 
I can't hold on
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
To anything watching everything spin
With thoughts of failure sinking in
 
How do you think I've lost so much
I'm so afraid that I'm out of touch
How do you expect / I will know what to do
When all I know Is what you tell me to?
 
Don't you
KNOW
I can't tell you how to make it
GO
No matter what I do, how hard I
TRY
I can't seem to convince myself
WHY
I'm stuck on the outside
Don't you
KNOW
I can't tell you how to make it
GO
No matter what I do, how hard I
TRY
I can't seem to convince myself
WHY
I'm stuck on the outside
 
I can't hold on
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
To anything watching everything spin
With thoughts of failure sinking in
I can't hold on
To what I want when I'm stretched so thin
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
To anything watching everything spin
With thoughts of failure sinking in

2-Track Demo

What do I do to ignore what's behind me?
Do I follow my fate to escape blindly?
Do I hide my pride away from these bad dreams
And give in to sad thoughts that are maddening?
Do I let it go and try to stand it
Or do I try to catch them red handed?
Do I trust some and get fooled by phoniness
Or do I trust none and live life in loneliness?
Cause sunlight burns the skin of sleeping men
I make the right turns but I'm lost within
I put on my daily facade but then
I just end up getting hurt again by myself

(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself
(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself

I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(To anything, watching everything spin)
With thoughts of failure sinking in

If I turn my back I'm defenseless
And to give into fate seems senseless
If I hide my pride and let it all go on
Then they'll take from me 'til everything is gone
If I let them go i'll be outdone
But if I try to catch them i'll be outrun
If i'm killed by the questions like a cancer
Then i'll be buried in the silence of the answer by myself

(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself
(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself

I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(To anything, watching everything spin)
With thoughts of failure sinking in

How do you think I've lost so much
I'm so afraid that i'm out of touch
How do you expect I will know what to do
When all I know is what you tell me to

Don't you (know)
I can't tell you how to make it (go)
No matter what I do, how hard I (try)
I can't seem to convince myself (why)
I'm stuck on the outside
Don't you (know)
I can't tell you how to make it (go)
No matter what I do, how hard I (try)
I can't seem to convince myself (why)
I'm stuck on the outside

I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(To anything, watching everything spin)
With thoughts of failure sinking in
I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(To anything, watching everything spin)
With thoughts of failure from with-

hybridtheory.com Demo

What do I do to ignore what's behind me
Do I follow my fate to escape blindly
Do I hide my pride away from these bad dreams
And give in to sad thoughts that are maddening
Do I let it go and try to stand it
Or do I try to catch them red handed
Do I trust some and get fooled by phoniness
Or do I trust none and live life in loneliness
Cause sunlight burns the skin of sleeping men
I make the right turns but I'm lost within
I put on my daily facade but then
I just end up getting hurt again by myself

(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself
(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself

I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(Running against you, I can't win)
With thoughts of failure sinking in

If I turn my back I'm defenseless
And to give into fate seems senseless
If I hide my pride and let it all go on
Then they'll take from me 'til everything is gone
If I let them go i'll be outdone
But if I try to catch them i'll be outrun
If i'm killed by the questions like a cancer
Then i'll be buried in the silence of the answer by myself

(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself
(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself

I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(Running against you, I can't win)
With thoughts of failure sinking in

How do you think I've lost so much
Always afraid that i'm out of touch
How do you expect I will know what to do
When all I know is what you tell me to

Don't you (know)
I can't tell you how to make it (go)
No matter what I do, how hard I (try)
I can't seem to convince myself (why)
I'm stuck on the outside
Don't you (know)
I can't tell you how to make it (go)
No matter what I do, how hard I (try)
I can't seem to convince myself (why)
I'm stuck on the outside

I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(Running against you, I can't win)
With thoughts of failure sinking in
I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(Running against me, I can't win)
With thoughts of failure from with-

Super Zero

So
What do you think?

What do I do to ignore what's behind me
Do I follow my fate to escape blindly
Do I hide my pride away from these bad dreams
And give in to sad thoughts that are maddening
Do I let it go and try to stand it
Or do I try to catch them red handed
Do I trust some and get fooled by phoniness
Or do I trust none and live life in loneliness
Cause sunlight burns the skin of sleeping men
I make the right turns but I'm lost within
I put on my daily facade but then
I just end up getting hurt again by myself

(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself
(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself

I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(Running against you, I can't win)
With thoughts of failure sinking in

If I turn my back I'm defenseless
And to give into fate seems senseless
If I hide my pride I'll lie sleepless
And won't be able to cope with my weakness
If I let them go I'll be outdone
But if I try to catch them i'll be outrun
If i'm killed by the questions like a cancer
Then i'll be buried in the silence of the answer by myself

(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself
(Myself)
I ask why
(But in my mind I find)
I can't rely on myself

I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(Running against you, I can't win)
With thoughts of failure sinking in

How do you think I've lost so much
Always afraid that i'm out of touch
How do you expect I will know what to do
When all I know is what you tell me to

Don't you (know)
I can't tell you how to make it (go)
No matter what I do, how hard I (try)
I can't seem to convince myself (why)
I'm stuck on the outside
Don't you (know)
I can't tell you how to make it (go)
No matter what I do, how hard I (try)
I can't seem to convince myself (why)
I'm stuck on the outside

I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(Running against you, I can't win)
With thoughts of failure sinking in
I can't hold on
(To what I want when I'm stretched so thin)
It's all too much to take in
I can't hold on
(Running against me, I can't win)
With thoughts of failure from with-

Gallery

  • Raw Power

    Raw Power

External Links

References

  1. ↑ LPLive - Fort Minor 2015.09.08
  2. ↑ Linkin Park discuss making of debut album 'Hybrid Theory' to mark its 15th anniversary - listen, October 26, 2015
  3. ↑ BBC Radio 1 - Rock Show with Daniel P Carter, Hybrid Theory Anniversary Special, October 25, 2015
  4. ↑ LPLive: Mike Q&A Summary 7/29/2020, July 29, 2020
  5. ↑ Exclusive: LPU 9 Acetate Demos (3 Songs) - LPLive Exclusives and Specials - Linkin Park Live, November 01, 2011
  6. ↑ "Much-Too-Easy" By Myself Demo - Got News? - Linkin Park Live, March 08, 2018
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