Breaking the Habit – English Lyrics

• By: Linkin Park
• Album: Meteora

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into Linkin Park's "Breaking the Habit" to explore themes of internal struggle, addiction, and the desperate desire for change. This emotionally charged song, with its poignant lyrics and powerful delivery, offers a unique opportunity to connect with English vocabulary related to personal battles and emotional breakthroughs, making it a compelling piece for language learners seeking to understand nuanced expression in English rock music. The song stands out for its departure from the band's typical nu-metal sound, incorporating live strings and piano, showcasing Linkin Park's experimental style and musical depth.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
memories /ˈmeməriz/ B1	noun - something remembered from the past; a recollection.
consume /kənˈsjuːm/ B2	verb - to use up; to eat or drink; to destroy.
wound /wuːnd/ B2	noun - an injury to living tissue caused by a cut, blow, or other impact, typically one in which the skin is cut or broken. verb - to inflict an injury on (someone).
safe /seɪf/ A2	adjective - protected from or not exposed to danger or risk.
battles /ˈbætəlz/ B1	noun - a sustained fight between opposing forces
confused /kənˈfjuːzd/ B1	adjective - unable to think clearly; bewildered.
fighting /ˈfaɪtɪŋ/ A2	verb - taking part in a violent struggle involving physical force or weapons. noun - the act of fighting; conflict
scream /skriːm/ A2	verb - to give a loud, piercing cry noun - a loud, piercing cry
instigate /ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt/ C1	verb - to bring about or initiate (an action or event).
habit /ˈhæbɪt/ B1	noun - a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.
cure /kjʊər/ B1	noun - a substance or treatment that cures a disease or ailment. verb - to relieve (a person or animal) of the symptoms of a disease or condition.
breath /breθ/ A1	noun - the air inhaled or exhaled in respiration.
hurt /hɜːrt/ A2	verb - cause pain or injury to. noun - emotional distress adjective - injured
options /ˈɒpʃənz/ B1	noun - a thing that is or may be chosen.
fault /fɔːlt/ B1	noun - an unattractive or unsatisfactory feature, especially in a piece of work or a person's character.
clarity /ˈklærəti/ B2	noun - the quality of being clear, in particular.

Key Grammar Structures

• I don't want to be the one

  ➔ Negative form of 'want' with 'to be'.

  ➔ The phrase "I don't want to be the one" expresses a desire to avoid a specific role or responsibility.

• I don't know what's worth fighting for

  ➔ Use of 'what' as a pronoun in indirect questions.

  ➔ The phrase "I don't know what's worth fighting for" indicates uncertainty about the value of a cause.

• I'll never be alright

  ➔ Future simple tense with 'never'.

  ➔ The phrase "I'll never be alright" expresses a strong conviction about future feelings.

• I'm breaking the habit tonight

  ➔ Present continuous tense for ongoing actions.

  ➔ The phrase "I'm breaking the habit tonight" indicates an action that is currently happening.

• I'll paint it on the walls

  ➔ Future simple tense with 'will'.

  ➔ The phrase "I'll paint it on the walls" expresses a future intention or plan.

• But now I have some clarity

  ➔ Present simple tense for general truths.

  ➔ The phrase "But now I have some clarity" indicates a change in understanding or perspective.