Linkin Park‘s Mike Shinoda opened up on the meaning of “Lost,” a previously unreleased Meteora-era Linkin Park song that emerged on Friday (Feb. 10). It features the vocals of late Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, who died in 2017.
The track’s wistful inspiration comes from a feeling of nostalgia, as Shinoda uncovered in a new interview, though he and Bennington were only 25 and 26, respectively, when Linkin Park recorded Meteora. Still, that weighty observation decodes the lyrics of “Lost.”
Watch the video at the bottom of this post.
Shinoda tells Audacy, “If I remember right, the inspiration for it was looking back on things that are memories that you get just sucked into, and you get immersed in that nostalgia or good feeling or bad feeling.”
He adds, “In the case of this song, I think there was a bunch of not-so-good stuff, but it’s bittersweet. It’s a mixed bag because there’s good stuff in there, too. Things aren’t black or white or cut and dry. That’s what I like about the lyrics of the song.”
Shinoda also explained why “Lost” got cut from Meteora.
Linkin Park, “Lost” Lyrics (via AZLyrics)
Just a scar somewhere down inside of me
Something I can not repair
Even though it will always be
I pretend it isn’t there (This is how it feel)
I’m trapped in yesterday (This is how it will be)
Where the pain is all I know (This is all I know)And I’ll never break away (Can’t break free)
‘Cause when I’m aloneI’m lost in these memories
Living behind my own illusion
Lost all my dignity
Living inside my own confusionBut I’m tired
I will always be afraid
Of the damage I’ve received
Broken promises they made
And how blindly I believed (This is all I know)And I’ll never break away (Can’t break free)
‘Cause when I’m aloneI’m lost in these memories
Living behind my own illusion
Lost all my dignity
Living inside my own confusionI try to keep this pain inside
But I will never be alright
I try to keep this pain inside
But I will never be alright
I try to keep this pain inside (I’m lost)
But I will never be alright
I try to keep this pain inside (I’m lost)
But I will never be alrightI’m lost in these memories
Living behind my own illusion
Lost all my dignity
Living inside my own confusion
Alter Bridge Release Self-Titled Eighth Studio Album & Video For “Scales Are Falling”
After more than two decades of carving their own lane through modern hard rock, Alter Bridge aren’t reinventing themselves so much as sharpening the blade.
Grateful Dead co-Founder and guitarist Bob Weir Passes Away at 78 – The Rhythm Architect Who Redefined Rock & Roll
Rock & roll has lost one of its most quietly radical minds. With the passing of Bob Weir at 78, the music world isn’t just
Kurt Deimer Releases Acoustic Version of “In Deep” Featuring Buckcherry’s Josh Todd
Rising rock musician, actor, songwriter, and film producer Kurt Deimer has released the official acoustic version of his current radio single “In Deep” featuring Buckcherry
Tom Morello Says There Is About An Album’s Worth of Unreleased Audioslave Songs
Years after Chris Cornell’s voice was silenced, the idea that there is still unheard music bearing his name feels both like a gift and a
Sonny Sandoval’s Says P.O.D Will Move Into Heavier Direction on Upcoming Album
After more than three decades of redefining heavy music with a boundary-breaking fusion of metal, punk, hip-hop, and reggae, P.O.D. are gearing up for what
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Brings Symphonic Fire to Hamilton’s TD Coliseum
On December 28, 2025, Trans-Siberian Orchestra didn’t just play Hamilton’s newly renovated TD Coliseum—they baptized it in fire, light, and symphonic thunder. Coming just weeks