By Myself

The story behind

Linkin Park recorded it in 1999 under the name Sad, before the album Hybrid Theory took shape. This early version already showcased the core of what would later become By Myself: a track that explores loneliness from within, where every word sounds like a sharp strike against silence. It is not just a song about being alone, but about how that emptiness can become the driving force to move forward. The band's rap-metal style here turns more intimate than aggressive, with a rhythm that beats like a tired but steady heart.The track ended up on Hybrid Theory, released in October 2000, and although it did not have an official music video, its presence on the album—as track no. 7—made it stand out among those that did. The production was handled by Don Gilmore, who captured that raw sound already brewing in their demos. The mix, overseen by Andy Wallace, gave it an air of contained urgency, as if the song breathed in short gasps. With a runtime of 3:10 and a tempo close to 95–100 BPM, By Myself moves in a rhythm that demands to stay in your head.