RIP Chester Bennington

Linkin’ Park front man Chester Bennington completed suicide yesterday. He died alone by hanging. To those familiar with his life and music, this news is tragic but not altogether surprising. Chester had been open about the impact of abuse in his childhood and the problems created in his life by his use of drugs and alcohol.

His death comes on the heels of his friend Chris Cornell taking his life in May. In an open letter to his friend, Chester wrote:

“Your voice was joy and pain, anger and forgiveness, love and heartache all wrapped up into one. I suppose that’s what we all are.”

In their latest album, One More Light, Linkin Park went in a completely new direction from their past music. The song, “Heavy” is so clearly autobiographical. It’s a song about the struggles of recovery from both trauma and addiction and the video leaves no room for interpretation. The lyrics appear below, right after a brief sentiment:

“Who cares if one more light goes out in the sky of a million stars?  Well, I do.”  Linkin Park

Me too. I care and I hate losing my heroes (locally or in stardom) to the destruction of mental illness and addiction. It’s time to love and actively support each other more. I’m more than tired of losing people I love.

“Heavy” – Linkin Park

I don’t like my mind right now
Stacking up problems that are so unnecessary
Wish that I could slow things down
I wanna let go but there’s comfort in the panic
And I drive myself crazy
Thinking everything’s about me
Yeah, I drive myself crazy
‘Cause I can’t escape the gravity

I’m holding on
Why is everything so heavy?
Holding on
So much more than I can carry
I keep dragging around what’s bringing me down
If I just let go, I’d be set free
Holding on
Why is everything so heavy?

You say that I’m paranoid
But I’m pretty sure the world is out to get me
It’s not like I make the choice
To let my mind stay so fucking messy
I know I’m not the center of the universe
But you keep spinning ’round me just the same
I know I’m not the center of the universe
But you keep spinning ’round me just the same

I’m holding on
Why is everything so heavy?
Holding on
So much more than I can carry
I keep dragging around what’s bringing me down
If I just let go, I’d be set free
Holding on
Why is everything so heavy?

I know I’m not the center of the universe
But you keep spinning ’round me just the same
I know I’m not the center of the universe
But you keep spinning ’round me just the same
And I drive myself crazy
Thinking everything’s about me

Holding on
Why is everything so heavy?
Holding on
So much more than I can carry
I keep dragging around what’s bringing me down
If I just let go, I’d be set free
Holding on
Why is everything so heavy?
Why is everything so heavy?
Why is everything so heavy?

Jim LaPierre

About Jim LaPierre

Jim LaPierre LCSW CCS is the Executive Director of Higher Ground Services in Brewer, Maine. He is a Recovery Ally, mental health therapist and addictions counselor. He specializes in facilitating recovery (whether from addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, or past abuse) overcome obstacles, and improve their quality of life. Jim is the cofounder of Sobernow.com an online addiction recovery program that is affordable and provides complete anonymity