“Given Up”, along with the hit singles “What I’ve Done” and “Bleed It Out”, made its live debut on April 28, 2007 in Berlin, Germany. Live performances of these three songs at the AOL sessions were released on AOL on May 5, 2007. The performance of the song is available on the “Bleed It Out” CD single.
“Given Up” is one of the heavier songs on the album. It notably features a seventeen second-long scream by Chester Bennington after the second verse, as well as a steady guitar riff for the chorus verses of the song. The scream is split into two 8 second long screams when performed live allowing Chester to catch his breath, although he has completed the full scream in various live performances. It dawns a distinctive jingle sound during the verses and intro, generated by the jingling of guitarist Brad Delson’s keys and a steady clapping beat by Mike Shinoda. The song was made available as a single on March 3, 2008. It is included as a master track in the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii versions of the music video game Rock Revolution. The song was also used in the trailer and commercials for the action film Crank 2: High Voltage, in which Bennington makes a cameo.
Lyrics:
Wake in a sweat again
Another day’s been laid to waste
In my disgrace
Stuck in my head again
Feels like I’ll never leave this place
There’s no escape
I’m my own worst enemy
[chorus]
I’ve given up
I’m sick of feeling
Is there nothing you can say
Take this all away
I’m suffocating
Tell me what the fuck is wrong
With me
[end chorus]
I don’t know what to take
Thought I was focused but I’m scared
I’m not prepared
I hyperventilate
Looking for help somehow somewhere
And no one cares
I’m my own worst enemy
[chorus]
I’ve given up
I’m sick of feeling
Is there nothing you can say
Take this all away
I’m suffocating
Tell me what the fuck is wrong
With me
[end chorus]
[bridge]
Goddddddd!!!!
Put me out of my misery
Put me out of my misery
Put me out of my
Put me out of my fucking misery
[end bridge]
[chorus]
I’ve given up
I’m sick of feeling
Is there nothing you can say
Take this all away
I’m suffocating
Tell me what the fuck is wrong
With me
[end chorus]
