The Little Things Give You Away

Album: Minutes To Midnight (2007)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song deals with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and its effect on the city of New Orleans. The band finished this song after visiting New Orleans after the hurricane hit. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bronte - Wrexham, Wales
  • This is one of the few Linkin Park songs with a guitar solo. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jake - Albuquerque, NM
  • Guitarist Brad Delson in Kerrang! magazine: "This is our favorite song on the record. It's the biggest statement that we've ever made. Nothing could go after it as everything would get eclipsed by it, that's why it's at the end."
  • Singer Mike Shinoda in the same Kerrang! interview: "Brad has always avoided solos because he doesn't like to show off. But when he played that solo, though, it was one of the most emotional moments we've recorded. It says what the lyrics are saying without any words."

Comments: 8

  • Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganDude, I cry when I hear the end of this song. Combined with Chester's beautiful singing, yeah, Zero, I get what you're saying, but it doesn't need to be any more complex. Sometimes the simplest things sound the best. Like "Come As You Are" by Nirvana, it's just the verse melody, but it just sounds so damn sweet.

    BTW, I don't know when you wrote that comment but did you listen to "The Hunting Party"? What did you think of the solo's on that album? Just curious. Anyway this song is beautiful and LP was never a guitar-oriented band anyways. They really delivered equally on all factors.
  • Zero from Nowhere, NjYeah, Rob is definatley an underrated drummer, he doesn't always show what he can do 'cause of the type of music LP plays. I'm still on the fence about the abilities of Mr. Brad Delson. The 2 "real" solos on M2M are pretty good, though not THAT good. I do appriciate a slow, passionate guitar solo, but this one seems a little too calculated and kind of dull. I mean, I could improvise a more interesting solo for this song myself. Though it does go good with the song and maybe less is more in this case. I do like the one in "In Pieces" better, but I am looking foward to seeing more of Brad's talent in the future. (What can I say, I'm a guitar man!)
  • Caitlyn from Royersford, PaNO DOUBT! Beszt song off Minutes 2 Midnight if not in their whole career. It's right up their with American Idiot and other songs that make Bush look like an ass
  • Aditya from Hyderabad, IndiaIt is a very touching song...
  • Lisamarie from Los Angeles, CaI cant tell you How I feel when I listen to this song. Without being derogatory its orgasmic in a very spiritual and emotional way. The fact that it represents an event so real to us Americans I respect they they took the time to write this song, truly my favorite. Even if your not a LP fan you can respect and love this song.
  • Steven Resnick from Portland, OrAmen! Jad. It is about George Bush's and FEMA's slow response too the people of Lousiana. The Guitar solo is amazing!
  • Candice from West Deptford, NjUmm yeah it has an awesome guitar solo, but they forget the AMAZING drum part in this song. This song was originally referred to as 'the drum song'. Beautiful none the less.
  • Jad from Modesto, CaI like this song alot because it is a slap in George Bush's face for not responding quick enough to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Great job Linkin Park.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.

Laura Nyro

Laura NyroSongwriting Legends

Laura Nyro talks about her complex, emotionally rich songwriting and how she supports women's culture through her art.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Shaun Morgan of Seether

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The Devil

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The DevilSong Writing

Just how much did these monsters of rock dabble in the occult?

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?