The lyrics of Linkin Park's "Stained" depict the aftermath of a betrayal or significant hurt inflicted by one person on another. The "stain" is a metaphor for the lasting impact of this wrongdoing, which cannot be erased through apologies or attempts at covering it up. Let's break down the lyrical themes and their probable inspiration:

• The Nature of the Stain: The "stain" isn't explicitly defined, leaving it open to interpretation. It could represent guilt, shame, the lingering effects of a broken trust, or the visible consequences of a harmful action. The imagery of "blood on your teeth" suggests something violent or deeply damaging, perhaps a lie that has devastating consequences.

• The Speaker's Perspective: The speaker is the wronged party, observing the perpetrator's attempts to appear clean and unaffected. They express initial hesitation ("Hand on my mouth, I shouldn't have said it"), showing a reluctance to confront the situation, but ultimately acknowledging the truth of the other person's actions. There's a sense of bitter resignation and a refusal to forgive ("forgotten doesn't mean forgiven").

• The Perpetrator's Behavior: The perpetrator is portrayed as deceitful and manipulative. They try to hide their actions ("hidin' what no one else sees," "close-lipped smile"), offering insincere apologies ("make amends like your hand's still clean"). Their sweating hands and stumbling alibi reveal their guilt and anxiety.

• Time and Inevitability: The ticking clock emphasizes the urgency and inevitability of consequences. The repeated lines and the bridge ("And someday...") suggest that the truth will eventually surface, no matter how hard the perpetrator tries to conceal it. The stain, the metaphorical damage, will remain.

• Musical Influence: The collaboration with Emily Armstrong of the band "Imagine Dragons" brings a distinct vocal dynamic. Her voice adds a layer of emotional intensity and vulnerability, contrasting with Mike Shinoda's rapping style, mirroring the clash between the victim's hurt and the perpetrator's false facade.

Possible Inspirations:

While Linkin Park rarely explicitly details the inspiration behind their songs, "Stained" likely draws on common themes of betrayal, deception, and the difficulty of forgiveness. It could be inspired by personal experiences of band members or broader observations of human relationships. The raw emotional intensity suggests a deep exploration of these themes, creating a song that resonates with listeners who have experienced similar hurts. The song doesn't necessarily tell a specific story, but rather captures a universal feeling of being wronged and the frustrating inability to erase the impact of that wrongdoing.