Chapter 1
Linkin Park Lyrics


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1679, hall of Versailles,
Louis the XIV is having a party.
At this court of betrayers and liers
wheel of fate's gonna turn anyway...

"Welcome to my home, again.
Enjoy your time..."
And through the darkness
candles, lighten the hall
like thousands (of) dancers
reflecting on the walls...
"Let's start the dances,
no one shall stand tall..."

Midnight time, in the hall of Versailles
greatest pleasure: a present for Louis
it's a gift from the ruler of Venice
"... Just a portrait, my daughter in it"

In a beating of the heart
the king fell in love

And through the candles
Louis starts dreamin' on...
Dramatic fancy:
the king has fallen in love!

Oh, Kathryn, through the candles
I can see your face...
Oh, can't you see?
My heart is bleeding, screaming for you...

For love or lust,
feelings or passion, who knows?
And through the candles
Louis starts dreamin' on...




The king is calling,
who will dare to deny?

Overall Meaning

The song "Chapter 1" by LINKIN PARK is a narrative of a historical event that happened during the reign of Louis XIV. The song describes a party being held in 1679 at Versailles. During the party, the King receives a gift from the ruler of Venice, a portrait of his daughter, Kathryn. Louis XIV falls in love with Kathryn at first sight, and his desire for her grows stronger as the night progresses. The song describes the King's longing for Kathryn, which intensifies as he watches her through the candlelight. However, the song leaves the nature of Louis XIV's feelings for Kathryn ambiguous, whether it is true love or pure desire.


The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the party, with images of darkened halls lit by thousands of candles, betrayals, and the ever-turning wheel of fate. The song's lyrics showcase how even Kings were not immune to love's intoxicating effects. The song emphasizes the idea that love can make a person feel alive and passionate, but it can also consume them.


Line by Line Meaning

1679, hall of Versailles,
In the year 1679, we find ourselves in the hall of Versailles.


Louis the XIV is having a party.
King Louis the XIV is host to a party in this very hall.


At this court of betrayers and liers
The people attending the party are all deceitful and untrustworthy courtiers.


wheel of fate's gonna turn anyway...
Regardless of this fact, fate will continue to turn as it does.


"Welcome to my home, again. Enjoy your time..."
King Louis greets his guests and urges them to enjoy their visit.


And through the darkness candles, lighten the hall
Candles provide light in the dark hall.


like thousands (of) dancers reflecting on the walls...
The light from the candles creates an effect resembling a multitude of dancers on the wall.


"Let's start the dances, no one shall stand tall..."
Louis invites his guests to dance, urging everyone to participate on equal ground.


Midnight time, in the hall of Versailles,
The scene shifts to midnight in the same hall.


greatest pleasure: a present for Louis
King Louis is thrilled to receive a gift.


it's a gift from the ruler of Venice
It turns out that the gift is from the ruler of Venice.


"... Just a portrait, my daughter in it"
The gift itself is a portrait, featuring the Venice ruler's daughter.


In a beating of the heart
Something dramatic happens in Louis' heart.


the king fell in love
It is revealed that Louis has fallen in love.


And through the candles, Louis starts dreamin' on...
Louis begins to dream while gazing at the candles.


Dramatic fancy: the king has fallen in love!
The situation is dramatic - the king has been struck by love!


Oh, Kathryn, through the candles, I can see your face...
Louis sees the face of Kathryn in the light of the candles.


Oh, can't you see? My heart is bleeding, screaming for you...
Louis' heart yearns for Kathryn and he cries out for her.


For love or lust, feelings or passion, who knows?
The nature of the king's feelings for Kathryn is uncertain - it could be love or it could be lust, and nobody knows for sure.


And through the candles, Louis starts dreamin' on...
Louis continues to dream and gaze at the candles.


The king is calling, who will dare to deny?
Louis is drawn to Kathryn and anyone who would get in the way is foolish to do so.




Contributed by Violet P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Per Santiago


on In the End

ppp

Yaiyen Creed


on Crawling

yo me he sentido asi ,excelente tema y letra .se le extraña mucho ,decsubri otra banda que tiene similar la voz de chester, linkin park son y siempre seran los mejores x la eternidad

Yaiyen Creed


on Now I See

este tema me encanta, x siempre linkin park,

Muhammad Syukron


on Castle of Glass

i like this

Elmhier Seyer AtenCio


on Numb

ang ganda tlga nito :)

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