It's pourin' in, you're laid on the floor again
One knock at the door and then
We both know how the story ends
You can't win if your white flag's out when the war begins
Aimin' so high but swingin' so low
Tryin' to catch fire but feelin' so cold
Hold it inside and hope it won't show
I'm sayin' it's not, but inside, I know
[Pre-Chorus: Mike Shinoda & Emily Armstrong]
Today's gonna be the day you notice
'Cause I'm tired of explainin' what the joke is
[Chorus: Emily Armstrong]
This is what you asked for, heavy is the crown
Fire in the sunrise, ashes rainin' down
Try to hold it in, but it keeps bleedin' out
This is what you asked for, heavy is the
Heavy is the crown
[Verse 2: Mike Shinoda]
Turn to run, now look what it's become
Outnumbered, ten to one
Back thеn should've bit your tongue
'Cause thеre's no turnin' back this path once it's begun
You're already on that list
Say you don't want what you can't resist
Wavin' that sword when the pen won't miss
Watch it all fallin' apart like this
This is what you asked for, heavy is the crown
Fire in the sunrise, ashes rainin' down
Try to hold it in, but it keeps bleedin' out
This is what you asked for, heavy is the
Heavy is the crown
[Bridge: Mike Shinoda]
Today's gonna be the day you notice
'Cause I'm tired of explainin' what the joke is
[Breakdown: Emily Armstrong]
This is what you asked for
[Chorus: Emily Armstrong]
This is what you asked for, heavy is the crown
Fire in the sunrise, ashes rainin' down
Try to hold it in but it keeps bleedin' out
This is what you asked for, heavy is the
Heavy is the crown
[Outro: Emily Armstrong]
Heavy is the crown
Heavy is the, heavy is the crown
About
“Heavy Is The Crown” is the anticipated second single from Linkin Park’s eighth studio album, From Zero. This version of the song is also the official League of Legends Worlds 2024 anthem, with its release date being the day before Worlds 2024 began. A separate Original Score version would be subsequently used for the Arcane: Season 2 Soundtrack. Also, sharing name with the first episode of the season.
Rumors of the song being linked to League of Legends started in early September 2024 after the official LoL account replied to a Linkin Park tweet with a crown emoji. Fans quickly interpreted it as a reference to the song title, and Mike Shinoda also hinted at the connection by replying with a fire emoji to a tweet from Arcane.
On September 21, 2024, Linkin Park further implied the collaboration when the words “Make them believe” — the slogan for Worlds 2024 — were added at the bottom of their website upon loading. “Heavy Is The Crown” would finally make a surprise debut the next day when the band played it live in Hamburg, Germany as a part of the show’s encore on the From Zero Would Tour. Official confirmation of the League of Legends collab would follow soon after:
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
It’s been an amazing experience partnering with Riot to bring this anthem to the global League of Legends community. The song is a real highlight of this new era for us, harnessing our signature sound and infusing it with fresh energy. We’re so excited for players and fans to experience this!
– Mike Shinoda via Kerrang! (September 23, 2024).
During the tracking week ending October 12, 2024, the song debuted at #79 on the Hot 100. The song marks Linkin Park’s second appearance on the chart in 2024 as “The Emptiness Machine” peaked previously at #21. With Emily Armstrong appearing as the new lead vocalist for Linkin Park, it marks her second appearance on the Hot 100.
