LINKIN PARK - Breaking the Habit - (Acoustic cover) by Jonathan Young 

This is one of the most impactful covers you've ever made, Jon. Paints the whole song in an entirely new light.

I was skeptic when I saw the title, because this song is one of the most powerful tracks from Linkin Park, especially from Chester. It has a huge meaning behind the lines, there is a whole story, a broken, hopeless story that slowly killed a beautiful soul. I've always thought that no one can ever sing it like Chester, and no one ever should, because it's his song, his stroy, his pain. And I was kind of right, no one will ever sing the way he did, but it is alright. The original was strong, it hurt hurt hurt on so many levels, the way Chester was screaming and barely even breathing through the lines, the way he sang faster and faster with every word represented his angry and hopeless depression, the fight he couldn't win against his own broken soul, and those true feelings made this song legendary. Your version is totally different, and thank God it is. It is calmer, it has strength in it on so many levels, it has the determination and hope of a person who decided to get up and turn into the light again. It doesn't have the pain the song carried with Chester, but it has the will of fight, and it was everything. Thank you very much for this beautiful masterpiece. This is how his memory should go on. This is how we heal.

3 years later, I'm still listening to this song, and I will find it hard to believe that Chester's really gone. Such an amazing cover of such an amazing song.

Here I am, revisiting this six years later, and it still chokes me up. Rest in Peace, Chester Bennington, the world misses you...

"I don't want to be the one the battles always choose" those lyrics hit hard in my heart.

You have honoured Chester and your voice is a gift

I was not ready for this

Today it's 4 years since Chester left this land of the living but he'll always live in our hearts 🖤 This cover is a beautiful tribute to him...

Memories consume Like opening the wound I'm picking me apart again You all assume I'm safe here in my room Unless I try to start again I don't want to be the one The battles always choose 'Cause inside I realize That I'm the one confused I don't know what's worth fighting for Or why I have to scream I don't know why I instigate And say what I don't mean I don't know how I got this way I know it's not alright So I'm breaking the habit I'm breaking the habit tonight Clutching my cure I tightly lock the door I try to catch my breath again I hurt much more Than anytime before I had no options left again I don't want to be the one The battles always choose 'Cause inside I realize That I'm the one confused I don't know what's worth fighting for Or why I have to scream I don't know why I instigate And say what I don't mean I don't know how I got this way I'll never be alright So I'm breaking the habit I'm breaking the habit tonight I'll paint it on the walls 'Cause I'm the one at fault I'll never fight again And this is how it ends I don't know what's worth fighting for Or why I have to scream But now I have some clarity To show you what I mean I don't know how I got this way I'll never be alright So I'm breaking the habit I'm breaking the habit I'm breaking the habit tonight

Honestly so genuinely beautiful. The original catches the chaos of emotions, the panic he feels in what he’s about to do. This version sounds so... content. Sounds like they accepted their fate and they’re just content with what’s going to happen. Honestly gives completely new meaning to the original song. One shows the chaos and one shows the calm before the storm. I love it. Either way, brought me to tears. 10/10.

Every cover I'm hearing recently of all of the Linkin Park songs, each one is moving, and meaningful. But yours, similarly to Caleb's, is truly bringing tears to the eyes. Changing the song in such a way to bring on a whole new tone and meaning that perfectly embodies the reasons for the covers. Thank you for this, it is truly perfect.

11 years of RU-vid and I've never commented. This song resonated with me so much I had to speak. Thank you for this beautiful cover.

Its videos like this that make me wish that RU-vid had a love button. This is simply awesome.

Fucking hell, why do I keep listening to this when I’m always a crying mess afterwards. Thank you Chester, & thank you Jonathan.

I was recently reminded of one of my old friends. The one friend I couldn't help. The one friend I lost to suicide. I can usually tell when my friends are depressed. I couldn't tell with her. My friends just, without me saying anything, would come to me with suicidal thoughts, I'd always talk them down. She didn't come to me. The morning after the last day of Sophomore year, 2008. I woke to a text of her smiling face saying 'I always loved you'. I immediately called her, her mom answered, she did the unthinkable just a few minutes after that text. Her mom and dad were out on a date at the time. I found out I was the last person she ever contacted. I guess I subconsciously pushed that memory down deeper and deeper. Turns out, this was her favorite song. Maybe it was a sign? I don't know. I had a BUNCH of friends who were never suicidal or even depressed who loved this song and even had Linkin Park as their favorite band forever. I think I've played this song on youtube and my phone about 50 times since that memory was dredged up this past Monday(currently end of Wednesday). I reached out to the person who wrote a note to a youtuber, who read it aloud on his community stream Monday night. He had a similar experience. I related mine to him and the other one I have that relates to the OTHER part of his in his letter. We're friends now and I thanked him for bringing up a part of my history I don't know why I'd ever want to forget. Now, I thank you for reinforcing my vehemently strong personal push through depression, suicidal thoughts, and my efforts to help those around me. I'm no professional, but I've always been a shoulder and supporter for friends. Thank you!

Bless you, man. And bless Chester; Linkin Park was a huge part in getting so many, myself included, through their liwest points. He got so much hate and flak he did not deserve. Thank you for such a great tribute. Going acoustic added a whole new raw edge. Chester would be proud to inspire someone so talented.

As someone with anger problems, this song spoke to me. I don't know how I got this way, or why I have to scream, but this song reaches the part of me that desperately wants to break my own habits. Thank you, Jonathan, and you too, Chester.

I cannot get through any cover or any song of theirs without crying anymore. When I listened to them in middle and high school I was just some edgy kid who thought my life sucked. Now, just as I got back into them as someone with GAD and depression, their lyrics really meant something to me now that he's gone, the lyrics speak to me on a whole new level. Cause when someone who helps us through so much loses his battle, what do we do...?

I LOVE this cover. This is a perfect example of something i realized recently as i started listening to more Linkin Park songs: the faster songs are usually heavier than the slower/more emotional ones. Songs like this, Bleed it out, and One step closer hide the heavy meaning behind the fast paced intensity of the song itself and to hear that be brought to the forefront of the song...it's incredible

normally i tend to avoid acoustic covers of songs, especially when the original is a lot more fast paced, and i'm not saying this as a detriment to Jonathan it's just they were never really a thing for me. i finally listened to this on a whim because i needed something to listen to i believe that i now thoroughly regret not listening to this sooner

Beautifully done. The greatness of the original was that it spoke Chester's true struggle and emotions. It was personal and was something only he could convey and no one else could. Instead of trying to mimic the struggle in the song you sung it your own way. It sounds like you're mourning a loss than trying to overcome a struggle which is what is truly comming from the heart when you sing it. To you it is not the struggle that went on to the end of Chester's life, it's the echo of an inspiration to you that has now passed. You made this version your own and it's stands better for it.

Well. This wrecked me. Catch ya again when I'm not attempting to sing along through tears on the twelfth replay. Thanks.

I've been listening to your cover for hours, remembering how I got to discover LP and how I kept being a fan ever since. Man, your version perfectly highlights the emotional side of the song ... Your voice is so powerful Chester would be proud.

The guitar and this version overall really brings the pain of this song to the forefront. Thank you, sir.

Probably my favorite cover of ANY song ever. Powerful. There will never be another Chester but we can all see his passion lives on.

I sang right along. Chester will be missed by many, me included. R.i.p Chester Bennington

I've been waiting for this. Beautiful tribute Jonathan. Chester would be proud.

Damn ninjas cutting onions!

I don't think any Linkin Park fan will ever favor a cover over than the original, but I will say I do appreciate respectful and heartfelt attempts. You sir have brought a tear to my eyes which is usually hard to do, thank you for this cover.

Still loving this. An incredible masterpiece. Chester would have been proud of how his music could be used here.

Love to see "castle of glass"

This song is my absolute favorite song by Linkin Park, for the longest time, and eventually became the anthem in my sobriety. It's rough to make a cover of this and make it as powerful as the original while paying it homage, and you hit the nail on the head. Beautifully done!

Worthless, The Brave Little Toaster. I would love to hear your rendition of this dark and emotional song.

Three years... God, it feels like longer. I remember when I first found out; I was just hanging out with my brother and playing some video games and all of a sudden my mom started crying uncontrollably. She'd found a news article online about how Chester was gone, and at first I thought it was just some joke being played by journalists. I still wish that was the case... It was a long time before anyone in my house listened to Linkin Park, almost a year and a half. And at first it was hard, finding the songs that wouldn't make me cry; but over time it's gotten easier. There's only a handful now that do it, Numb, Leave Out All The Rest, and Breaking The Habit are the main ones. And almost every time I listen to a cover or the original of this, I have to hold back the tears. Jonathan did an amazing job with this, I say along the entire time, even when tears started flowing, and I'm glad, because it personally shows how well of a job he did putting the right emotions into the song. Chester would be proud, I firmly believe that. Rest In Piece, Chester

There’s only one word to describe this, and it’s beautiful 😢

This is a great cover, much respect R.I.P Chester

NO MORE ;-; IM GONNA CRY

Nope. Still can't listen to even COVERS of Linkin Park without crying. Absolutely heartfelt cover. Love it!

Chester effected so many lives with his music. Ty for covering so many of their songs.

I burst out crying when the first chorus began. RIP Chester

This is one of the best you've ever done and it honestly helped me come to terms with Chester's death. I'd been trying not to process it and avoided listening to any of his songs until a friend of mine convinced me to listen to this. Thanks for helping me process it and for contributing something so well done in tribute.

Beautiful....Linkin Park was a big part of me growing up and this made me happy to see...thanks Jonathan

CRIES!!! MY CHILDHOOD. RIP CHESTER WE WILL MISS YOU!!

this song... this cover... this just speaks to me in a vary powerful way that hurts but gives hope at the same time

Grew up with LP as an inspiration. Reflecting on those memories STILL brings tears even today. THAT is the impact of passionate music.

Majestic... The only word I can think to describe this cover. Godamn you make some beautiful music.

This cover is something that needs to be heard by all. The picture you have painted, Jonathan, just by merely singing an playing an iconic song in a different way opens the message of the song wide open for those who don't understand. Thank you.

The emotions came after seeing this. It was such a lovely tribute and touching cover. R.I.P. Chester :'(

Every time I hear this, and actually listen to the lyrics, it hits me harder. Rest in peace Chester. You're safe now.

I HATE HATE HATE that I have to introduce my friends to JY as "that guy that does Disney and anime metal covers" to get them to the point to recognize the talent of this track. So far, this is JonathanYoung's MagnumOpus. imo And yes, I know it was recorded as a tribute after the fact. But damn I wish Chester could have heard this. Maybe it would have changed his mind...

It is nice that you went acoustic to this song. It gave me so much feels from hearing it. It fits the situation and it really feels that you wanted to show your respect to Linkin Park and I am grateful for that. I am an avid fan of Linkin Park and thank you for playing this song. You are awesome as always, I hope you continue creating videos~

Great. For a long time I haven't heard the right covers for this song. The overwhelming majority of singers, bands etc. just sing this one without understanding what it is really about and how deep it is. Thank you, Jonathan.

I felt my heart litteraly break as I sat down to listen to this. I love your voice and to combine this version of this song with how you performed it... You're great man, this was great. Thank you for making this.

Such an incredible song cover.

Kinda crazy it's been 5 years now since we lost Chester...

Damn dust in my eyes! Such raw emotion,. Thank you Jonathan. Long time LP fan, it’s just so hard to listen to any of their songs now, but I do because they helped me through so much, if only we could’ve helped him back.

beautiful tribute to a beautiful man who effected countless people with his music. thank you

That was really, really beautiful, Jon. Thank you very much for everything you're doing for us. R.I.P. Chester.

No mater how many times I listen to this cover, it breaks my heart. We need more like this.

I may never get over this. Such a powerful cover that really helped me through the loss of one of the greatest singers.

Beautiful tribute for the legend Chester .. Rest In Peace

Varna - "My Heart" Starset - "My Demons" Fireflight - "Unbreakable" Plan Three - "Still Broken" Ill Niño - "How Can I Live" Godsmack - "I Stand Alone" Nine Lashes - "Write It Down" Egypt Central - "White Rabbit" Papa Roach - "...To Be Loved" Cold Driven - "Kingdom Come" Seether feat. Amy Lee - "Broken" Linkin Park - "Breaking The Habit" Three Days Grace - "Get Out Alive" Evalyn Awake - "Nothing Remains" Skillet - "The Resistance" & "Rebirth" Relient K - "Devastation and Reform" Generation X - "Dancing With Myself" Behind The Fallen - "We Travel Alone" Blockheads - "Because Of Me" & "Rise" Five Finger Death Punch - "Far From Home" Breaking Benjamin - "Dance With The Devil" Get Scared - "Don't You Dare Forget The Sun" Lostprophets - "Rooftops (A Liberation Broadcast)" Break Away - "Here I Am", "Scream" & "The Bitter Truth"

Wow.. One of my favorite Linkin Park songs. Never thought it sound so good as an acoustic but you did really good on this. Like one of the other commenters on here said, you took this song and made it your own with this cover.

I come back to this, often. And I cry, every single time. This song got me through some really rough times in my youth (I remember covering it semi-acoustically with my high school band too, obviously nowhere near your level, of course), and I wish there would've been something to help Chester get through his. You did this song justice, Jonathan. So much. And you have helped ensure the song and the memory of Chester will live on. Thank you.

It's the day after his birthday that I am listening to this and yet, I still am breaking down in tears. I hope there will be a point in which I can listen to his music again without crying, but who knows. Right now, you have brought those tears to my eyes in joy and memory of a great artist. Thank you.

I just wanted to say thank you for making this Lincoln park were the people who kept me out of the dark and you reminded me of that thank you honestly thank you!

Between this and Caleb's cover of Numb i am in TEARS. They are both so beautiful! Good work both of you!

I absolutely love the vibe it has, it is so intimate, so personal, so honest.

This cover is absolutely amazing! You are really talented and you have such a perfect voice.

Likin Park has always had a deep impact on me. Chester's pain resonated within me so deeply that he nearly dragged me down with him. I wish I could have met him, I would've tried to pull him out. But since his music impacted me so deeply, I have to be careful of his music, and I am the most critical of cover artists. But this song, this song was just as strong as Chester's. I'm sitting here in stunned silence, tears pooling from my eyes. Thank you for this, and please, if you are struggling, find help. We love you and are all here for you.

What a beautiful interpretation, you make me dream once again! 👍😊

I feel like crying omg..

The way you fill the whole mix is insane, only with your guitar and 1 or 2 voices. And of course the cover is amazing.

I know that this song is not about love and being heartbroken and I'm also aware that these kind of problems can't be compared to the struggles that Chester had to deal with, but right now I'm going through a very painful heartbreak and the lyrics cut deeper everytime I listen to this song. Yes, I hurt much more than anytime before, and whenever I get home after work, I just get to my room, tightly lock the door and try to catch my breath again. I know that this is a completely different level of pain, but still, I wish people would pay more attention not to hurt each other. There are many things that cause us pain but can't be helped or prevented (like natural disasters), so when we alreaedy have to deal with those why cause each other and ourselves more pain when there should be ways to solve them without leaving any scars. We need more respect for each other in this world.

I still, to this day, tear up whenever I listen to this, Linkin Park dragged me out of a very dark spot and even now their music still does, Chester Bennington honestly saved me life at least twice

Once again, you continue to amaze us with your covers. This song shed an entirely new light on the lyrics for me, and it means much more to me now (it already meant a lot). I'm also just going to say this: the fact that he didn't add anything other than the song (sound-wise) is such a simple, small gesture that added another pang of feels to it

....I'm almost speechless. This version gave chills, this is just a fantastic tribute dude.

I fell for Linkin Park thanks to Chester. Linkin Park was the only band me and my whole family could agree we liked, I had a cat I named "Linkin" and the fact that Chester was also from Arizona gave me some hope that I could make it some day as well. I'm gonna miss him

I’m so happy with the direction in which you took this song. It’s always been my go to song when I’ve felt overwhelmed. I’ve struggled with an eating disorder for almost 9 years now ( some time of recovery thrown in there) and finding the right words on how to explain to people how you feel on the inside is so hard! I always cry when I listen to this version, but I feel like it releases everything I’ve been bottling up. The emotion you’ve put behind this cover reminds me that other people are out there hurting too, and as stupid as this sounds, makes me feel not so alone. It’s like a aha moment that somebody DOES understand. Not necessarily the ED issue itself, but just the pain and mental toll it takes. The constant frustration on not understanding why I can’t stop. Thank you.

almost 5 years later, I come back to this one (not like I ever left btw), because it's one of your best covers, and at least the most impactful one. Love

This is prob the best cover I have ever heard + the best tribute

oh God, this is awesome...

I really want to hear you do "The Messenger", one of Linkin Park's most underrated songs ever.

I love Linkin Park and you make me cry with your version of one of my favorite song. Thank you so much and Chester miss me every day.

When I first found this it was when I heard Chester Bennington died. This made my tears come down harder #ripchester2017 I know he's been dead for a while now but I'll always have a chip in my heart from how I grew up to his music.

R.I.P Chester...

R.I.P. Chester of Linkin Park. You will be Missed

I can't stop listening to this cover...it's really wonderful. But i still feel the pain in my heart, and I can't even imagine that Chester will never sing any other new songs... World is unfair sometimes. Some part of my life died with him. Rest in peace Chester. And thank You.

When I was a kid, Chester Bennington gave me advice I'll never forget. If I have a dream, don't let anything stand in my way. If I want to sing, sing. Because of his advice I now have an honorary Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance. I never let anyone stand in my way. I hope others do the same.

This is quite honestly the best cover i’ve ever heard! I’m not one to really care for covers of classics but this, is amazingly and done in with soul! Not many people can cover such a classic like this. I’ve tried my hand at covering My December, Papercut and With You. I sound rather “ok” without studio equipment, but this...takes the cake and the heart in the lyrics, is very impactful! Bravo! Shared to facebook and sent to a few a friends that need to hear this song!

¡¡Es perfecto!!. Soy barítono y puedo cantarlo a la perfección, tenía dificultades ya que no llegaba a las notas hasta que encontre este video, muy buen cover :).

#RememberChester

Even now, my pain is so real. I feel lost in this chapter of my life, with only music to serve as my cure. with every tear and burning emotion inside me, this song is running through my veins. thank you jonathan. I think this is your best cover yet

Such a powerful cover, the last part always gives me goosebumps. Amazing.

This song has always been a favorite of mine but when you sing it makes me really think about the choices I have made. It hits me so hard!

Omg this is fantastic. Good move making it acoustic.Powerful stuff man

Absolutely loved this cover you did, Jon! It brought tears to my eyes with how beautiful it is, and how much emotion is packed into every word. Even now, I'm still greatly saddened by the passing of Chester Bennington. I hope his soul has found the peace it deserves...😥

I'm genuinely moved to tears. This cover was simply magnificent. We carry on for Chester. Thank you, Jonathan. Thank you, truly.

I was expecting a metal cover of this song, but I was incredibly surprised by this cover. While I don't consider it as good as the original, you took the song on a different direction that doesn't stray away from its real meaning. Call me a hipster, but I love Nickelback's music, particularly songs like: "Far Away"; "If Everyone Cared"; "When We Stand Together". The "country"-style music helps to give the songs more meaning, and sound more powerful. It wouldn't have been as powerful if they used hard rock. It's the same here. Your voice is also amazing; it sounds like a man crying/screaming for help from the deepest pits of the abyss, while being torn apart by the demons he created. I will always the love original more, but this version did something different with it and still kept the meaning and soul of the song. Rest in Peace, Chester Bennington.

Amazing cover. It gave me the chills. It's so hard to believe that he's gone....