The song "This I Earned" by Hatebreed is about the concept of hard work, perseverance, and earning one's achievements. The lyrics convey a sense of pride and defiance towards those who doubt or underestimate the singer's accomplishments. The song begins by addressing those who live in a fictional world, consumed by what they see on screens rather than reality. The singer suggests that these individuals are preoccupied with the singer's actions because they have failed to take action themselves. The singer questions if their time has been well spent or if they have been holding themselves back. The chorus emphasizes the idea that the singer's achievements were not simply handed to them but were earned through hard work and perseverance. The line "I bled for this" signifies the sacrifices and struggles the singer has endured to reach their goals. The phrase "be bound to your word" implies the importance of staying true to oneself and living up to one's promises. The song continues to emphasize that the singer's success and achievements were not given to them as gifts. They had to face and overcome various hardships to prove their worth. The lyrics challenge the listener to strive for a future worth fighting for and to have a personal stake in their own endeavors. The repeated line "my blood I shed for this" symbolizes the physical and emotional toll that the singer has experienced along their journey. It represents the sacrifices they have made to attain their goals. Overall, "This I Earned" is a defiant anthem that champions hard work, perseverance, and the idea that accomplishments are not handed to individuals but earned through dedication and determination.
