Re-Arranged

"Re-Arranged" is a song by the American nu metal band Limp Bizkit, released on October 12, 1999, as the second single from their second studio album, Significant Other.^[1] The track, characterized by Fred Durst's aggressive rap verses and Wes Borland's heavy, dissonant guitar riffs, exemplifies the band's fusion of hip-hop and metal elements.^[1] The song achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart for one week in late 1999, Limp Bizkit's first chart-topping single on that ranking. It also reached number 88 on the Billboard Hot 100, contributing to the album's multi-platinum status.^[2] Significant Other, released earlier that year on June 22 via Interscope Records, sold over 16 million copies worldwide and propelled Limp Bizkit to mainstream prominence in the late 1990s nu metal scene. The music video for "Re-Arranged," directed by frontman Fred Durst, portrays the band members on trial and imprisoned in response to the riots at Woodstock '99, where their performance of "Break Stuff" was controversially linked to crowd violence.^[3] Uploaded officially to YouTube, the video has amassed over 53 million views as of November 2025, underscoring the song's enduring cultural impact.^[4] Lyrically, "Re-Arranged" explores themes of deception and relational breakdown, with Durst delivering raw, confrontational lines that resonated with the era's angst-driven youth audience.^[5] The single's bass-driven groove and dynamic structure have made it a staple in Limp Bizkit's live sets, performed over 360 times since its debut in 1999.^[6]

Background and development

Writing and inspiration

"Re-Arranged" was primarily written by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst, who drew inspiration from his tumultuous breakup with an ex-girlfriend two years prior to the song's creation. Durst described her as initially a "sweet, innocent girl" he deeply loved, but who later engaged in infidelity, including relationships with his closest friends, leading to profound feelings of betrayal and emotional turmoil. This personal experience of dishonesty and manipulation formed the core of the track's conception, reflecting Durst's lingering hurt and inability to move on despite her attempts at reconciliation.^[7] The song's themes stem from Durst's growing skepticism toward his former partner, capturing a sense of life becoming overwhelming amid deception and emotional chaos. This inspiration aligned with the broader motifs of relational strife across the album Significant Other, yet "Re-Arranged" stood out for its exploration of vulnerability and introspection rather than outright aggression.^[7] The writing occurred during the album's development sessions from late 1998 to early 1999, as the band crafted material that channeled Durst's real-life struggles into more melodic and confessional expressions.^[8]

Recording process

"Re-Arranged" was recorded during the sessions for Limp Bizkit's second studio album, Significant Other, spanning November 1998 to February 1999, primarily at NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, California, and D+D Studios in New York City.^[8] The track was self-produced by the band in collaboration with veteran rock producer Terry Date, who brought his experience from working with acts like Pantera and Deftones to refine the nu metal sound.^[9][10] The recording featured core band members Fred Durst handling vocals, Wes Borland on guitar, Sam Rivers on bass, John Otto on drums, and DJ Lethal contributing turntables and scratches.^[11] A key element was the bass line by Rivers, which formed the song's foundational groove. The bass line originated spontaneously during a soundcheck when Borland played a tapped guitar figure, with Rivers creating the line featuring sixteenth notes on the spot, setting it apart from the album's more aggressive cuts like "Break Stuff."^[12] This bass riff, described as elegantly simple, provided a driving pulse that anchored the track's atmosphere.^[13] Production included additional sampling from Eric B. & Rakim's "I Know You Got Soul" integrated into the track.^[14] The final version clocks in at 5:56, balancing introspection with the band's signature energy.^[15]

Composition and lyrics

Musical structure

"Re-Arranged" is a nu metal track distinguished by its melodic groove, anchored in a bass-driven intro and a conventional verse-chorus structure that builds emotional intensity gradually. The song operates at a tempo of 104 beats per minute in B major, allowing for a deliberate pace that contrasts with the high-energy aggression common in the genre.^[16] Central to the arrangement is bassist Sam Rivers' prominent riff, which samples the groove from Eric B. & Rakim's "I Know You Got Soul" and serves as the song's core hook, propelling the verses with a slinking, repetitive groove.^[17] Guitarist Wes Borland complements this with restrained, atmospheric tones—employing clean and lightly distorted sounds rather than heavy distortion—to foster a sense of underlying tension. Drummer John Otto delivers dynamic patterns that start sparse and escalate to powerful crescendos during the choruses, while DJ Lethal layers in subtle turntable scratches for textural depth without dominating the mix.^[18][19] The structure begins with a spoken intro reciting "Just think about it," transitioning into verses where clean vocals ride over the bass riff amid minimal instrumentation. This leads into anthemic choruses that amplify the dynamics, followed by a bridge that intensifies the arrangement through layered builds. The track concludes with an extended outro that fades gradually, incorporating a bass solo element to reinforce the song's introspective close.^[20] In contrast to Limp Bizkit's norm of rap-infused rock with overt aggression, "Re-Arranged" presents a more subdued and sophisticated sound, prioritizing emotional nuance and melodic restraint to evoke vulnerability rather than confrontation.^[21]

Lyrical themes

The lyrics of "Re-Arranged" were written by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst, with music credits shared among band members and sampling contributions from Eric B. & Rakim's "I Know You Got Soul," drawing from his personal experiences of dishonesty and relational strain during a past marriage.^[22] The song confronts the erosion of trust in the relationship, with Durst expressing a growing emotional distance and disillusionment. For instance, the opening verse captures this withdrawal through lines such as:

Lately, I've been skeptical, silent when I would use to speak
Distant from all around me, witness me fail and become weak

These lyrics symbolize the narrator's retreat into silence amid perceived betrayal, highlighting the internal conflict of maintaining a facade while grappling with deceit.^[19] At the core of the song is the motif of "re-arranging" one's life as a means to escape a toxic dynamic, portraying the partner as an overwhelming burden that stifles personal growth. The narrator asserts a defiant resolve to disappoint external expectations rather than continue the cycle, as seen in the bridge:

Sunshine, here today
But when she's gone I feel so blue
You're the one I want
But I don't know what to do

This reflects a pivotal moment of clarity, where the act of re-arrangement becomes an act of self-preservation against emotional toxicity.^[19] Thematically, "Re-Arranged" explores maturity through the lens of adult overwhelm, depicting the breakup not as mere anger but as a liberating step toward emotional independence. Unlike some of Limp Bizkit's other tracks that delve into overt aggression or violence, this song emphasizes introspection and the burdens of grown-up obligations, such as navigating infidelity and relational fallout. The chorus reinforces this confrontation and release:

Why can't you see that you're on my mind?
Don't know why I feel this way
But I'm not gonna let it get me
I won't let it get me down

Here, Durst conveys resilience in the face of heartache, framing the dissolution as a necessary reconfiguration for healing and forward momentum, inspired by his own life's challenges.^[19]

Music video

Concept and narrative

The music video for "Re-Arranged," directed by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst and released in 1999, depicts the band in a fictional narrative inspired by the real-life riots at Woodstock '99, where they were accused of inciting crowd violence. The storyline begins with chaos at the festival, leading to the band's arrest and imprisonment, portrayed through dramatic reenactments intercut with performance footage of the group. This surreal sequence escalates to a mock trial in which the members are convicted of responsibility for the unrest, highlighting the absurdity of their scapegoating by media and authorities.^[3][23][24] The narrative reaches its climax with the band's execution by drowning in a pool of milk, an intentionally bizarre punishment that critiques the over-the-top public backlash against Limp Bizkit for the festival's destructive aftermath. This act symbolizes the irrational blame and media frenzy directed at the band, emphasizing themes of absurdity in fame and the distortion of events for sensationalism. Following the execution, the video transitions to a heavenly afterlife where the band reunites and performs, offering a redemptive resolution amid ethereal visuals.^[23][24][25] Running approximately five minutes, the video forms the middle chapter of a trilogy connecting to the "Nookie" clip (which hints at the initial arrest) and "N 2 Gether Now" (continuing the afterlife reunion with Method Man), creating a cohesive story arc of downfall and transcendence.^[4][23]

Production details

The music video for "Re-Arranged" was directed by Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst and released on September 13, 1999.^[26] Produced in the immediate aftermath of the band's Woodstock '99 performance on July 24, 1999—which sparked riots and widespread controversy—the video was crafted with a rapid timeline to address the backlash against the group.^[27] Filming utilized studio sets to depict a surreal courtroom trial and a heavenly afterlife, seamlessly integrating live performance footage shot at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia.^[28] The cast comprised core band members Fred Durst, Wes Borland, Sam Rivers, John Otto, and DJ Lethal, supplemented by actors portraying the presiding judge and hooded executioners.^[26] Production challenges stemmed from the tight schedule and heightened media scrutiny following Woodstock '99, where Limp Bizkit was accused of inciting violence during their set; Durst's hands-on direction aimed for a gritty, unpolished nu metal vibe reflective of the era's underground energy.^[29] Practical effects were prioritized, most notably in the climactic execution sequence featuring a deluge of milk that engulfs the band, symbolizing their "drowning" in public judgment.^[27] In post-production, the footage was tightly edited to synchronize with the song's pulsating rhythm and thematic shifts, enhancing its narrative flow from condemnation to redemption; the final cut debuted on MTV in late 1999, capitalizing on the network's rotation of high-profile nu metal content.^[28]

Release and promotion

Single formats

"Re-Arranged" was released on October 12, 1999, by Flip Records and Interscope Records as the second single from Limp Bizkit's album Significant Other.^[30][1] The primary commercial format was a CD maxi-single, available in enhanced editions that included audio tracks and multimedia content. The track listing for the European CD maxi-single (catalog number 497 139-2) consisted of:

1. "Re-Arranged" (Dirty Version) – 5:54
2. "Faith" (George Michael cover) – 2:26
3. "Counterfeit" (Lethal Dose Remix) – 3:22
4. "Faith" (CD-ROM video).^[1]

Additional formats included promotional CD singles and a 12-inch vinyl promo released in the US in 2001, featuring remixes such as the Timbaland version of "Rearranged." Clean edits of "Re-Arranged" were produced specifically for radio play, omitting explicit language from the original dirty version. The single was later made available in digital formats on streaming platforms.^[31][32] The packaging for the CD single featured artwork with distorted photographs of the band members, reflecting the chaotic and aggressive aesthetic of the Significant Other album.^[1]

Marketing and promotion

The promotion of "Re-Arranged" built on the momentum from the album Significant Other's lead single "Nookie," which had established Limp Bizkit as a rising force in nu metal. Interscope Records emphasized the track's melodic shift from the album's more aggressive cuts through targeted advertising campaigns that highlighted its introspective tone and accessibility.^[33] The music video received heavy rotation on MTV, contributing to the band's visibility on platforms like Total Request Live during the peak of nu metal's popularity in late 1999.^[9] Concurrently, the single saw a strong radio push on alternative stations, reaching number one on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and solidifying airplay gains following "Nookie"'s success.^[33] Live performances played a key role in building excitement, with "Re-Arranged" performed on the East Stage at Woodstock '99 on July 24, 1999, as part of the band's set amid the festival's growing tensions and subsequent riots.^[34] This appearance amplified buzz around the track, tying it to the event's cultural notoriety. Promotion extended to the Significant Other tour, where the song was integrated into sets, and merchandise like vintage T-shirts featuring album motifs supported fan engagement.^[35] Internationally, the single followed similar strategies in Europe and Australia, with video airings on local music channels.^[9]

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release as a single in October 1999, "Re-Arranged" was praised by critics for demonstrating Limp Bizkit's growing melodic maturity within the nu metal genre, particularly through its anthemic ballad structure that contrasted the album's typical aggression. However, some reviewers critiqued frontman Fred Durst's vocal delivery on the song as occasionally whiny and strained, detracting from its intensity despite the heartfelt breakup narrative. The Daily Vault described it as a subtle highlight where Durst employs a more appealing lower register, but acknowledged the overall rap-metal sludge and "I-hate-life" tone that permeated the album, including this track.^[36] Entertainment Weekly echoed this mixed sentiment, portraying the song as part of an unrelenting skateboard-metal assault driven by Durst's raw, adolescent frustrations, while noting its unexpected ambient coda, complete with scratching.^[37] The track's production and bass line drew consistent positive attention for their groovy, funk-infused foundation, with the rolling bass riff providing a memorable anchor amid the nu metal formula. Kerrang! retrospectively noted the album's sharpened attack under producer Terry Date.^[27] In the 2020s, retrospective analyses have acclaimed "Re-Arranged" for its emotional depth and exploration of adult themes like vulnerability and relational fallout, setting it apart from Limp Bizkit's more juvenile output. Paste Magazine, marking the album's 25th anniversary in 2024, emphasized Durst's lyrical maturation on the album, reducing overt misogyny while amplifying personal heartbreak.^[33] Kerrang! similarly reflected on its subdued sophistication, arguing that two decades later, the track's introspective qualities affirm Limp Bizkit's lasting, if polarizing, influence on nu metal's emotional landscape.^[27]

Accolades and legacy

"Re-Arranged" earned significant recognition in the early 2000s. The song's music video forms the middle chapter of a trilogy directed by frontman Fred Durst—linking "Nookie" and "Break Stuff"—that critiques fame, media sensationalism, and the pitfalls of celebrity in the rock world.^[28] As a hallmark of late-1990s nu metal, "Re-Arranged" symbolized a pivot toward melodic introspection amid the era's aggressive rap-metal dominance, demonstrating Limp Bizkit's versatility and broadening fan perceptions of the band's range beyond high-energy anthems.^[38] In 2025, "Re-Arranged" gained renewed attention as Limp Bizkit's last number-one single on a major Billboard chart prior to the unexpected success of "Making Love to Morgan Wallen."^[39] Following bassist Sam Rivers' death in October 2025, tributes from the music community emphasized his foundational bassline on the track as a key element of its groove and emotional depth.^[40] The song continues to feature prominently in live performances during the band's 2025 tours, reviving its energy for new and longtime audiences.^[41]

Commercial performance

Chart positions

"Re-Arranged" achieved notable success on rock radio formats in the United States, topping the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart in late 1999 as the band's only number-one hit on that ranking.^[42] The single also peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.^[43] On the all-genre Billboard Hot 100, it reached number 88.^[2] This performance marked the second consecutive Alternative Airplay number one for Limp Bizkit from their album Significant Other, following "Nookie," and was bolstered by the band's heightened visibility from their Woodstock '99 appearance and the song's cinematic music video.^[33] Internationally, the track had more modest results, peaking at number 35 on Australia's ARIA Singles Chart.^[44]

Sales and certifications

"Re-Arranged" did not receive any specific certifications from the RIAA for the single release, though its parent album Significant Other achieved 7× Platinum status in the United States, denoting shipments of over seven million units.^[45] The track's initial commercial success was largely driven by physical single sales in the late 1990s, contributing to the album's overall momentum without independent Gold certification for 500,000 units sold. Internationally, the single also lacked dedicated certifications, while Significant Other earned 2× Platinum accreditation from ARIA in Australia for 140,000 units shipped.^[45] In the digital era, "Re-Arranged" experienced a notable resurgence through streaming platforms during the 2020s, fueled by nostalgia-driven playlists and the band's renewed popularity. By November 2025, the song had amassed approximately 49 million streams on Spotify alone.^[46] Its official music video on YouTube surpassed 53 million views, bringing total audio and video streams to exceed 100 million across major platforms.^[4] This streaming growth underscores the track's enduring appeal amid broader nu metal revival trends.

Track listings

International CD single^[1]

US promo CD single^[47]