untitled 3
Brand New Lyrics


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So the air's gettin' colder
And the news keeps us scared
I still wrestle this summer
From the bones of our tired, blistered hands
'Cause tonight we got drinks
With just a couple of friends
And the girl that my brother likes is finally talkin' to him
And his chest is all swelled like he's proud and happy
Like he's got a great idea
Like he's makin' a memory

Wake up
And come out to the car
There's an east swell comin'
And it's howlin' offshore
And we'll be
Lyin' like lions out in the sand
But I'll be dead before you put a gun in my brother's hands

So we make jokes back home
And we lighten the mood
But growing up my parents saw
What sending a kid to fight can really do
And now with the war, I can tell they're a little shook up
'Cause just a few mothers' sons will never really be enough
Not 'til half of our names are etched out in the wall
And the other half ruined from the things we saw

Wake up
And come out to the car
There's an east swell comin'
And it's howlin' offshore
And we'll be
Lyin' like lions out in the sand
But I'll be dead before you put a gun in my brother's hands

Wake up
And come out to the car
There's an east swell comin'
And it's howlin' offshore
And we'll be




Lyin' like lions out in the sand
But I'll be dead before you put a gun in my brother's hands

Overall Meaning

Brand New's "Untitled 3" captures the bittersweet beauty of simple pleasures in life in the midst of a world that is constantly changing for the worse. The lyrics depict a group of friends at the beach, enjoying each other's company and the thrill of the ocean. They are happy and content, oblivious to the terrifying news that surrounds them. The lead singer's brother is finally talking to the girl he likes, and everyone is wrapped up in the joy of the moment. But, underneath the surface, there is a dark undertone. The reality of war and its consequences is ever-present. The parents of the group have seen the horrors of war firsthand, and they are worried about the future of their children. The song's final line seems to sum up the underlying tension: "But I'll be dead before you put a gun in my brother's hands."


The song is an emotional rollercoaster that highlights how true happiness can be fragile when set against the backdrop of an uncertain world. Although the lyrics do not address a particular war directly, they were written during the Bush years, a time when the U.S. was heavily involved in the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The song serves as a reminder that despite the distractions and pleasures of daily life, the world is constantly changing, and we must acknowledge the responsibilities that come with living in such a tumultuous time.


Line by Line Meaning

So the air's gettin' colder
As autumn sets in and the temperatures drop, we're reminded of the passing of time and the changing of the seasons.


And the news keeps us scared
We're constantly bombarded with news about violence, natural disasters, and political turmoil, which can leave us feeling anxious and overwhelmed.


I still wrestle this summer / From the bones of our tired, blistered hands
Even as the weather cools down, we can still feel the lingering effects of the hot, sunny days of the summer, which brought both pleasure and discomfort in equal measure.


'Cause tonight we got drinks / With just a couple of friends / And the girl that my brother likes is finally talkin' to him / And his chest is all swelled like he's proud and happy
Despite the challenges of the world around us, we find joy in simple pleasures like spending time with friends and watching loved ones find happiness.


Like he's got a great idea / Like he's makin' a memory
These moments of happiness and connection feel significant and important, as if they could become cherished memories that we'll look back on for the rest of our lives.


Wake up / And come out to the car / There's an east swell comin' / And it's howlin' offshore / And we'll be / Lyin' like lions out in the sand / But I'll be dead before you put a gun in my brother's hands
The singer urges someone to join them for a day of surfing, soaking up the natural beauty of the world around them. However, the singer is also firm in their belief that they won't participate in or support violence, even if it means that they'll die as a result.


So we make jokes back home / And we lighten the mood
After experiencing heavy emotions and difficult times, sometimes the best coping mechanism is to find humor and laughter in the mundane aspects of life.


But growing up my parents saw / What sending a kid to fight can really do
The artist reflects on their own family's experience with war and violence, and acknowledges that the impacts of these experiences can last for generations.


And now with the war, I can tell they're a little shook up / 'Cause just a few mothers' sons will never really be enough / Not 'til half of our names are etched out in the wall / And the other half ruined from the things we saw
The current global climate of war and conflict is a cause for concern, and the artist recognizes that the losses of even a few individuals can have lasting and devastating impacts on their families and communities.




Contributed by Gianna B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Nancy X

this song was infinitely different to hear performed live on an outdoor stage during sunset, than it is to hear online or through headphones. it was so emotional and beautiful. Jesse is so fucking talented.

Rebekah Toepperwein

I saw him in Dallas last in July or August of 2016 and he played this song then

Ryan Burch

which concert did he play this live at?

Chris Bishop

Coming from a family where it's entirely possible my little brother will sign up for the army any day... it's a weird combination of pride and dread I guess. This song sums up how I feel perfectly, but if he wants to go, there's nothing I can do to stop him.

Shaun Hunter

This is the best version of this song. This is the version I grew up with. So happy I found it.

Jenni

Such a fitting song for Memorial Day, I think. I lost my brother in a car wreck, and though it's not the same, he loved Brand New and he never got to hear this song and it makes me think of him. It's true, too. Just a few mother's sons will never really be enough.

rahbro

still one of the best songs ever written by anyone.

Nessa Pierce

I heard this live two days ago and felt so alive. I slow danced with my boyfriend, eyes closed. it sounds millions of times better live, that's for sure.

Adam Cyanide

It's painful how relevant this song is

Grewe Bear

Haven't heard this in 20 years.....love this shit

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