Unknown Brother
The Black Keys Lyrics
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And we spoke not a word
I'll never forget you through the stories that I've heard
For you, unknown brother, my baby's mother's pain
'Cause your soul is in heaven but your memory remains
Unknown, unknown brother
I'll meet you someday
Unknown, unknown brother
We'll walk through fields where children play
Your eyes shined bright when you were a kid
Your sisters loved you and all that you did
Big brother, big brother, don't worry a bit
Your flame has not faded since the day it was lit
Your life was joy
You're mama's only boy
And when the skies are blue
Big brother, they're blue for you
We'll smile like pictures of you as a boy
Before you retired to heavenly joy
Unknown, unknown brother
I'll meet you someday
Unknown, unknown brother
We'll walk through fields where children play
The Black Keys' song "Unknown Brother" is a heartfelt tribute to a person who the singer never met but heard many stories about. The lyrics convey a deep sense of respect and longing for a person who has passed away, connecting with the memory of the person through the experiences of others. The song is written in a way that is both melancholy and uplifting, with a message that is ultimately comforting.
The first two lines of the song, "Though I never met you and we spoke not a word," speak to the core of the song's message. It is about the connection we can have with others through indirect means, and the power of stories to create and maintain that connection. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Unknown, unknown brother," which almost acts as a mantra to focus the singer's thoughts and emotions.
The song speaks about the person's life with a sense of fondness and affection, talking about how bright their eyes shone as a kid and the joy they brought to their mother's life. Even though the person has passed away, their memory remains and brings a sense of comfort to those who knew them. The chorus, with its reference to walking through fields where children play, is particularly effective in conveying a sense of peace and innocence.
Overall, "Unknown Brother" is a moving tribute to someone who has passed away, and the way its lyrics convey the singer's sense of connection and loss in a powerful way.
Line by Line Meaning
Though I never met you
Even though I never knew you
And we spoke not a word
And we never had a conversation
I'll never forget you through the stories that I've heard
I'll always remember you because of the stories I've been told about you
For you, unknown brother, my baby's mother's pain
You, my unknown brother, were the cause of my baby's mother's sorrow
'Cause your soul is in heaven but your memory remains
Because even though you're gone, memories of you are still with us
Unknown, unknown brother
My mysterious, unknown brother
I'll meet you someday
I'll see you one day
We'll walk through fields where children play
We'll walk together in a peaceful place where children are happily playing
Your eyes shined bright when you were a kid
Your eyes sparkled when you were young
Your sisters loved you and all that you did
Your sisters adored all that you did
Big brother, big brother, don't worry a bit
Don't worry, my dear big brother
Your flame has not faded since the day it was lit
Your light still shines brightly just like when you were alive
Your life was joy
Your life was filled with happiness
You're mama's only boy
You were your mother's only son
And when the skies are blue
And when the sky is clear
Big brother, they're blue for you
Remember that the blue skies are there for you
We'll smile like pictures of you as a boy
We'll smile like the pictures of you when you were young
Before you retired to heavenly joy
Before you passed away and went to joy in heaven
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Daniel Auerbach, Patrick Carney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jesus
𝕝𝕪𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕤:
Though I never met you
And we spoke not a word
I'll never forget you through the stories that I've heard
For you, unknown brother, my baby's mother's pain
'Cause your soul is in heaven but your memory remains
Unknown, unknown brother
I'll meet you someday
Unknown, unknown brother
We'll walk through fields where children play
Your eyes shined bright when you were a kid
Your sisters loved you and all that you did
Big brother, big brother, don't worry a bit
Your flame has not faded since the day it was lit
Your life was joy
You're mama's only boy
And when the skies are blue
Big brother, they're blue for you
We'll smile like pictures of you as a boy
Before you retired to heavenly joy
Unknown, unknown brother
I'll meet you someday
Unknown, unknown brother
We'll walk through fields where children play
krimb1969
Probably the best thing that happened to rock music since 30 years, that album.
Tru S Armor
this album is stupid good and maddingly underrated
Ilaria Montebianco
I was thinking tha same.
Bokmoh
This album was not underrated when it came out. People simply done changed.
T B
Fantastic...just about every song.
T B
The uneducated at appreciation. Cmon. This dont work ? Educate, even Akron. Pass it on. I blast it all. Love it all.
PVT Joker
Every song on this album is perfect
Malspher
My mom had a child when I was 6 years old, it was a boy, due to the financial struggle at the moment she had to give him away for adoption, although I was very young I loved that kid very much and since the day he left I always knew that some day I would find my brother no matter how long it would take. tree months ago I met my little brother after 18 years since that day. I must have listened to this song 500+ times and will continue to do so as it represents history for me and life long experience.
AlannaPenner
I have an unknown sister, this song makes me feel less alone. Thank you Black Keys.
Bornean Dayak
Same here. I also have unknown brother