The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows

Brand New's song "The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows" delves into the complexities and often unspoken struggles within relationships and personal life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of emotional turmoil and the quiet battles that individuals face, which are rarely acknowledged or understood by others. The opening lines, "We saw the western coast / I saw the hospital / Nurse the shoreline like a wound," set a somber tone, suggesting a journey marked by pain and healing. The metaphor of nursing the shoreline like a wound implies a deep, underlying hurt that needs attention and care.

The recurring line, "Keep the blood in your head and keep your feet on the ground," serves as a reminder to stay grounded and maintain composure amidst chaos. This phrase is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the struggle to remain stable and rational when faced with emotional exhaustion. The lyrics also touch on the mundane and often disappointing aspects of life, such as "wasting words on lowercases and capitals," which could symbolize the futility of everyday communication and the feeling of being unheard or misunderstood.

The song also explores the disillusionment that can come with long-term relationships. Lines like "I contemplate the day we wed / Your friends are boring me to death / Your veil is ruined in the rain" reflect a sense of regret and disenchantment. The mention of children and the blame they shoulder further highlights the generational impact of unresolved issues. The repeated phrase "I lie for only you / And I lie well" suggests a willingness to deceive for the sake of the relationship, adding another layer of complexity to the emotional landscape depicted in the song.