Limousine

Brand New's song 'Limousine' is a haunting and emotional narrative that delves into themes of loss, grief, and the struggle to cope with unimaginable tragedy. The song is inspired by a real-life event, the tragic death of a young girl named Katie Flynn, who was killed in a limousine accident caused by a drunk driver. The lyrics poignantly capture the sorrow and devastation experienced by those left behind.

The song opens with a somber and surreal depiction of Katie's final moments, using metaphors like 'get your petals out and lay them in the aisle' and 'pretend you're God and grow' to illustrate the innocence and purity of a young life cut short. The imagery of a wedding day, typically a symbol of joy and new beginnings, is juxtaposed with the grim reality of her death, highlighting the cruel irony of the situation. The reference to the 'all-American' man who 'volunteered with grace to end your life' is a bitter nod to the drunk driver responsible for the accident.

As the song progresses, the perspective shifts to Katie's mother, who grapples with the overwhelming grief and guilt of losing her child. The lines 'Can I get myself out from underneath this guilt that will crush me' and 'I died for you one time but never again' reflect the mother's anguish and the sense of helplessness that accompanies such a profound loss. The repeated refrain of 'never again' underscores the finality of death and the impossibility of reversing the tragedy.

The song's closing verses convey a sense of resignation and acceptance, as the mother acknowledges that life must go on despite the pain. The repeated plea for Katie not to reply, 'cause I can dish it out, but I can't take it,' suggests a desire to shield herself from further emotional torment. The final lines, 'We'll never have to buy adjacent plots of earth' and 'We'll never have to rot together under the dirt,' offer a bittersweet comfort, as the mother finds solace in the thought that she and her daughter will be reunited in death, free from the suffering of the mortal world.