Roadkill

Katie Jane Garside's song 'Roadkill' is a haunting exploration of brokenness, loss, and the struggle to reclaim stolen dreams. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a fragmented world where a 'broken child' and 'broken cap' symbolize innocence and protection shattered by life's harsh realities. The repeated plea for a mother to 'pick the pieces up' underscores a desperate need for healing and restoration amidst chaos and destruction.

The imagery of 'big machines' and 'stolen thunder' evokes a sense of industrial and societal forces overpowering individual dreams and aspirations. The mention of 'Burning Harlem' and 'blight defies' suggests a backdrop of urban decay and social strife, where cries for help are drowned out until a collective rising occurs. This rise, however, is tinged with a sense of resignation, as the lyrics hint at the futility of the struggle with the phrase 'is giving up.'

The recurring motif of 'Roadkill' serves as a powerful metaphor for the casualties of this relentless journey. It represents the dreams and lives left shattered by the roadside, victims of an unforgiving world. The song's closing lines, with 'frozen pictures' and 'frozen frame,' convey a sense of time standing still, capturing moments of pain and loss that remain unnamed and unacknowledged. Garside's evocative lyrics and haunting delivery create a poignant narrative that resonates deeply with themes of brokenness, resilience, and the quest for redemption in a world that often feels indifferent to individual suffering.