Brutus

In "Brutus," The Buttress transforms the historical narrative of Julius Caesar's assassination into a profound commentary on gender and power. This track uses the backdrop of ancient Rome to explore the nuanced and often silenced voices of women in history, effectively merging historical lore with modern feminist discourse through an intricate layering of heavy beats and haunting vocals.

From the onset, The Buttress channels the frustrations and ambitions of a female Brutus, who, unlike her male counterparts, is confined by the stringent gender norms of her time. "I've been watching him for my entire life / I hate the air he breathes," she begins, expressing a visceral resentment towards Caesar — not just for his political power, but for the freedom his gender affords him. This envy is deepened by her perception among the populace, where she laments, "That the people would see me, too, as a poet / And not just the muse." Here, Brutus is not merely envious of Caesar's position but is fundamentally aggrieved by the societal structures that recognize her only as an inspiration to creativity, rather than a creator herself.

The Buttress draws on historical references to amplify this gendered struggle. When she mentions, "The oracle told him to beware the Ides," she not only invokes the prophetic warning from Shakespeare’s "Julius Caesar" but also underscores the fatalism that shadows both the historical and her reimagined Brutus. Her ambition and subsequent betrayal are painted as a dark yet inevitable response to being marginalized and underestimated because of her gender.

The song’s climactic confession, "From birth we've been like brothers of different mothers / Within the spirit of the same womb," hints at a complex relationship between Brutus and Caesar, one that transcends mere rivalry to touch upon themes of kinship and betrayal. This line reveals the personal stakes for Brutus, suggesting a familial bond with Caesar that makes the impending betrayal a tragic necessity rather than a simple grab for power. The dual reference to them being like 'brothers' yet from 'the spirit of the same womb' also subtly plays with gender expectations and perceptions, highlighting the fluidity of their roles in this retelling.

Moreover, the track’s exploration of destiny and art, "I too have a destiny, this death will be art," further blurs the lines between personal vendetta and political revolution, suggesting that the act of assassination is both a personal catharsis and a public spectacle. This line not only reiterates the historical impact of Caesar's death but also metaphorically positions the act of killing as a form of artistic expression — a tragic but necessary performance to reshape history.

Ultimately, The Buttress's "Brutus" is not just a song but a cultural critique woven through the powerful medium of music. It challenges the listener to reconsider the narratives we accept about power, gender, and history. By giving voice to a female Brutus, The Buttress not only highlights the often-overlooked perspectives of women in history but also comments on the ongoing struggle for gender equality in contemporary society. The track, with its rich historical allusions and potent feminist undertones, serves as both a revisionist take on a classical story and a compelling call to recognize and rectify the longstanding gender disparities that pervade not just history, but the fabric of modern life as well.