Fading Elegance: A Lament for Impermanence | Sic Transit Gloria Eximia | Brand New

Sic Transit Gloria Eximia is a song by American rock band Brand New, released in 2009 as part of their album "The Devil and God Are Raging Like Children". The song's title, which translates to "Thus Passes Away Glory Without Him", sets the tone for a reflective and introspective track that explores themes of mortality, faith, and the fleeting nature of human achievement.

The lyrics are deeply personal and philosophical, with lead vocalist Jesse Lacey grappling with the concept of glory and its relationship to a higher power. The song's opening lines, "What's the point of all this noise / If we're just gonna fade away?", pose a question that resonates throughout the track - what is the purpose of human existence if our time on earth is limited? The song's chorus, "We were built to fall", drives home this idea, highlighting the impermanence of human accomplishment and the inevitability of decline.

Musically, "Sic Transit Gloria Eximia" features a soaring chorus and a driving rhythm section, with Lacey's distinctive vocals taking center stage. The song's arrangement is characterized by a slow-burning build, culminating in a cathartic release of energy as the chorus kicks in.

Throughout the song, Brand New explores the tension between human endeavor and the limitations imposed by mortality. The lyrics are infused with a sense of melancholy and introspection, as Lacey grapples with the idea that even the most glorious achievements will eventually pass away. Despite this somber tone, however, "Sic Transit Gloria Eximia" remains an uplifting and emotionally resonant track, one that has resonated with fans of the band for years.

Ultimately, "Sic Transit Gloria Eximia" is a song about the human experience - our fleeting moments of glory, our inevitable decline, and our search for meaning in the face of mortality. As such, it remains a powerful and poignant addition to Brand New's discography.