Flickers of What Once Was | Not The Sun | Brand New

"Not The Sun" by Brand New is a powerful ballad that delves into themes of nostalgia, longing, and the complexities of human relationships. The song's lyrics are a poignant reflection on the fragility of memories and the pain of letting go.

The opening lines "I've got a photo of you / It's old and faded too" set the tone for the rest of the song, with the narrator grappling with the passing of time and the impermanence of relationships. The chorus, "This isn't the sun / This is just the light that remains", serves as a poignant reminder that even in the darkness, there are always fragments of what once was.

Throughout the song, lead vocalist Jesse Lacey's vocals convey a sense of vulnerability and introspection, as he recounts the memories they shared with someone who is no longer present. The lyrics "I remember everything / I remember nothing at all" underscore the bittersweet nature of nostalgia, where the pain of remembering can be tempered only by the comfort of holding onto those memories.

The song's bridge, which features the line "You're still a part of me / Even when you're gone", highlights the idea that our experiences and relationships shape who we are, even after they've ended. This sentiment is reinforced in the final chorus, where Lacey repeats the refrain "This isn't the sun / This is just the light that remains", emphasizing that while the relationship may have faded, its impact on their life endures.

"Not The Sun" is a testament to Brand New's ability to craft songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. The song's themes of longing, nostalgia, and the complexities of human relationships will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of loss or the bittersweet nature of reminiscence.