The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot

Brand New's song 'The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot' is a poignant exploration of self-awareness, regret, and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics are imbued with a sense of melancholy and self-deprecation, as the narrator grapples with the pain of a failing relationship and his own perceived inadequacies. The opening lines, 'If it makes you less sad, I will die by your hand,' set the tone for the song, highlighting the narrator's willingness to sacrifice himself for the sake of his partner's happiness, even if it means enduring emotional pain.

Throughout the song, the narrator expresses a deep sense of self-loathing and resignation. He acknowledges his flaws and the impact they have on his partner, as seen in lines like 'I already know what I am' and 'You can tell me how vile I already know that I am.' This self-awareness is coupled with a desire to make amends, even if it means removing himself from the equation entirely. The repeated refrain, 'Call me a safe bet, I'm betting I'm not,' underscores the narrator's lack of confidence in his ability to be a reliable partner.

The song also delves into the theme of memory and the struggle to move on. The narrator hopes that his partner can eventually forget the pain he has caused, as expressed in the lines, 'I'm glad that you can forgive, I'm only hoping as time goes, you can forget.' The imagery of 'a crown of gold, a heart that's harder than stone' and 'the smell before rain' adds a layer of poetic beauty to the song, capturing the bittersweet nature of love and loss. Ultimately, 'The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot' is a raw and introspective look at the emotional turmoil of letting go and the hope for eventual healing.