Meaning of "Brother" by Gerard Way

"Brother" delves into the theme of seeking solace and connection amidst the overwhelming and chaotic nature of life. The protagonist yearns for someone to bring them down or offer a reprieve from the relentless noise of the city rain. The use of the drums as a recurring motif signifies the constant pounding and rhythm of the world, creating an atmosphere of restlessness and unease.

Throughout the song, the protagonist reaches out to their brother, a symbol of familial support and stability. They ask for a place to sleep, seeking refuge from the ache and pain that the city rain seems to exacerbate. This cry for help conveys a sense of vulnerability and a desire for comfort and reassurance.

The chorus highlights the escapism that the protagonist seeks through chasing lights and stealing nights. They engage in activities or behaviors that provide temporary relief and make them feel alive. However, there's a sense of longing and an acknowledgement that they can't go back to a previous state of being, no matter how much they yearn for it.

The phrase "I won't sleep tonight as long as I still hear the drums of the city rain" conveys the protagonist's inability to find peace and rest unless they can escape the constant rhythm and chaos of the world around them. They are haunted by the oppressive nature of their surroundings, suggesting a deeper emotional burden or mental struggle.

The bridge of the song introduces faces unknown to the protagonist, emphasizing their isolation and weariness. The freezing glow represents a sense of emptiness and numbness, while the request to "keep me breathing, don't make the lights come back" reveals a fear of facing reality and a resistance to the return of the chaos they seek to escape.

The lyrics then shift to reminiscing about a time when the protagonist would make things up and find solace in the sound of music. The loss of this connection and the fading of their singing voices represents a loss of innocence and joy. The drums of the city rain now symbolize a harsh reality that drowned out their past refuge.

Overall, "Brother" explores themes of longing for connection, escapism, and the struggle to find peace amidst chaos. It portrays a world that is both overwhelming and isolating, with the constant sound of city rain serving as a reminder of this struggle.