Brand New is an American rock band that formed in Long Island, New York, in 2000. The band has 5 studio albums, with their 2006 album “The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me” being a fan favorite. A standout track from that album is “Degausser,” which has an interesting backstory and deep meaning behind its lyrics.
Table of Contents
The Song’s Background
“Degausser” was written by Jesse Lacey, the lead vocalist, and guitarist of Brand New. The song was released alongside other singles from the album, but it didn’t gain much critical attention until the band played it live on tour. Fans who heard the live version were captivated by the song’s dark and emotional energy, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
The word “Degausser” is a technical term for a device that demagnetizes magnetic tapes and disks. It removes previous data and interference, allowing for a clean slate. This concept of removing negative energy is a recurring theme throughout the song.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Degausser” are packed with emotion but can be hard to interpret. The song is written in the second person, with Lacey singing to an unnamed “you” throughout the verses. The chorus repeats the phrase “Goodbye to love, goodbye to all the plans that we made,” which gives the song a melancholy feeling.
There are many interpretations of the lyrics, but the most common fan-theory is that the song is about Lacey’s relationship with his wife. The chorus’s repetition speaks to the ending of a relationship, while the verses explore the pain and struggle in trying to keep it together. Some fans believe that Lacey wrote the song after he found out that his wife was cheating on him.
The Deeper Meaning
Looking deeper into the lyrics, there seems to be a recurring theme of removing negative energy and rebirth. The lyrics reference removing magnets and degaussing tapes, which can be interpreted as removing old, negative thoughts and memories. The line “Out of Mana” can be translated to “out of power” referring to the finality of the situation. The word Mana being Hawaiian for supernatural power and energy. So taking power and energy literally out of a person’s life for good.
The line “And now or never fades” can be interpreted as letting go and moving forward. The whole act of degaussing or forgetting is not always a glamorous process but it is necessary to moving on and creating a new version of one’s self.
FAQs
1. Is “Degausser” about Jesse Lacey’s relationship with his wife?
It’s unclear who the song is directed towards, but it’s believed that Lacey wrote the song after he found out that his wife was cheating on him. The lyrics suggest pain and struggle in trying to keep a relationship together. However, the deeper meaning is about removing negative energy and rebirth.
2. What does the word “Degausser” mean?
A degausser is a device that demagnetizes magnetic tapes and disks. It removes previous data and interference, allowing for a clean slate.
3. Why did “Degausser” gain popularity after the album’s release?
The song gained popularity after the band played it live on tour. Fans who heard the live version were captivated by the song’s dark and emotional energy, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
4. What is the song’s overall theme?
The song’s overall theme is removing negative energy and rebirth. The lyrics reference degaussing tapes and removing old, negative thoughts and memories.
5. What are some of the lyrics’ interpretations?
There are many interpretations of the lyrics, but the most common fan-theory is that the song is about Lacey’s relationship with his wife. The chorus’s repetition speaks to the ending of a relationship, while the verses explore the pain and struggle in trying to keep it together.
6. What does the line “Out of Mana” mean?
Mana is a Hawaiian word meaning supernatural power and energy. So taking power and energy literally out of a person’s life for good can be a metaphorical expression of what the line means.
7. How is the song’s meaning deep?
The song’s meaning is deep because it’s not just about a broken relationship. It’s about removing negative energy and rebirth. The lyrics reference degaussing tapes and removing old, negative thoughts and memories, which speaks to a deeper theme of personal growth and self-discovery.
8. What is the song’s chorus about?
The chorus repeats the phrase “Goodbye to love, goodbye to all the plans that we made,” which gives the song a melancholy feeling and speaks to the ending of a relationship or a chapter in one’s life.
9. What is the significance of the second person in the lyrics?
The lyrics are written in the second person, with Lacey singing to an unnamed “you” throughout the verses. This adds a personal connection, as if Lacey is speaking directly to the listener, and allows the listener to project their own experience onto the song.
10. What is the theme of removing negative energy?
The theme of removing negative energy is a crucial aspect of personal growth and self-discovery. Removing old, negative thoughts and memories allows for a clean slate and allows for one to move forward and create a new version of themselves.
11. What is the significance of the word “Mana” in the song?
The word ‘Mana’ being Hawaiian for supernatural power and energy, specifies the need for energy and power in one’s life, thus removing negativity and rebirthing oneself.
12. Why is “Degausser” a fan favorite?
“Degausser” is a fan favorite because of its emotional energy and personal connection to the listener. The song’s lyrics speak to personal growth and self-discovery, which resonates with many people.
