Brother

"Brother" is a powerful ode to unwavering loyalty, solidarity, and the profound bond of brotherhood. While the title suggests a familial relationship, the lyrics make it clear that the song's message extends to any deep, platonic friendship that feels like family. The line, "Though we don't share the same blood, you're my brother and I love you that's the truth," is a pivotal statement that opens the song's meaning to encompass chosen family. The core theme is one of unconditional support through life's greatest challenges. It speaks of a pact between two people to be there for each other, no matter the distance or hardship. The lyrics paint vivid pictures of shared nostalgic memories of a carefree youth, which ground the relationship in a shared history, and then contrasts that with the uncertainties of their separate adult lives. The song's promise is one of rescue, protection, and ultimate sacrifice, as illustrated by the dramatic metaphors in the chorus: "If I was dying on my knees, you would be the one to rescue me," and "If you were drowned at sea, I'd give you my lungs so you could breathe." It’s a message of being someone's rock, a constant source of safety and support until the very end. While there is a sense of nostalgia and acknowledgment of hardship, the overarching message is deeply positive and life-affirming.

The narrative unfolds with a nostalgic reflection on youth, a time when the narrator and their 'brother' felt invincible, like "kings and queens" who "ruled the world." These memories, tinged with a sense of carefree rebellion like smoking cigarettes with "no regrets," are cherished moments the narrator wishes they could relive. Despite life taking them on different journeys down separate roads, there's an unshakable conviction that their bond will ultimately lead them back to the same place in their old age. This sets the stage for the song's central promise of absolute, unconditional support.

The chorus delivers this promise through a series of powerful, life-or-death metaphors. The narrator pledges to be a protector in the most dire of circumstances, stating that if his brother is "in the trenches" and under fire, he will provide cover. The loyalty is reciprocal and profound; if the narrator were on the brink of death, he knows his brother would be the one to rescue him. The imagery intensifies with the pledge, "if you were drowned at sea, I'd give you my lungs so you could breathe." This is not just a promise of help, but a vow of ultimate sacrifice, cemented by the repeated, anthemic assurance, "I've got you brother."

The song explicitly clarifies that this bond transcends blood ties. The lyrics state, "Oh brother, we'll go deeper than the ink beneath the skin of our tattoos. Though we don't share the same blood, you're my brother and I love you that's the truth." This emphasizes that the concept of 'brother' is about a chosen family, a connection forged through shared experience and deep affection that is as permanent as a tattoo. As they navigate their separate adult lives, there is an acknowledgment of uncertainty and danger—"heaven only knows if we'll make it back with all our fingers and our toes." Yet, the core promise remains steadfast, a beacon of safety and warmth against life's "troubled water." The commitment extends to the very end, a pledge of mutual support "until we say goodbye on our dying day," reinforcing the idea of a lifelong, unbreakable pact of brotherhood.

"Brother" was released on June 23, 2017, as the lead single from Kodaline's third studio album, "Politics of Living" (2018). The song was written by the four band members—Stephen Garrigan, Mark Prendergast, Vincent May, and Jason Boland—along with co-writers Corey Sanders, Jon Maguire, and Alex Davies. The production was handled by Stephen Harris, known for his work with Kaiser Chiefs, and Two Inch Punch, who has worked with artists like Jessie Ware and Sam Smith. This collaboration brought new production flourishes to Kodaline's signature emotional sound. The band teased the song's release on social media before it dropped. The accompanying music video, directed by longtime collaborator Stevie Russell (who also directed videos for "All I Want" and "High Hopes"), was released simultaneously and was praised for its deeply emotional and moving narrative, which explores themes of loss and the enduring spirit of brotherhood through a poignant, supernatural-tinged story. The band stated they were thrilled to work with Russell again, saying he "really captured the perfect vibe again."

The song's rhyme and rhythm are crafted to support its emotional build and anthemic quality. The verses often follow a simple, conversational rhyme scheme, such as AABB or ABCB, which makes the storytelling feel direct and sincere (e.g., "young"/"ones," "world"/"word" and "paths"/"roads," "old"/"you"). This straightforward structure allows the focus to remain on the lyrical message. The rhythm begins at a slower, more deliberate tempo, carried by the piano. As the song enters the chorus, the rhythm becomes more driving and powerful, establishing an anthemic feel that encourages audience participation. The repetition of the key phrase "I've got you brother" features a distinct, staggered rhythm in its "er-er-er" vocalization, which becomes a memorable hook and adds to the song's unique chorus. This interplay between the calm, steady rhythm of the verses and the strong, uplifting rhythm of the chorus creates a powerful emotional arc for the listener.

"Brother" showcases Kodaline's signature ability to blend emotional lyricism with anthemic musical arrangements.

• Musical Dynamics: The song employs a classic crescendo structure. It begins with a soft, minimalist piano line and lead vocalist Steve Garrigan's gentle, heartfelt delivery. As the song progresses into the chorus, it erupts with power, incorporating strong percussion, bass, and what critics have described as "massive" and "dynamic harmonic vocals." This dynamic shift mirrors the lyrical transition from quiet reflection to a powerful declaration of loyalty.
• Instrumentation: It features a balance of classical and modern elements. A prominent piano serves as the song's melodic and emotional core, which is then layered with synth-based production and electronic elements, particularly in the harmonies, giving it an "epic" feel.
• Vocal Delivery: Garrigan's vocal performance is central to the song's impact. It is described as smooth and filled with "heartfelt conviction." His soaring vocals in the final chorus add to the song's anthemic quality. The use of group or 'gang' vocals in the chorus chant of "I've got you brother" enhances the theme of solidarity and makes it a powerful singalong track in a live setting.
• Narrative Structure: The lyrics follow a simple narrative arc, starting with nostalgic reminiscence ("When we were young"), moving to the present reality ("We've taken different paths"), and culminating in a timeless promise for the future. This storytelling approach makes the song highly relatable and emotionally resonant.

"Brother" was released as the lead single for Kodaline's third album and was met with positive critical reception, with reviewers highlighting its moving lyrics and soaring, anthemic chorus. The song's emotional weight was amplified by its highly praised music video, directed by Stevie Russell, which tells a heart-rending story of two brothers, one of whom appears as a ghost to comfort his younger sibling. The video has garnered over 102 million views on YouTube as of mid-2024, attesting to its significant impact and reach. The song performed well commercially, particularly in the band's home country of Ireland, where it charted on the IRMA charts. While specific details of its use in all media are not aggregated in one place, Kodaline's music is frequently featured in films and television shows like *Grey's Anatomy*, *The Vampire Diaries*, and *The Fault in Our Stars*, and "Brother"'s powerful, emotionally resonant themes make it well-suited for such placements, contributing to its sustained popularity. It has become a fan favorite and a staple in Kodaline's live performances.

"Brother" is rich with symbolism and powerful metaphors that elevate its emotional weight.

• Brotherhood as a Lifelong Pact: The central symbol is the concept of the 'brother,' which is defined not by blood but by loyalty and love. This transforms the term into a symbol of an unbreakable, chosen bond.
• Life-or-Death Scenarios: The lyrics employ hyperbolic, life-and-death metaphors to illustrate the depth of this commitment. Phrases like being "in the trenches" and "under fire" symbolize facing life's harshest struggles, while "drowned at sea" represents being overwhelmed by despair. The promise to "cover you" or "give you my lungs" are metaphors for absolute, selfless sacrifice and support.
• Tattoos as a Metaphor for Permanence: The line "we'll go deeper than the ink beneath the skin of our tattoos" is a brilliant metaphor. It suggests that their bond is more permanent and profound than a physical marking on the skin, signifying an indelible connection etched onto their very souls.
• Divergent Paths, Same Destination: The imagery of taking "different paths and travelled different roads" that will ultimately "end up on the same one when we're old" symbolizes that despite separate life journeys, their fundamental connection and shared foundation will always bring them back together.

The most significant recurring motif in "Brother" is the lyrical phrase "I've got you brother." This line acts as the song's thesis and emotional anchor. Its constant repetition in the chorus, delivered with increasing vocal power and harmonic layering, transforms it from a simple statement into a powerful, anthemic chant of solidarity. The stuttered, rhythmic delivery of "brother-er-er-er" makes the hook particularly memorable and a key component of the song's identity. Another recurring motif is the contrast between past and present, starting with the opening line "When we were young" and weaving through the acknowledgment that "we've taken different paths." This nostalgic framework serves to reinforce the strength of a bond that has endured over time and through change. The series of extreme, life-saving scenarios in the chorus ("dying on my knees," "drowned at sea") also functions as a recurring motif, repeatedly emphasizing the depth of the commitment being described.