Song Analysis #1

"Sonny"- New Found Glory

Stick and Stones

I'm sorry

I heard about the bad news today

a crowd of people around you

telling you it's ok

and everything happens for a reason

when you lose a part of yourself to somebody you know

it takes a lot to let go

every breath that you remember

pictures fade away, but memory's forever

an empty chair at all the tables

and I'll be seeing you when all my days boil down

but its better where you're going anyway

I'm sorry

I heard about the bad news today

it's really hard to get through

tough times and long days

but it really just depends on the season

when you lose a part of yourself to somebody you know

it takes a lot to let go

every breath that you remember

pictures fade away, but memory's forever

an empty chair at all the tables

and I'll be seeing you when all my days boil down

for now we'll say good bye

we know it's not the last time

I've lost the best part of my day

but its better where you're going anyway

an empty chair at all the tables

and I'll be seeing you when all my days boil down

for now we'll say good bye

we know it's not the last time

I've lost the best part of my day

this is the last thing

i will remember

its better where you're going anyway

Analysis

In life, mostly everyone experiences the pain of loss, whether it is a close friend, a family member, or even a pet. It is never easy losing a loved one. It could be due to losing a friendship or perhaps the passing of a life. Regardless of the reason, loss is very unfortunate. In New Found Glory’s, "Sonny", they sing about the loss of lead singer Jordan Pundik’s grandfather, nicknamed Sonny. Many poetic devices are used through out the song to show and capture the emotion.

This song is an alternative rock song written in the first person. New Found Glory shows a good use of symbolism expressed through the line "an empty chair at all the tables". This line symbolizes a loss in the family, leaving an empty chair at the table that was once occupied by the lost loved one. The line "I’m sorry" is said at the beginning of each verse. This repetition shows sympathy for the unfortunate event. "Every breath that you remember", could be an example of a hyperbole. It would be impossible and exaggerated to remember every single breath taken through out your lifetime. In my opinion, the lines "pictures fade away, but memory’s forever", would be a cliche. It is a phrase that is used and heard quite often but it works well with this particular song and topic. Also "memory’s forever" could be a hyperbole as well. Unfortunately nothing lasts forever and all this come to an end. The lyrics of this song clearly show that the artist was dealing with loss at the time.

New Found Glory is an American rock band from South Florida. They formed during 1997 when all band members attended the same high school. They are known for their punk and alternative sound thanks to influences such as Green Day and The Offspring. Their song "Sonny", from the album Sticks and Stones, is great song about loss. The lyrics express the tough times of losing a loved one, but it also shows that it’s not the end for them. One day they will be together again. It shows that its not an end, but a new beginning.