Brand New is an American rock band that formed in Long Island, New York, in 2000. Among their many hit songs, “Limousine (MS Rebridge)” stands out as one of their most poignant and emotional tracks. The song tells the heart-wrenching story of Katie Flynn, a seven-year-old girl who was killed by a drunk driver in 2005.

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The Tragic Story of Katie Flynn

On July 2, 2005, Katie Flynn was riding in a limousine with her family after her cousin’s wedding in Long Island. The limousine driver, Stanley Rabinowitz, was driving them home when his car was struck by a pickup truck driven by Martin Heidgen, who was drunk at the time. The collision caused the limousine to catch fire, killing Katie instantly.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Heidgen was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 18 years to life in prison. The Flynn family, meanwhile, was left to cope with the devastating loss of their beloved Katie.

The Song’s Meaning

“Limousine (MS Rebridge)” was written by Brand New’s lead singer, Jesse Lacey, in memory of Katie Flynn. The song’s haunting lyrics and melancholy melody capture the heartbreak and grief that the Flynn family experienced in the wake of their loss.

The song begins with the chilling line, “Katie, don’t cry, I know you’re trying your hardest”. Lacey’s voice is soft and haunting as he sings about the tragedy that struck the Flynn family. He sings, “In the choir, I saw our sad Messiah, he was bored and tired of my laments”.

The chorus of the song is a searing indictment of Martin Heidgen, the drunk driver who killed Katie Flynn. Lacey sings, “Well I love you so much, but do me a favor babe and don’t reply, because I can dish it out, but I can’t take it”.

The Symbolism in the Song’s Bridge

The second half of the song features a bridge that is both powerful and heart-wrenching. In it, Lacey sing-speaks the words of Katie’s mother, who was at the scene of the accident and saw her daughter’s body in the charred wreckage of the limousine. She is quoted as saying, “I love you so much, but do me a favor and baby don’t reply, because I can dish it out, but I can’t take it”.

This bridge is both an indictment of drunk driving and a tribute to Katie’s tragic death. It is a reminder that no matter how much we love someone, we can’t protect them from the senseless and tragic actions of others.

How the Song Impacted the Band’s Career

“Limousine (MS Rebridge)” was released on Brand New’s 2006 album, The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me. The album was a commercial and critical success, peaking at number 31 on the Billboard 200 chart. The song itself has become a beloved fan favorite, and is often cited as one of the band’s most powerful tracks.

The song’s emotional impact has also had a significant impact on the band’s live shows. When they perform “Limousine (MS Rebridge)” in concert, the audience often joins in with tears streaming down their faces.

FAQs

1. What inspired Jesse Lacey to write “Limousine (MS Rebridge)”?

Jesse Lacey wrote the song in memory of Katie Flynn, a seven-year-old girl who was killed by a drunk driver in 2005. The song is a tribute to her life and a condemnation of the senseless actions of the driver who took her life.

2. What was the impact of the song on the band’s career?

While “Limousine (MS Rebridge)” wasn’t a commercial hit, it has become a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the band’s most powerful songs. The song’s emotional impact has also had a significant impact on the band’s live shows.

3. What is the song’s message?

The song is a searing indictment of drunk driving and a tribute to Katie Flynn. It is a reminder that no matter how much we love someone, we can’t protect them from the senseless and tragic actions of others.

4. What is the significance of the bridge in “Limousine (MS Rebridge)”?

The bridge features the words of Katie’s mother, who was at the scene of the accident and saw her daughter’s body in the wreckage of the limousine. The bridge is both an indictment of drunk driving and a tribute to Katie’s tragic death.

5. How did the band approach the writing and recording of “Limousine (MS Rebridge)”?

The band approached the recording of “Limousine (MS Rebridge)” with great care and sensitivity. They wanted to ensure that the song conveyed the raw emotions of the Flynn family while also serving as a tribute to Katie’s life.

6. How has the song impacted the lives of the Flynn family?

The Flynn family has said that the song has been a great comfort to them and has helped them to deal with the loss of their daughter. They have also become advocates for drunk driving awareness and have worked to raise awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.

7. What is the significance of the song’s title?

The title, “Limousine (MS Rebridge)”, refers to the type of car that the Flynn family was riding in when they were struck by the drunk driver. The “MS Rebridge” portion of the title is a reference to the bridge that runs over Long Island Sound, where the accident occurred.

8. Why is “Limousine (MS Rebridge)” considered one of the band’s most powerful songs?

The song’s emotional impact has made it a fan favorite and a beloved track in the band’s discography. Its haunting melody and powerful lyrics capture the heartbreak and grief of the Flynn family and serve as a poignant reminder of the dangers of drunk driving.

9. How has the band addressed the tragic events that inspired “Limousine (MS Rebridge)” in the years since the song’s release?

The band has largely remained silent on the tragedy that inspired the song, preferring to let the music speak for itself. However, they have occasionally dedicated live performances of the song to Katie Flynn and her family.

10. What is the legacy of “Limousine (MS Rebridge)”?

The legacy of the song is twofold: as a tribute to the life of Katie Flynn, and as a reminder of the senseless tragedy of drunk driving. It has become a beloved track among fans of Brand New and is often cited as one of the band’s most powerful songs.

11. How does “Limousine (MS Rebridge)” fit into the context of The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me?

The song is part of the context of the album, which deals with themes of morality, mortality, and spirituality. The album as a whole is a complex and emotionally charged work, and “Limousine (MS Rebridge)” is a standout track that serves as a highlight of the album.

12. What is the emotional impact of “Limousine (MS Rebridge)”?

The song has a profound emotional impact on listeners, both for its powerful lyrics and haunting melody. It serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of drunk driving and the senseless loss of life that it can cause.