New Kerrang

Song Meaning

M. Ward's "New Kerrang" isn't just a quirky tune; it's a miniature psychodrama of artistic evolution and shifting priorities. The initial verses paint a picture of a young woman, a drummer, full of raw, unrefined energy. The onomatopoeic "kerrang," a sonic representation of cymbal crash, becomes a symbol for youthful exuberance and perhaps, a less polished approach to life and art. But the "snare don't pop / cymbals don't kerrang" – something's changed. This isn't merely about a malfunctioning drum kit; it's a metaphor for a deeper shift in her creative spirit, or perhaps, her interest in the narrator. The lyrics subtly reveal a backstory of youthful connection: "She was 21 / And having fun / With anyone / Who ever came to play." However, the narrative pivots with the line, "Now that she's / Got a new degree / There's no time for me." The "new degree" signifies not just academic achievement, but a change in perspective, a movement toward a more structured, perhaps pragmatic, existence. The narrator's plea, couched in the fantastical offer of a chauffeur commission, highlights the disparity between their worlds. He's offering adventure, a return to that freewheeling past, while she's seemingly moved on to something more stable. This speaks to a common anxiety amongst artists: the fear of being left behind by those who choose more conventional paths. But the most poignant part of “New Kerrang” lies in its bridge, where the narrator grapples with the fear of disposability. "If this is love / Then it's not like drums and / Something you just / Zip it up and throw away, it regenerates." This isn't just about romantic love; it's a statement about the enduring nature of artistic passion, the idea that true creativity, unlike a discarded instrument, has the power to regenerate. The final iteration of the chorus, "Out with the new and in with the old," suggests a cyclical nature to this artistic and personal evolution. Maybe the "new kerrang" isn't so easily discarded; perhaps the old spark can be rekindled, or at least, remembered, in the face of changing times and tastes.