Apparently "Sunglasses" was Black Country, New Road's first song way back in 2019. That seems really, really far away. If you read genius or even their youtube for the song, many of the diehards are dissatisfied with the album version. Kudos first of all to the band for being able to have people debating and arguing over the final version of your first single that doesnt appear on your debut until almost 2 years later. And its the kind of song - much like the album - that rewards with repeated listens.
I like to think it's split into two parts. the first phase where he is sort of lost in old man ways, annoyed by the world around him and how it doesnt understand him. Frustrated with how out of touch everyone sounds and how judgmental and inept everyone is. Drinking bourbon on ice (he likes single malt whiskey) and reflecting on how "things just aren't built like they used to be." Eventually switching to beer (he doesnt mention this in the song) but really feeling the enlightenment: "And I am ignorant now, with all that I have learnt."
The second phase he's wearing sunglasses and feeling invisible but aware that he's just as vulnerable as ever. He feels confident walking down the street even if he knows he's scared about what's ahead. Just trying to remain positive. thats supposed to be easy. When everything crashes during the second refrain - still ignorant - those dissonant horns and saxes are too much.
Finally, the bridge/outro is a deliberate fuckfest. "I'm more than adequate." I went back and heard the original(s) from '19 and they sound good too. Album version is just as good. Either way, i know its SO MUCH asking anyone to listen to a 9+ minutes song but im not gonna apologize for having heard it at least 6 times today because isn't that what music is about??
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