"Lizzy" - A Reflection of Loss, Identity, and Liberation
The late Queen Elizabeth II held an iconic global influence across generations. Her passing marked the end of an era, stirring personal and collective reflections.
“Lizzy,” a track by the band Whatever, began as a metaphorical tribute to hopeless romantics written by lead singer and songwriter Khaled Ousseimi six years ago.
The song draws parallels between the end of a relationship and the death of Queen Elizabeth II, looking to her as an inspiration and symbol for strength and identity.
The late Queen Elizabeth II held an iconic global influence across generations. Her passing marked the end of an era, stirring personal and collective reflections.
“Lizzy,” a track by the band Whatever, began as a metaphorical tribute to hopeless romantics written by lead singer and songwriter Khaled Ousseimi in 2019.
The song draws parallels between the end of a relationship and the death of Queen Elizabeth II, looking to her as an inspiration and symbol for strength and identity.
Over time, the piece transformed into something broader - a meditation on love, loss, and the shifting tides of identity and society.
The song was completed in 2023, around the time lead guitarist Jimmi Herbert joined the band.
“Lizzy” captures the emotions that come with letting go, both of people and of the institutions that shape our lives.
The opening line, “No suit, no more tie, I ain’t got no time,” can be interpreted as a declaration of freedom, breaking away from the rigid expectations of society by regaining independence through playful rebellion.
The Algerian-Syrian singer explores the dualities of life in Britain as a person of mixed heritage.
This theme surfaces in lyrics such as: “Rip Lizzy, making me dizzy, making me silly, down in Picadilly” capturing the search for belonging in the city of London.
Khaled says the lyrics are a “subconscious homage” to the song “Dizzy Miss Lizzy” by popular rock band The Beatles.
Picadilly features in the piece as being a central tenant in London night life, similar to Times Square in New York where many party goers attend every weekend.
“I wanted the song to be emblematic. I wanted it to be as strong as the Queen,” says Khaled.
The first minute of the single starts off with bold guitar riffs, echoing the band’s influence of the punk icons Sex Pistols. It then turns into the rhythm of an alarm before gently transitioning into a playful upbeat pop song.
The beat is a metaphorical nod to the one or more toxic relationships a person may encounter in life. Reflected in Whatever’s debut in“Love”.
With formal training in guitar and piano, Jimmi brought structure and harmony to Khaled’s instinctive, freeform approach. Together, their contrast creates the band’s signature dynamic as being fluid yet intentional.
Excerpt from “Lizzy”
My queen, she left me
I miss the Queen
Rip Lizzy
I always thought she was so pretty
Now every night
Yeah, she’s sky high, yeah
No more suit and tie, yeah
The piece ends with a reflection on missing the Queen and past relationships - but ultimately, it’s about learning to let go. It is about taking a step forward and bidding farewell to parts of ourselves that once held us back.
Jimmi Herbert and Khaled Ousseimi performing in Milan Italy, photo by Mattia Mancarella.