The song When The Light Is Dying by Joan Shelley is a reflection on love, loss, and the passage of time. The lyrics paint a picture of the changing seasons, with the singer feeling most at home amidst the decay of autumn. Despite this, she feels haunted by ghosts and disillusioned by the stories that she once believed in. The song takes on a more personal note as the singer reminisces about a road trip she took with a loved one, tracing the outlines of the landscape as she drove through the Kansas plains. The lyric "you want it darker" references the Leonard Cohen song of the same name and serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is still beauty and hope. As the light begins to fade, the singer urges her loved one to come inside and seek comfort and shelter. The final lines of the song acknowledge the pain of endings and the inevitability of change, but also offer a simple reminder to keep singing and finding joy even in the midst of darkness. Overall, When The Light Is Dying is a tender and introspective song that encourages listeners to embrace the fleeting beauty of life even as it slips away.
