Joseph Arthur's song "You Are The Dark" is a melancholic and introspective piece that explores feelings of loneliness, emptiness, and the struggle to find meaning in life. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist is experiencing sleepless nights due to the effects of medication, making it difficult for them to feel anything at all. The song begins with the protagonist feeling alone and detached from their surroundings, symbolized by the line "Then I feel all alone, Sleeping like a stone." This loneliness is further emphasized through the metaphorical reference to the person they once considered a source of light, now being portrayed as darkness. The line "And babe, you were the light, But now you are the dark" represents a shift in the protagonist's perception of someone they once cherished and relied upon. The song then moves on to a nostalgic reminiscence, where the protagonist dreams about a past love represented by the imagery of autumn leaves falling in the sun. This evokes a sense of loss and longing as they wonder where that person is now, metaphorically searching for the light that they once provided. The next verse depicts the protagonist in an empty room, feeling lost and unsure of what to do. Their attempts to escape their mind's preoccupation with loneliness and darkness are futile, as expressed in the line "I guess I live, Up in my head, I call you up, But my phone is dead." They are trapped within their own thoughts and can't find solace or connection through external means. The lyrics further reveal the protagonist's frustration as they seek a cure for their emotional turmoil. The lack of certainty from the doctor regarding the remedy only adds to their despair. The line "The doctor said I need a cure, But what I got, He's not really sure" implies a sense of hopelessness and the inability to find a solution to their emotional pain. Overall, the song "You Are The Dark" delves into themes of isolation, longing, and the struggle to find meaning in a world filled with darkness. It portrays the protagonist's inner turmoil, highlighting their yearning for the return of light in their life, both metaphorically and literally represented by the person they address as "babe."
