Douglass's evocative, alternative sound has been compared to Tori Amos, Jeff Buckley and Rufus Wainwright. His numerous accolades include being a finalist for both the 2005 International Songwriting Competition and the 2004 Independent Music Awards; he was the winner of the 2003 Grammy Fest Awards in New York City, as well as the inaugural performer on the American Red Cross "Save A Life Tour" in 2003. Douglass actively appears at listening rooms, clubs, festivals, and campuses throughout the United States and has shared the stage with artists like They Might Be Giants,Grace Potter, Melissa Ferrick, Jason Mraz, Regina Spektor, Third Eye Blind and Margaret Cho. Douglass' music video for "Hang Around" charted for six consecutive months on LOGO TV's "Click List" Top 10 Video Countdown in 2008, following similar success on LOGO TV with his video for "I Wanted To Run".
Light Don't Shine
Gregory Douglass Lyrics
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in my life i find i lose my way now if my light don't shine
i loose my keen-eyed sense of reason if my light don't shine
i loose my keen-eyed sense of reason if my light don't shine
i find i lose my mind, all dreamers in flight can never land
i find i lose my mind, all dreamers in flight
sometimes i cry my eyes out laughing at the world on fire
sometimes i cry my eyes out laughing at the world on fire
sometimes i circle around the shadow land in a straight line
sometimes i circle around the shadow land in a straight line
i find i lose my mind, all dreamers in flight can never land
i find i lose my mind, all dreamers in flight
it's love or benevolence under the table or over the moon
it's fate or coincidence willing and able or still destitute
it's blood or benevolence always forever or barely alive
it's one experience under the sunlight
These lyrics by Gregory Douglass in his song "Light Don't Shine" showcase the importance of having a sense of purpose in life. The opening lines suggest that the singer loses his way when his light doesn't shine. This could refer to a metaphorical light, meaning his sense of purpose or passion, or a literal light, indicating that he may be lost in the dark without guidance. The second set of lines mentions that he loses his "keen-eyed sense of reason," which further emphasizes the importance of having clarity and direction in life. The lyrics then mention a loss of the singer's mind, which could be interpreted as a loss of sanity or a mental state of confusion.
The chorus of the song repeats the lines about dreamers in flight who can never land. This could symbolize the struggle to achieve one's dreams or goals when there is no clear direction or guidance. The singer seems to have a sense of humor about it, as he mentions laughing at the world on fire. It's possible that this is a coping mechanism, as laughter can be a way to deal with stress and uncertainty.
The final set of lyrics brings up several dichotomies, such as love or benevolence, fate or coincidence, and blood or benevolence. These contrasts could represent the conflicting forces that can pull someone in different directions when they're trying to find their way in life. The last line, "it's one experience under the sunlight," suggests that everyone has their own unique journey, but we all share the common experience of living under the sun.
Overall, "Light Don't Shine" is a deep and introspective song that explores the struggle to find purpose and direction in life. The lyrics highlight the importance of having a clear sense of reason and passion, and the consequences that can occur when we lose our way.
Line by Line Meaning
in my life i find i lose my way now if my light don't shine
If I don't keep my light shining, I tend to lose my way.
i loose my keen-eyed sense of reason if my light don't shine
When my light doesn't shine, I lose my reasoning skills.
i find i lose my mind, all dreamers in flight can never land
Lack of light leads to confusion; dreamers may never achieve their goals.
sometimes i cry my eyes out laughing at the world on fire
Despite the chaos surrounding me, I find laughter and joy within.
sometimes i circle around the shadow land in a straight line
I sometimes find myself stuck in a cycle of darkness.
it's love or benevolence under the table or over the moon
Love and kindness can come in many forms, in secret or out in the open.
it's fate or coincidence willing and able or still destitute
Life is full of chance; it can lead to success or left with nothing.
it's blood or benevolence always forever or barely alive
Love can be everlasting or fleeting, like a heartbeat.
it's one experience under the sunlight
Life is a singular experience, and we are all living it together.
Contributed by Madelyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.