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Artificial Nocturne
Metric Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I'm just as fucked up as they say
I can't fake the daytime
I found an entrance to escape into the dark
Got false lights for the sun
It's an artificial nocturne
It's an outsider's escape for a broken heart

We hide out in the back
Like shadows in a stranger's dream
Hiding out in the back together
Hiding out in the back forever

I make
All that I believe
In dreams
So real
Babe, I have to take the call
Fate, don't fail me now

I make all that I believe
I set myself free
So take all the time you need
And let yourself be

Ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah
I'm as fucked up as they say
I can't fake the daytime
Found an entrance to escape into the dark
Got false lights for the sun
It's an artificial nocturne
An outsider's escape for a broken heart

I'm as far gone as they say
I can't fake the daytime
Found an entrance to escape into the dark
Got false lights for the sun
It's an artificial nocturne
An outsider's escape for a broken heart

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Metric's song "Artificial Nocturne" are a reflective commentary on the dark and abstract aspect of life. The first few lines of the song indicate the singer's dilemma, who acknowledges the criticism and negativity associated with their life. They cannot pretend to have a good time in the daytime and are looking for escapism into the night. The phrase "Got false lights for the sun" suggests the singer's tendency to mask the harsh realities of their life with temporary pleasures that are not genuine but provide momentary relief.


As the song progresses, the reference to shadows in a stranger's dream, and the act of hiding out in the back together, hint at a sense of community and collaboration in dealing with the uncertainties and difficulties of life. The chorus of the song has a repetitive tone which may evoke the idea of being stuck in a loop or being unable to escape the cycle of hardship or repetition in life.


The lyricist, Emily Haines, is known to write poetry and generally uses her lyrics as a medium to convey observations and perceptions of life. The song explores the theme of darkness metaphorically and has a melancholic tone that is characteristic of most Metric songs. The haunting quality of the lyrics carries an unspoken message, possibly that we must embrace the reality of the world we live in, even if it encompasses pain and discord.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm just as fucked up as they say
I'm in as bad a shape as they say I am


I can't fake the daytime
I can't pretend that everything is alright during the day


I found an entrance to escape into the dark
I discovered an opening to seek refuge in the darkness


Got false lights for the sun
I rely on artificial light to replace the sun


It's an artificial nocturne
I seek an alternative, artificial nightlife


It's an outsider's escape for a broken heart
It's an opportunity to escape the pain and recover for someone not belonging to the usual social circles


We hide out in the back
We take shelter at the rear of the place


Like shadows in a stranger's dream
We resemble phantoms wandering in an unknown person's dream


Hiding out in the back together
We remain hidden together at the back


Hiding out in the back forever
Our shelter at the rear is never-ending


I make all that I believe
I create everything I think is true


In dreams so real
Things in my imagination feel so vivid


Babe, I have to take the call
I need to accept the challenge and act on it


Fate, don't fail me now
I need destiny to work in my favor at this very moment


I set myself free
I liberate myself


So take all the time you need
Take as much time as you need


And let yourself be
And be true to yourself


Ah, ah, ah, ah
An onomatopoeic representation of the melody


I'm as far gone as they say
I'm in a condition as bad as they describe




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Emily Haines, James Shaw

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@animecats77

Here's the lyrics for Karaoke:

I'm just as fucked up as they say
I can't fake the daytime
I found an entrance to escape into the dark

Got false lights for the sun
It's an artificial nocturne
It's an outsider's escape for a broken heart

We hide out in the back
Like shadows in a stranger's dream
Hiding out in the back together
Hiding out in the back forever

I make all that I believe
In dreams
So real
Babe, I have to take the call
Fate don't fail me now

I make all that I believe
I set myself free
So take all the time you need
And let yourself be

I'm as fucked up as they say
I can't fake the daytime
I found an entrance to escape into the dark
Got false lights for the sun
It's an artificial nocturne
An outsider's escape for a broken heart

I'm as far gone as they say
I can't fake the daytime
I found an entrance to escape into the dark
Got false lights for the sun
It's an artificial nocturne
An outsider's escape for a broken heart



All comments from YouTube:

@puellamagica3359

this song is so fucking amazing. the pervading sense of loneliness - the two segments so different in tempo and mood and yet well-matched, a natural progression. few songs capture how it feels to be awake and alone with desperation at 3am better.

@puellamagica3359

also it's dark and operatic which are two of my favorite things for a song to be

@sentient1705

+tiffany aching I agree with what you said. This song is so awesome. Lyrics + soundtrack!

@johngrimes6078

The irony is that we're not alone. We never were. There are so many of us who can't face the sun. So many of us who need a safe place to hide from ourselves. Can't you hear us calling? So many voices, alone but never alone.

@DP-sb5jg

​@@puellamagica3359p😢❤❤❤😂😢😂😢🎉😢🎉😂🎉

@pjburger9246

One of the best intros to a song that I've ever heard in my life even up till now.

@priscilalorraine6505

Gente o começo dessa música e mto perfeito

@thamiryscandido1377

Poderiam fazer uma versão estendida dessa parte que eu ouviria sem parar

@MrAdrianbelew

I remember my first time hearing this song, all of these thoughts going through my head "What will this album be about? what will it sound like? will the lyrics be as powerful as the other albums were" Then I heard it "I'm just as fucked up as they say". Yup. The lyrics definitely won't be a disappointment.

@606Loudhailer

Developing an appreciation of METRIC late in the day. Hoping they tour the UK again soon. One of those understated Canadian groups - lyrically, melodically, vocally a very talented bunch

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