Darker Days
2Stars Lyrics

In the opening lines of "Darker Days," the artist uses vivid imagery to convey a sense of destruction and despair. The phrases "stones thrown" and "windows broken" suggest acts of violence or conflict, symbolizing the turmoil in the singer’s life. The reference to “tombstones” intertwined with a “family tree” evokes a haunting juxtaposition between life and death, indicating that the singer feels trapped within a lineage of pain. The “family tree” signifies connections and histories that can often burden an individual, illustrating a heritage overshadowed by sorrow. The line "around my feet" suggests that the singer is encircled by these memories and experiences, implying a sense of being rooted in this dark past rather than moving forward. By stating, "paint a picture colored red and blistered at the seams," the artist highlights the emotional scars that remain raw, urging listeners to visualize this painful mosaic of existence.

The chorus, with a repetition of “darker days / that’s what I love,” provides a powerful contrast to the preceding imagery. It implies an acceptance, or even an embrace, of suffering as an integral part of the singer’s identity. This paradox fuels a complex exploration of human emotion, where darker experiences are cherished and perhaps seen as authentic or unfiltered aspects of life. It suggests that the artist finds beauty and value in the melancholic elements of existence, reminiscent of existential philosophies that posit discomfort as a vital component of personal growth and understanding. The cyclical nature of this acknowledgment presents darker days not as mere experiences to be endured but as vital chapters in the narrative of self-discovery and authenticity.

As the lyrics continue, the expression "blown to pieces / winter blooms and freezes down in me" metaphorically captures the singer’s internal struggles and emotional dichotomy. The metaphor of winter—often associated with death, coldness, and dormancy—reinforces a sense of stagnation and hopelessness. However, the emergence of “winter blooms” uniquely highlights the rarity of beauty in such bleakness, suggesting that even within despair, there exists a flicker of life. The rhetorical question “what does it mean?” signals a quest for understanding amidst chaos, reflecting an ongoing internal dialogue about identity, feelings, and the essence of existence. The line “when I thunder as I'm going under” uses the imagery of storm and depth, indicating a tumultuous struggle that threatens to engulf the singer, suggesting a crisis of self that can feel as overwhelming as being submerged under water.

The final repetition of "that's what I love" reinforces an established theme of reconciliation with dark experiences. The impending chaos as described in "it starts to fold and swallow" suggests an inevitable acceptance of these darker emotions, akin to surrendering to the ocean's depths. It reflects the notion that while turmoil may threaten to consume one's existence, it also shapes and informs the understanding of self. By asserting affection for these darker days, the singer is not just resigned to their fate but expresses a profound connection to the complexity of their experiences. This embrace of struggle allows for a richer tapestry of emotions, fostering resilience and insight that can only emerge by confronting and accepting the entirety of one’s truth, including the elusive beauty found in shadowy moments.