When the Lights Go Out
Black Keys Lyrics
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When you're standin' in the sun
In the bottom of your heart
You don't love no one
You can be oh so mean
I just can't see, no in between
You know what the sun's all about
What a way to live
Back of your class
End of the line
Always last
You can be oh so mean
I just can't see, no in between
You know what the sun's all about
When the lights go out
See the moon
See the stars
From your lonely seat
In your lonely cars
You can be oh so mean
I just can't see, no in between
You know what the sun's all about
When the lights go out
The Black Keys song "When the Lights Go Out" is a soulful lament about feeling alone and unloved. In the first verse, the singer laments that standing in the sun hurts so much when you don't love anyone. It's a metaphor for feeling exposed and vulnerable when there's no one to love or support you. In the next verse, the singer talks about being mean, and not being able to see any middle ground. It seems that the singer is struggling with his own emotions and behaviors, and he's looking for some kind of clarity or understanding.
The chorus is where the song really shines. The line "you know what the sun's all about when the lights go out" is a brilliant metaphor that speaks to the contrast between the brightness of day and the darkness of night. When the lights go out, everything changes. What was once bright and visible becomes dark and hard to see. The same is true for our emotions and relationships – what appears clear and easy during the day can become confusing and obscure at night.
The final verse is a bit more contemplative. The singer talks about seeing the moon and stars from a lonely place – perhaps a car or a bedroom. Once again, he mentions being mean, and not being able to see any middle ground. It's as if he's stuck in a cycle of dark thoughts and emotions, and he can't find his way out.
Overall, "When the Lights Go Out" is a powerful song that speaks to the complexity of human emotions and relationships. It's a reminder that even when things seem dark and confusing, there's always hope for the future.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't it hurt so bad
Experiencing emotional pain can be extremely difficult and upsetting.
When you're standin' in the sun
Standing in the spotlight or under intense pressure can be uncomfortable and challenging.
In the bottom of your heart
Deep down inside, in the most honest and vulnerable part of yourself.
You don't love no one
You do not have any emotions, feelings, or affection towards anyone or anything.
You can be oh so mean
You are capable of being cruel, insensitive, or hurtful to others.
I just can't see, no in between
You are unable to see any middle ground or compromise in a situation, leading to extreme opinions or actions.
You know what the sun's all about
You are familiar with the pressures and expectations associated with success and fame.
When the lights go out
When the situation changes or the pressure is off, revealing one's true self or emotions.
What a way to live
Expressing regret or disapproval of the current way of life.
Back of your class
Being in the lowest or worst performing group in a specific area or field.
End of the line
Reaching the conclusion or ultimate point of a journey, path, or situation.
Always last
Being consistently the least successful, talented, or fortunate in a group or situation.
See the moon
Observing the night sky and its natural beauty.
See the stars
Observing the vastness and wonder of the universe, and feeling small in comparison.
From your lonely seat
Feeling isolated and removed from the world around you.
In your lonely cars
Being physically isolated and alone, with only yourself for company.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Auracyn
Don't it hurt so bad,
Standin' in the sun,
The bottom of your heart,
You don't love no one,
You can be,
Oh, so mean,
I just can't see,
No in-between,
You know what the sun's all about,
When the lights go out,
What a way to live,
Back of your class,
The end of the line--
You're always last,
You can be,
Oh, so mean,
I just can't see,
No in-between,
You know what the sun's all about,
When the lights go out,
See the moon,
See the stars,
From your lonely seat,
In lonely cars,
You can be,
@jackschmit277
I've seen them play live twice....they didn't play this song. I wasn't even mad. And this is my favorite song from them.
@michaelnuber9296
It's simple. It's dark. It's a great song!
@sciencefantastic
I feel that Southern heat. Awesome.
@sciencefantastic
@Pierre Fogliata really? Huh. It sounds very Southern Bluesy.
@adopequeenatyrantkingaboss8057
I expect to see a gator crawling across the road.
@harls3337
@Majinsky Porterhaus and???
@harls3337
@@sciencefantastic cause it is that guy up there is a hater, they take inspiration from southern blues
@miinzekatze
They are just freaking perfect! Love that song :)
@dalejefferson3093
Listen to Samuel Blues - Grunge Blues Psychedelia,
way under the radar
@juliangrant8358
best black keys album