Concrete Blonde is an alternative rock band dating from the early 1980s to … Read Full Bio ↴Concrete Blonde is an alternative rock band dating from the early 1980s to the early 1990s (and re-formed again in the 2000s). They are best known for the poignant songwriting and vocals of Johnette Napolitano.

Singer / songwriter / bassist Napolitano formed the band Dream 6 with guitarist James Mankey in Los Angeles in 1982, releasing an eponymous EP in France on the Happy Hermit label in 1983. When they signed with IRS in 1986, labelmate Michael Stipe suggested the name Concrete Blonde, describing the contrast between their hard rock music and introspective lyrics. They were joined by drummer Harry Rushakoff on their eponymous debut album. Roxy Music drummer Paul Thompson replaced Rushakoff on Bloodletting and several tracks on Mexican Moon, while Rushakoff was in treatment for drug addiction. Rushakoff was kicked out of the band in 2002 for failing to show up for several rehearsals and shows. He was replaced by Gabriel Ramirez.

Their most popular album was 1990's Bloodletting. The band broke up in 1995, but reunited in 2001, releasing Group Therapy in 2002 and Mojave in 2004.

Darkening Of The Light
Concrete Blonde Lyrics

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Like a ghost, is the curtain
In the white light of the morning
Dancing in the morning
Are you there, are you there?
And a shadow, like a sadness
Falling all across the garden
Dancing in the garden
Are you there, are you there?

Shine on, friend. Goodnight
Why then then darkening of the light

And the leaves at my feet
Whisper sounds so familiar
Are you there? Are you there?

Where the clouds pull apart
And the moon changes faces

In the quiet secret places
Are you there? Are you there?

Overall Meaning

The song "Darkening of the Light" by Concrete Blonde explores themes related to memory and the elusive nature of happiness. The opening lines create a haunting atmosphere with the image of a ghostly curtain in the white light of the morning. The mention of dancing suggests a sense of life and movement, but the repeated question, "Are you there?" adds an element of uncertainty and doubt. The shadow falling across the garden contributes to the sense of foreboding, and the line "Why then the darkening of the light" hints at the fragility of happiness and the inevitability of change.

The second verse continues the theme of searching for something elusive, with the leaves whispering familiar sounds and the repeated question, "Are you there?" The mention of the clouds pulling apart and the moon changing faces adds to the mystical, otherworldly atmosphere of the song. The "quiet secret places" suggest hidden memories or desires that are difficult to access.

Overall, the lyrics of "Darkening of the Light" create a sense of yearning for something that may be just out of reach. The imagery of dancing, gardens, and moonlit spaces is both beautiful and melancholy, inviting the listener to contemplate the fragile nature of happiness and the passage of time.

Line by Line Meaning

Like a ghost, is the curtain
The curtain moves surreptitiously in the morning light, just like a ghost.

In the white light of the morning
The curtain is seen in the white light of the morning.

Dancing in the morning
The curtain seems to be dancing in the morning light.

Are you there, are you there?
The artist is asking if someone is present.

And a shadow, like a sadness
A shadow appears which seems to symbolise sadness.

Falling all across the garden
The shadow falls across the garden.

Dancing in the garden
The shadow moves across the garden.

Are you there, are you there?
The artist is still asking if someone is present.

Shine on, friend. Goodnight
The artist is bidding farewell to a friend.

Why then then darkening of the light
The artist is questioning why the light is darkening.

And the leaves at my feet
The singer notices the leaves on the ground around them.