Their debut album "Elyria" was released in 1993 and was followed by "Annwyn, Beneath The Waves" in 1996, in part a concept album based around the four elements. 1999 saw the release of their third album, "Evidence of Heaven". In 2001, "Vera Causa" a 2 CD set featuring a live permormance and various rarities was released. "The Burning Season" followed in 2004, and featured a more rock oriented formula. They continued to explore the boundaries of Gothic Rock with their 2009 album, :ankoku butoh: , an album which saw them delve into far-east Asian aesthetics.
Faith and the Muse currently live in Los Angeles, California, USA. Their website is http://www.mercyground.com
When We Go Dark
Faith and the Muse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What have you become?
Trapped by all you once held in contempt.
Defined by order
It's not who you are
Extinguish
To see things clear you have to close your eyes
The lanterns dim and your ghosts feel free to speak
The Moments
When you reach within and the answers come to you
Made Glorious
The Truth is there beneath it all
What have you become?
Could you please them all?
Living someone else's life
Distraction keeps the blinding light
Deflecting off the horror
You've lost your soul or slowly let it die
It's not who you are
Extinguish
To see things clear you have to close your eyes
With Reverance
The lanterns dim and your ghosts feel free to speak
The Moments
When you reach within and the answers come to you
Made Glorious
The Truth is there beneath it all
Alone in a corner with your head on your knees,
This is not who they came to see.
The child in the mind's eye - all trust and full of laughter
Dreams hot as embers can unlock forever.
Remember!
Remember...
Another morning's light
And you're holding back the tears
Fight the numb surrender
Remember who you are
Extinguish
To see things clear you have to close your eyes
With Reverance
The lanterns dim and your ghosts feel free to speak
The Moments
When you reach within and the answers come to you
Made Glorious
The Truth is there beneath it all
Glorious
Remember who you are
Glorious
Glorious
Glorious
The lyrics of Faith and the Muse's song "When We Go Dark" are an introspective exploration of the self and the transition from being true to yourself to living up to external expectations. The opening lines, "What have you done? What have you become? Trapped by all you once held in contempt. Defined by order. It's not who you are," set the tone for the song as a reflection on the loss of identity that can occur when one loses sight of their true self.
The chorus offers a solution to this loss of self. "Extinguish. To see things clear you have to close your eyes. With Reverence. The lanterns dim and your ghosts feel free to speak. The Moments. When you reach within and the answers come to you. Made Glorious. The Truth is there beneath it all." The idea is that in order to find one's true self again, you have to let go of external expectations, close your eyes and look inward. You have to listen to your "ghosts" - the parts of you that have been silenced or pushed aside. It's only then that the truth of who you are can be revealed and celebrated.
The song also touches on the idea that living up to external expectations can lead to a loss of self and a sense of emptiness. "Living someone else's life. Distraction keeps the blinding light. Deflecting off the horror. You've lost your soul or slowly let it die." The chorus once again offers the solution - find the truth of who you are and hold onto it tightly. "Remember who you are. Glorious."
Line by Line Meaning
What have you done?
Asking what actions have been taken.
What have you become?
Questioning the current state or identity of the listener.
Trapped by all you once held in contempt.
Feeling held captive by past beliefs that are now hindering.
Defined by order
Being characterized by structure or routine.
It's not who you are
Implying that the current situation doesn't align with the true self.
Extinquish
Putting an end to something that is blurring vision.
To see things clear you have to close your eyes
Taking a step back and shutting out distractions to gain clarity.
With Reverance
Respecting the process of inner reflection.
The lanterns dim and your ghosts feel free to speak
The mind is given space to confront and process past traumas or regrets.
The Moments
Pointing out specific instances that can be transformative.
When you reach within and the answers come to you
Finding answers within oneself through introspection.
Made Glorious
Implying that finding truth through self-reflection can lead to a positive transformation.
Could you please them all?
Inquiring whether the listener is trying to live up to others' expectations.
Living someone else's life
Living a life that isn't authentic to oneself.
Distraction keeps the blinding light
Allowing oneself to be sidetracked keeps one from seeing the truth.
Deflecting off the horror
Avoiding the uncomfortable truths that need to be confronted.
You've lost your soul or slowly let it die
Losing touch with one's authentic self or allowing it to fade away.
Alone in a corner with your head on your knees,
Feeling isolated and overwhelmed.
This is not who they came to see.
Not living up to others' expectations of the listener.
The child in the mind's eye - all trust and full of laughter
Remembering a time when things were simple and carefree.
Dreams hot as embers can unlock forever.
Believing that dreams have the power to unlock one's path to true happiness.
Remember!
Calling the listener to remember who they truly are and what they want out of life.
Another morning's light
A new day dawning.
And you're holding back the tears
Fighting against negative emotions such as sadness or regret.
Fight the numb surrender
Resisting the urge to give up, even when things seem overwhelming.
Remember who you are
Encouraging the listener to stay true to themselves and their own desires.
Glorious
Celebrating the beauty and potential of one's true self.
Contributed by Eliana G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.