Certain Kind of Light
Gus Black Lyrics

The opening lines of the song “Tickin’ in the moonlight, tickin’ in the joy, tickin’ like a parasite waiting to deploy” create a metaphorical reference to the feeling of being trapped and powerless. The “tickin’” symbolizes a sense of pressure building up inside the singer, as he is caught up in a situation he cannot control. The “moonlight” and “joy” represent the other side of the oppressive feeling, a longing for a different, happier experience, while the “parasite” brings forward the sense of being consumed by the current circumstance.

The refrain “Don’t you ever really see me? You only ever really see me in a certain kind of light” suggests the singer's desire for true and authentic connection with someone, rather than being seen and judged based on their external appearances or the superficial impressions. The repeated line highlights the feeling of being misunderstood or overlooked, as people only see what they want to see, rather than trying to understand the true nature of a person.

Overall, the lyrics of the song convey a sense of emotional struggle, the longing for connection, and the feeling of being powerless in one's situation.