Let The Dark In
Mr. Cat & The Jackal Lyrics

In "Let The Dark In," Mr. Cat & The Jackal weave a narrative that intertwines themes of existential angst, the human condition, and the acceptance of darkness as a vital part of life's experience. The opening lines introduce a communal gathering, a gathering that is both physical and metaphorical, as the participants huddle around an "old strangled priest." This figure symbolizes perhaps a loss of traditional and spiritual understanding or guidance—a priest who no longer embodies the purity of faith, but rather a stunted version of it marked by loss. The act of drinking from the “beast” suggests indulgence in hedonism or destructive habits as a form of escape or coping. Here, the repeated phrase “let the dark in” suggests a willingness to confront aspects of themselves that they might typically shun—an acceptance of darkness as a part of existence instead of merely something that should be feared or avoided.

As the song progresses, the lyrics capture a moment of reflection on ambition and spirituality, striking a poignant contrast. The line about "void less ambition" reveals a sense of emptiness, an acknowledgment of a longing for something deeper in life, perhaps hinting at the futility of prayers that go unanswered. This can be interpreted as a critique of blind faith or dependence on a higher power that appears indifferent to human suffering. The chorus serves as a haunting refrain that invites or implores the darkness as if it offers a form of relief or liberation, an embrace of the struggles and imperfections inherent in life. The decision to “let the dark in” can reflect a consciousness grappling with pain and the uncertainties of existence, thus opening the door for deeper emotional honesty.

The subsequent verses depict personal encounters layered with nostalgia and anxiety. The imagery of someone slipping away through a back door implies both an intimate connection with this person and a tumultuous separation, ignited by the tension in the atmosphere, as "smoke in your hair" could allude to fleeting moments of intimacy clouded by dependencies or troubles. This juxtaposition continues with the serene yet profound moment of sitting "by the pool," where an emotional awakening occurs as the singer is captivated by the joyous dancing around them yet is aware of a deeper, perhaps darker, undertow that exists under the surface of love and happiness. Here, the invitation to "let the dark in" resonates as an acknowledgment that love, while beautiful, also carries an inherent sadness and fragility, opening the heart to joy while accepting the potential for sorrow.

In the concluding lines, the themes of longing and acceptance resurface with a duality portrayed through relationships. The contrasting figures depicted—one who constantly begs for more and another who breaks things beyond repair—highlight the complexity of love and dependency, as well as the chaotic nature of human interactions. The acknowledgment that true love includes the vulnerability and acceptance of these dark elements adds layers to the song's exploration of relationships. The imagery of paint and the dream of fairness suggest a longing for beauty and harmony in a world plagued by struggles and injustices. In essence, the song encapsulates a generational sense of grappling with the interplay of light and dark, ultimately suggesting that to fully experience life, one must allow for both joys and sorrows, embracing a wholeness that includes the darkest aspects of our existence.