To Darkness
Mumford & Sons Lyrics


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There to dwell
In adamantine chains and penal fire
Who durst defy the omnipotent to arms
Nine times the space that measures day and night
Rolling in the fiery gulf
Confounded though immortal, but his doom
Reserved him to more wrath, for now the thought
Both of lost happiness and lasting pain
Torments him; round he throws his baleful eyes
That witnessed huge affliction and dismay
Mixed with obdurate pride and steadfast hate
At once as far as angels ken he views
The dismal situation waste and wild
A dungeon horrible, on all sides round
Regions of sorrow
Doleful shades, where peace and rest can never dwell
Hope never comes that comes to all
But torture without end still urges
As one great furnace flamed




Yet from those flames, no light
But rather, darkness visible

Overall Meaning

The song "To Darkness" by Mumford & Sons explores the themes of sacrifice, love, and redemption. The lyrics evoke a sense of desperation as the singer implores someone to take control of their heart and lead them out of darkness. The opening lines, "Take my eye and my whole my heart, in your hands, in your hands" suggests that the singer is willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of salvation. The use of the metaphorical "yacht" further emphasizes the idea of a journey towards redemption, and the sense of helplessness the singer feels as they are left behind on the shore.


The second verse seems to be addressed to a specific person, possibly a lover who has committed a sin. The singer pleads with the person to take them home instead of leaving them on the shore alone. The lines "I will not speak of your sin, there is a way out for him" suggest that the singer is willing to forgive the person and help them find a way out of the darkness they are in. The use of the mirror as a symbol of reflection and self-discovery further reinforces this idea.


The final verse speaks to the singer's own struggles with darkness and the fear of succumbing to it. The repetition of the line "my heart was floored" emphasizes the emotional weight of the situation. However, the singer finds strength in the ability to sign their name and make a commitment to not give in to darkness. Overall, the theme of redemption is central to the song and the lyrics suggest that it is possible to overcome even the darkest of sins.


Line by Line Meaning

Take my eye
Take everything I have, even the things most precious to me.


and my whole my heart
Even take my emotions and feelings, which are deeply personal and vulnerable.


in your hands
Place all of it in your care, trusting that you will protect it and cherish it.


and board the yacht
Embark on a journey, perhaps one that is risky or uncertain.


as it departs
Leave behind what is safe and familiar, and venture into the unknown.


leave me on the shore
Abandon me in a place of stagnation, even though you are moving forward.


but I will hunt no more
I will not continue to pursue something that is not meant for me, even though it may cause pain to let it go.


Hold my sin above my head
Acknowledge my wrongdoing, and keep it in clear view so that I cannot ignore or make excuses for it.


and take me home instead
Forgive me and show me a path towards redemption and healing instead of punishing me.


I will not speak of your sin
I will not judge or condemn you for your wrongdoing.


there is a way out for him
There is always a choice to make amends and move towards a better future.


the mirror shows that
Looking at ourselves honestly and without judgment can reveal uncomfortable truths.


your values are ocean
Your beliefs and principles are vast and like the ocean, constantly changing and evolving.


The door, my heart was floored
Something unexpected and life-changing happened to me, causing me to feel overwhelmed and vulnerable.


I knew my weakness, oh hold,
I recognized my own flaws and limitations, and was hoping for support and guidance.


my hand can sign me not to darkness
I have the power to make choices that will lead me away from negativity and towards positivity.


you know, my heart was floored
I am expressing my vulnerability and showing my true emotions.


I knew my weakness, oh hold,
I am asking for help in navigating my own limitations and vulnerabilities.


my hand can sign me not to darkness
I have agency and the ability to choose a path of positivity and light, even in the face of difficulty and pain.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Benjamin Walter David Lovett, Edward James Milton Dwane, Marcus Oliver Johnstone Mumford, Winston Aubrey Aladar Marshall

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Areraswen

I can't help but get chills when I listen to this song. I will never understand how people can hear these guys and not feel immediately inspired.

@chayanikadaiya4719

Never ever thought that marwadi would be used at global level so gracefully proud rajasthani🤩😍

@raiskhanproject

Hello my brothers Mumford sons im rais khan from dharohar project morchang player how are you guys? It was really great time with you guys thanks 🙏

@watashiwamosura

Does Dharohar Project upload their music onto YouTube? I can't find them anywhere

@lewildcoconutzaroff8585

Holy mumfords. This song is so flunking perfect. Beautifully done! The collaboration is damn dazzling, the instruments... hella. 

@meehirmerai3148

Which marvadi song is at last

@irena2009

no cultural boundaries for music... as cheesy as it may sound, it's so wonderful.

@michaelgiaquinto3092

irena2009 not cheesey but true!!

@kelseyt4300

I found this album on vinyl at Easy Street in Seattle while I was in college. I just bought it on the spot and was amazed the first time I listened. All of the songs on this EP are treasures.

@helllloimlindsay

wow. my mouth dropped to the floor when i heard this. this is the most insanely crazily beautiful thing i have ever heard. the two genres are the farthest thing apart and you may think that this could never work......but WOW. this blows my mind away.

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