When the Lights Go Out
P.Carney-D.Auerbach/The Black Keys Lyrics

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Don't it hurt so bad
When you're standin' in the sun
In the bottom of your heart
You don't love no one

You can be oh so mean
I just can't see, no in between
You know what the sun's all about

When the lights go out

What a way to live
Back of your class
End of the line
Always last

You can be oh so mean

I just can't see, no in between
You know what the sun's all about
When the lights go out

See the moon
See the stars
From your lonely seat
In your lonely cars

You can be oh so mean
I just can't see, no in between

You know what the sun's all about
When the lights go out

Overall Meaning

In "When the Lights Go Out," The Black Keys sing about the pain of loneliness and feeling unloved. The first verse introduces the idea of standing in the sun, symbolizing exposure and vulnerability. The lyrics suggest that in this state, the singer realizes that they don't love anyone, emphasizing their isolation. The second verse talks about being at the back of the class, the end of the line, and always last, again highlighting the theme of loneliness and feeling left behind.

The chorus repeats the line "You know what the sun's all about, when the lights go out," which communicates the idea that without external distractions, the singer is faced with the harsh reality of their situation. The bridge describes the moon and stars, evoking the idea that others can look up and see the same sky but still feel alone in their own cars. The lyrics come full circle as the final chorus repeats the same lines from before, driving home the sense of despair and hopelessness.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't it hurt so bad
Doesn't it cause immense pain and discomfort

When you're standin' in the sun
When you're in the spotlight, exposed and vulnerable

In the bottom of your heart
Deep down inside, in your innermost being

You don't love no one
You don't have love for anyone, you're incapable of loving others

You can be oh so mean
You have the ability to be extremely cruel

I just can't see, no in between
I'm unable to find a middle ground or a compromise

You know what the sun's all about
You're aware of what the spotlight and attention entails

When the lights go out
When the attention isn't on you anymore

What a way to live
This is a terrible way of living

Back of your class
You're at the bottom of the hierarchy

End of the line
You're at a dead end, with no way out