Kelly writes and performs the kinds of songs that inspire novels and movies. You could call him a bastard disciple of Kurt Cobain and Townes Van Zandt, and he’d be totally cool with that. He’s just as comfortable wearing a cowboy hat as he is in a Slayer t-shirt. His story so far twists and turns through heartbreak and triumph, an overdose and rehab, empty dive bars and packed venues, living everywhere from South Carolina to Brussels, and as he puts it, “finally getting my shit together and proposing to the love of my life.” It’s this unbelievable experience that informs his singular style—a gravelly patchwork of folk lyricism, grunge attitude, country heart, Americana spirit, and rock energy. Not only has he penned songs for Tim McGraw (“Nashville Without You”), Josh Abbott Band (“Front Row Seat”), and more, but his independent solo debut EP Halloween earned acclaim from KCRW, Consequence of Sound, RELIX, Apple Music, and more. “Poison” racked up over 516K Spotify streams, while “Black Magic” soundtracked the Season Finale of the CBS series Scorpion. He logged countless miles on the road sharing the stage with the likes of The Lumineers and Robert Earl Keen in addition to performing at Bonnaroo and Wakarusa. Signing to Washington Square Music / Razor & Tie and he recorded his full-length debut in 2017.
Under The Sun
Ruston Kelly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it followed you
Sunken like an arrow
You couldn't pry it loose
I know you think you've let all of them down
I know you believe you won't figure this out
But I'm here to say, "what if you could?"
If it hurts either way
What's the point in dragging it out?
Let it fade under the sun
Don't let me catch you crying in the twilight
It's almost over
Brighter days still will come
There are brighter days still to come
Sunk into the dirty
Just skin and bones
So you call to your spirit
"Come in and make me whole"
I know you think you've let all of them down
I know you believe you won't figure this out
But I'm here to say, "what if you could?"
If it hurts either way
What's the point in dragging it out?
Let it fade under the sun
Don't let me catch you crying in the twilight
It's almost over
Brighter days still will come
There are brighter days still to come
If it hurts either way
What's the point in dragging it out?
Let it burn under the sun
Don't let me catch you crying in the twilight
It's almost over
Brighter days still will come
There are brighter days still to come
There are brighter days still to come
The song "Under the Sun" by Ruston Kelly is about a person who is struggling and feeling hopeless, and how important it is to let go of the pain and hurt and move on with their life. The opening lyrics relate to the feeling of being followed by an inner darkness or emotion that the person cannot shake off. The sunken arrow is an analogy to how these emotions have sunk deep into the person's soul and can't be removed easily, leaving a scar that the person carries around with them like a shadow.
The chorus of the song is an encouraging message to the person. Ruston Kelly sings about how it's okay to let go of the past and look ahead to a brighter future. He reassures them that if they're hurting, then there's no point in holding onto it and that eventually, brighter days are going to come. The lyrics are meant to give hope to the person, no matter how difficult their current situation may be. The message of the song emphasizes the importance of moving on and trusting that there are brighter things ahead.
Overall, Ruston Kelly's song "Under the Sun" serves as a reminder that even when we struggle, things will eventually get better. The song offers hope and encourages listeners to keep moving forward, even when things seem dark.
Line by Line Meaning
So you saw your shadow
You just recognized your darkness
And it followed you
Your demons came along with you too
Sunken like an arrow
Deeply embedded, hard to remove
You couldn't pry it loose
Your darkness is holding on tight
I know you think you've let all of them down
You feel you've disappointed everyone
I know you believe you won't figure this out
You don't believe you have the ability to overcome your struggles
But I'm here to say, "what if you could?"
What if you could move past your struggles and find peace
If it hurts either way
There's no sense in prolonging the pain
What's the point in dragging it out?
Why make it last longer than it needs to?
Let it fade under the sun
Let your pain and struggles diminish in the light of day
Don't let me catch you crying in the twilight
Don't let your sadness consume you at the end of the day
It's almost over
Your struggles are almost at an end
Brighter days still will come
Things will get better
Sunk into the dirty
You've been swallowed by negativity
Just skin and bones
You feel like you're barely holding on
So you call to your spirit
You're reaching out for hope and positivity
"Come in and make me whole"
You want to be lifted up and made complete again
Let it burn under the sun
Let the negativity be consumed by light and positivity
There are brighter days still to come
Your future is full of hope and happiness
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Ruston Samuel Kelly
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dale
I love how Ruston's talent for making inspirational art is never ending!! By far my favourite artist...
Tharawut Chairat
Hello 👋 ❤️ 🇹🇭
mazzfoxtrot
My wife died in April and every new song Ruston puts out, it takes me days to get the strength to listen because I know it's gonna split me in half. Brave did it. So did this.
Cheryl Fox
I pray you find peace in this terrible season of life. I don't really know what to say, but wanted to acknowledge that I saw your comment and my heart grieves for you. God bless
Scott Abney
I hope you are finding comfort
Miss Mass 🪴
I love the symbolism, melody, imagery, and message of the video. This album is a classic just like the others. I love listening to your music best on rainy days...super soothing, thank you for that!
Alexis M
Love this song love the album love you Ruston true talent this is incredible
Tharawut Chairat
Hello 👋 🇹🇭
Tub Tunes
LOVE IT - my favorite off the new record 🛁 Thanks Ruston!
Edgar Gaxiola
Todas las canciones de este álbum son buenísimas !