Fender was a teenager when he began performing in pubs throughout North Shields, England. He was spotted in a pub by Ben Howard's manager, Owain Davies, who then got him to support for Willy Mason.
Fender has gone on to release 2 studio albums (Hypersonic Missiles, 2019) (Seventeen Going Under, 2021) and play on the main stages of Festivals such as Reading & Leeds, TRSNMT and Glastonbury.
The Dying Light
Sam Fender Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Comedy giants, penniless heroes
Dead men at the bar, I've drank with them all
Through misadventure and drag
But I'm alone here
Even though I'm physically not
And those dead boys are always there
There's more every year
Maybe I could use a hand
I must admit I'm out of bright
Ideas to keep the hell at bay
Distractions only last a day
The night is so impossible
It haunts the few who dare to look
Its marks are so hereditary
I'm terrified of having kids
But I'm damned if I give up tonight
I must repel the dying light
For Mom and Dad and all my pals
For all the ones who didn't make
The night
Oh
Yeah
Oh
Oh
Yeah
The lyrics of Sam Fender's song The Dying Light are a portrayal of a town full of misfits and castaways, who are trying to survive their own struggles while being surrounded by others who are trying to do the same. The singer talks about how he has had countless encounters with people from all walks of life who have come to the bar he frequents. These encounters have ranged from tragic to hilarious, with many of the people he once knew now dead and gone. Despite the physical presence of those around him, the singer admits that he feels alone and wonders if there is anyone who can help him push back the haunting night.
The lyrics are a haunting testimony of battling depression and anxiety. The singer is aware that the night is coming for him, and he is running out of ways to keep it at bay. His distractions are only temporary, and the darkness is ever-encroaching. He is afraid of passing the same fear onto his children, yet he refuses to give up the fight. He remembers his loved ones who have fought the same battle and didn't make it, and this motivates him to keep fighting the dying light.
Overall, The Dying Light is a song that portrays the struggles of mental health issues and how it is a never-ending battle that can only be won by pushing against the night and finding hope even in the darkest of moments.
Line by Line Meaning
This town is a world of waifs and strays
This place is filled with lost and abandoned individuals
Comedy giants, penniless heroes
Talented individuals who are struggling financially
Dead men at the bar, I've drank with them all
I've spent time with those who have already given up on life
Through misadventure and drag
Experiencing unfortunate events and feeling weighed down
But I'm alone here
Despite being physically surrounded, I feel lonely
Even though I'm physically not
Although there are people around me, I still feel isolated
And those dead boys are always there
The memories of those who have passed away haunt me
There's more every year
Year after year, more people I know pass away
Maybe I could use a hand
Perhaps I need some assistance or support
I must admit I'm out of bright
I confess that I've exhausted my optimistic thoughts
Ideas to keep the hell at bay
Strategies to keep the overwhelming darkness away
Distractions only last a day
Temporary diversions can only provide momentary relief
The night is so impossible
The darkness is incredibly challenging to overcome
It haunts the few who dare to look
It torments those brave enough to confront it
Its marks are so hereditary
The negative effects of the night can be passed down through generations
I'm terrified of having kids
I am afraid of subjecting future generations to the same struggles
But I'm damned if I give up tonight
However, I refuse to surrender to despair
I must repel the dying light
I need to fight against the darkness and despair
For Mom and Dad and all my pals
In honor of my parents and friends
For all the ones who didn't make the night
In memory of those who couldn't overcome the darkness
Oh
Expression of emotion/surprise
Yeah
Confirmation/Agreement
Oh
Expression of emotion/surprise
Oh
Expression of emotion/surprise
Yeah
Confirmation/Agreement
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Sam Fender
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Harry Sherlock
Oh jesus fucking christ. As someone who battles depression every single day... this is unbelievable. It's so moving, and lyrical, and gorgeous, and sad, and hopeful. Sam Fender is a megastar in waiting
philip grabarski
There's something wrong here I'm 65 and love his music . I grew up listening to legends . This is one in the making . Well done Sam you have fans at my age too.
jimblob44
I'm almost sixty and I am amazed at the wealth of talent we have in Sam. I never ask for anything but this Christmas In have asked my kids for Sam's two albums, I'm proud to say they were not surprised.
philip grabarski
@jimblob44 well done lol hope you get you Xmas prezzie.
Robin 0404
There is nothing wrong but everything right with you all if you enjoy this fantastic music! :)
Karen Knight
- I think there's no age limit to excellence and to recognising it. Set time aside at Christmas 🎄 to relish the albums in full.
Chameleon Dream Band
Nothing wrong. Music is universal. A soulful musician can move any soul irrespective of age. Sam has soul in spadefulls.
Ellie Culliton
This song is an absolute masterpiece, the meaning behind it is so strong and hopeful. The first time I played it, I honestly was completely stopped in my tracks and it took my breath away. Ive never experienced that with a song before. I know im going to bawl if I hear it live! Sam is a genius.
Iskimoi
I'm totally agree, especially at the moment if the song is going higher and faster. Absolutely love it.
Aye🤙🏻
Alfie Lupton
Preach