Previously, through the use of 80's synth and 90's angst, Val Astaire tapped into the influences of Tears for Fears, The Cure, and David Bowie to create a cool, calm and collected sound that walked listeners through a new wave time capsule.
“So many great artists before us mapped out the blueprint. Somewhere along the way we painted over it in the form of quick consumption and fast fashion. I think both socially and spiritually we’re in a void.”
Now, with a little dirt under his nails and a chip on his shoulder, Val Astaire is turning it up a bit. Drawing comparisons to Beck, The White Stripes and The Killers - Val Astaire finds himself filling that void louder than ever.
When the Lights Go Out
Val Astaire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Spit up and bit me and I'm feeling numb
Creep on my envy I heard that you called it love
What were you thinking now that you've had enough?
Encounters slip me another drink or so
I feel it grip me and it's getting old
It's feeling tempting, I might let secrets go
Sober when the lights go out
When the parties over we'll let you know
Waking up on overcoats
Everybody's colder as we start to sink below
Sweating as the sheets unfold
Quiet as my blood runs cold
Sober when the lights go out
I'll see you when the lights go out
My mind is spinning, it feels like an overdose
The lights are blinking, they're speaking out of code
Wrap around my throat, sell me back my soul
Give me one more chance to lose control
If you fool me once, then babe, I'll be a fool for you
Sober when the lights go out
When the parties over we'll let you know
Waking up on overcoats
Everybody's colder as we start to sink below
Sweating as the sheets unfold
Quiet as my blood runs cold
Sober when the lights go out
I'll see you when the lights go out
Sober when the lights go out
When the parties over we'll let you know
Waking up on overcoats
Everybody's colder as we start to sink below
Sweating as the sheets unfold
Quiet as my blood runs cold
Looking through kaleidoscopes
I can feel it spinning with no control
Subtle as an overdose
Everything is louder as I start to sink below
Wrapping back around my throat
Selling off another soul
Sober when the lights go out
I'll see you when the lights go out
The lyrics of Val Astaire's song "When the Lights Go Out" convey a sense of numbness, longing, and self-destructive tendencies. The first verse sets the tone by describing a feeling of being swallowed and bitten by the month of November, resulting in a state of emotional detachment. The mention of creeping envy suggests a toxic relationship in which love was mistaken for something else. The singer questions the other person's intentions now that they have decided to walk away.
As the song progresses, it becomes evident that the singer relies on encounters and alcohol to escape their emotions. They acknowledge that this coping mechanism is becoming tiresome and dangerous. There is a sense of regret and a desire to come clean about their hidden secrets, indicating a longing for honesty and vulnerability.
The chorus highlights the contrast between being sober and in control when the lights go out versus the chaos and indulgence of partying. The reference to waking up on overcoats and everyone being colder suggests a sense of emptiness and detachment from others. The use of sweating and quiet blood running cold implies a physical and emotional discomfort.
In the second verse, the lyrics describe an overwhelming feeling, as if the mind is on the edge of an overdose. The blinking lights and speaking out of code symbolize a state of confusion and disconnection. The mention of wrapping around the throat and selling back the soul suggests a cycle of self-destruction and a plea for another chance to lose control. The repeated phrase "I'll see you when the lights go out" reinforces the idea of finding solace in darkness and chaos.
Overall, the song explores themes of emptiness, vulnerability, and the struggle to find emotional authenticity, as well as the destructive patterns that can emerge from such a struggle.
Line by Line Meaning
November slid me underneath it's tongue
I got caught up in the dark, mysterious and overwhelming atmosphere of November
Spit up and bit me and I'm feeling numb
I got overwhelmed by November's intensity and it left me feeling emotionally numb
Creep on my envy I heard that you called it love
You nurtured my envy, disguised as love
What were you thinking now that you've had enough?
Now that you've satisfied your desires, what thoughts are going through your mind?
Encounters slip me another drink or so
Situations offer me more ways to escape or numb myself
I feel it grip me and it's getting old
I can feel myself being controlled by this habit, and it's becoming tiresome
It's feeling tempting, I might let secrets go
I find it tempting to reveal hidden truths or secrets
I'm terribly sorry it's time that I let them know
I feel remorseful, and it's about time I confess
Sober when the lights go out
I am clear-headed and aware when the distractions and temptations fade away
When the parties over we'll let you know
Once the excitement and chaos of the party ends, we'll inform you
Waking up on overcoats
Waking up feeling detached or distant from the people around me
Everybody's colder as we start to sink below
As we dig deeper into our emotions, everyone becomes more distant and aloof
Sweating as the sheets unfold
Feeling anxious and uncomfortable as the truth is revealed
Quiet as my blood runs cold
Silent and still, as my emotions become numb and lifeless
My mind is spinning, it feels like an overdose
My thoughts are racing, it feels overwhelming like I've consumed too much
The lights are blinking, they're speaking out of code
The flickering lights symbolize a cryptic message or hidden meaning
Wrap around my throat, sell me back my soul
Feeling suffocated and manipulated, as if someone is taking away my sense of self
Give me one more chance to lose control
Allow me one more opportunity to surrender to my impulses and abandon self-control
If you fool me once, then babe, I'll be a fool for you
If you deceive me once, I am willing to be a fool for you indefinitely
Looking through kaleidoscopes
Viewing the world through a distorted, fragmented perspective
I can feel it spinning with no control
I sense an uncontrollable whirlwind of emotions and experiences
Subtle as an overdose
As overwhelming and damaging as an overdose, but with a subtle and deceptive allure
Everything is louder as I start to sink below
As I delve deeper into the darkness, everything becomes more intense and amplified
Wrapping back around my throat
The suffocating feeling returns, constricting me once again
Selling off another soul
Sacrificing another piece of myself in exchange for temporary pleasure or escape
Sober when the lights go out
Regaining clarity and sobriety when the distractions and temptations disappear
I'll see you when the lights go out
I'll connect with you when I can truly see and understand myself
Lyrics © TUNECORE INC, TuneCore Inc.
Written by: Brian Anthony Joyce, Christopher Curran, Kyle Blamy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Aleesathekid
Another song I must learn all the words to in a day🖤
@ValAstaire
🖤
@JanAgaton
definitely my favorite song of yours by far!!😍
@ValAstaire
Thank you so much!!
@gremio333
this song is stunning, found on spotify discover weekly
@meowmeowsmom
So fucking good
@ValAstaire
💛