Bad Light

Built To Spill's song 'Bad Light' delves into the complexities of understanding and perception, both in relationships and in life. The recurring phrase 'Never forever' suggests a sense of impermanence and uncertainty. This could reflect the transient nature of human connections and the difficulty in maintaining consistency and permanence in relationships. The repetition of this phrase underscores the inevitability of change and the challenge of holding onto something indefinitely.

The lyrics also touch on the struggle to comprehend and make sense of the world. The lines 'And all that sun makes so much shine / How this is done like so much science' imply that there are aspects of life that are bright and clear, yet their underlying mechanisms are complex and not easily understood. The mention of science and math suggests that understanding these complexities requires more than just common sense; it demands a deeper, more analytical approach.

The metaphor of 'bad light' is particularly poignant. It symbolizes the difficulty of seeing things clearly when conditions are not ideal. This could be interpreted as the challenges we face when trying to understand situations or relationships that are clouded by confusion, miscommunication, or lack of clarity. The repeated assertion that 'It's so hard to read in bad light' emphasizes the struggle to gain clear insight and the frustration that comes with it. Built To Spill uses these metaphors to explore the themes of uncertainty, complexity, and the quest for understanding in a world that often feels opaque and elusive.