Our Darkness

Anne Clark's 'Our Darkness' delves into the complexities of human relationships set against the backdrop of a bleak, urban landscape. The song opens with a sense of shared idealism between two individuals, who once believed that their connection could withstand the harsh realities of city life. However, the 'blackened water' and 'mechanical place' symbolize the overwhelming and dehumanizing nature of their environment, which ultimately drives them apart. The imagery of a 'grimy window' and 'billowing smoke' further emphasizes the sense of loss and disconnection, as one person is now 'nowhere to be seen.'

The song explores the theme of desire and its dual role in both uniting and dividing people. Clark suggests that while passion is essential for living and surviving, it also necessitates a certain level of detachment. This paradox is highlighted by the lines 'There has to be passion / A passion for living, surviving / And that means detachment.' The urban setting amplifies this struggle, as 'everybody has a weapon to fight you with,' making it difficult to maintain trust and intimacy. The repeated lines 'Doubting all the time / Fearing all the time' capture the constant state of anxiety and mistrust that plagues the relationship.

The song's conclusion brings a sense of resignation and melancholy. The 'pouring rain' that once mingled with their tears now falls even harder, symbolizing the intensified emotional and environmental challenges they face. The 'written threats on endless walls' and 'unjustified crimes' serve as metaphors for the societal pressures and injustices that further strain their bond. Ultimately, 'Our Darkness' is a poignant reflection on the struggle to maintain human connection in a world that often seems designed to tear us apart.