Better In The Dark

Dio's 'Better In The Dark' delves into the enigmatic and often alluring nature of darkness, both literal and metaphorical. The song opens with the protagonist declaring their transition into a different state of being, symbolized by 'crossing over' and 'shooting the sun.' This act of extinguishing the sun represents a deliberate choice to embrace the night, a time when shadows and monsters come to life. The darkness here is not just the absence of light but a realm where hidden truths and primal instincts are free to roam.

The recurring theme of 'monsters in shadows' suggests that the darkness is a place where one's fears and hidden desires are confronted. These monsters, whether they are internal demons or external threats, are more comfortable and powerful in the dark. The line 'monsters always know it's better in the dark' implies a certain wisdom or acceptance of the darker aspects of existence. The protagonist seems to find a strange comfort in this, as if the darkness offers a form of liberation from the constraints of the daylight world.

The character of the 'tall and handsome' woman who 'takes no chances' and 'might come back around' adds another layer to the narrative. She embodies the allure and danger of the night, a figure who thrives in the shadows and disappears with the dawn. Her presence reinforces the idea that the dark is a place of mystery and unpredictability, where conventional rules do not apply. In the end, the protagonist's repeated assertion of being 'all right' and their ability to 'disappear' suggests a final acceptance and even a preference for this shadowy existence, where they can be free from the scrutiny and limitations of the light.