What Beautiful Things

Dustin Kensrue's song "What Beautiful Things" is a poignant exploration of finding beauty and hope in the midst of chaos and darkness. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world in turmoil, with imagery of falling leaves, calling wolves, and a waning light symbolizing the encroaching darkness and death. Despite this bleak setting, the song's protagonist finds a glimmer of light in the deepest dark, lifting their head from a dying bed to sing about the beautiful things they see. This juxtaposition of despair and beauty sets the tone for the entire song, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit.

The second verse introduces the idea of societal madness and violence, with references to lunatics with fire-sticks and a deadly rhythm. These lines suggest a world gripped by chaos and savagery, where people are reprimanded with reckless brutality. Yet, even in the midst of this apocalyptic scenario, the song finds a symbol of hope in the form of a dove bringing tidings. This imagery evokes a sense of peace and renewal, encouraging the listener to look beyond the immediate horrors and find solace in the promise of better days.

In the final verse, Kensrue delves into the internal struggles of humanity, acknowledging our surprising proficiency in the very vices we vehemently reject. This introspective moment reveals the duality of human nature, where the worst in us coexists with hidden hope. By lifting his gaze from his wicked ways, the protagonist once again finds beauty and sings about it. This recurring theme of discovering beauty in the darkest moments serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring hope and resilience that lies within us all.