Illuminate
Leprous
Shedding Light on Darkness: The Journey of Self-Discovery in 'Illuminate' by Leprous
Leprous' song 'Illuminate' delves into the themes of darkness, self-discovery, and the search for enlightenment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey through a metaphorical night, where the path is 'paved yet coloured in black,' symbolizing a life or situation that is predetermined but shrouded in uncertainty and obscurity. The night serves as a metaphor for confusion, fear, or depression, where the true nature of one's path remains hidden until the dawn, representing clarity and understanding.
The repeated call to 'Illuminate' serves as a plea for enlightenment and guidance. The torch offered in the lyrics symbolizes hope and the means to find one's way out of the darkness. The line 'Your God might not rise' suggests a crisis of faith or the realization that external sources of salvation may not always be reliable. Instead, the song encourages self-reliance and the pursuit of one's own light to 'find your day.' This can be interpreted as a call to take control of one's destiny and seek personal growth and understanding.
The imagery of being 'molded by the dark' and the fire that 'slowly dies' reflects the struggles and emotional turmoil that can shape a person's character. The darkness is both a shelter and a prison, concealing the true path and making it 'invisible.' The song's conclusion, with the lines 'Waiting for someone / Daring to see / Shades on your pathway / Leading to me,' suggests a longing for connection and understanding. It implies that while the journey is deeply personal, there is a hope for someone to share in the discovery and to see beyond the shadows.