There Was Sun

Nothing But Thieves' song 'There Was Sun' is a poignant exploration of nostalgia and the longing for a simpler, more carefree time. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a past filled with warmth and light, symbolized by the recurring imagery of the sun. This sun represents a time when the narrator felt more alive, more connected to their dreams and aspirations. The golden leaves and summer shimmer evoke a sense of idyllic beauty and tranquility, a stark contrast to the present feelings of disconnection and loss.

The repetition of the phrase 'I could dream that' underscores the narrator's yearning to recapture the ability to dream and believe in possibilities as they once did. This repetition, coupled with the wistful wish to 'be all the things that I used to be,' highlights a deep sense of loss and a desire to return to a state of innocence and hope. The mention of 'Indica head rush' and 'black-hearted angel' introduces a more complex layer, suggesting that the narrator's past was not without its flaws and darkness, yet it was still a time when they felt more whole and authentic.

The song also touches on the struggle of living in the present, where the narrator feels 'somewhere else or somewhere in between' and sometimes 'don't feel a thing at all.' This emotional numbness contrasts sharply with the vivid memories of the past. The act of 'pulling back the screen to let the future in' signifies a glimmer of hope and the possibility of renewal, as the light comes flooding in. However, the repeated refrain of wishing to dream and be as they once were suggests that the past's allure remains strong, making it difficult to fully embrace the future.