How Did We Get So Dark?

Royal Blood's 'How Did We Get So Dark?' delves into the emotional turmoil and confusion that follows the disintegration of a once-loving relationship. The song opens with a sense of foreboding, likening the impending breakup to a shadow on the road. This metaphor sets the tone for the rest of the song, highlighting the inevitability and the coldness that has crept into the relationship. The lyrics reflect a sense of betrayal and loss, as the narrator grapples with how they have become 'someone you used to love.' This phrase poignantly captures the transformation from intimacy to estrangement, a central theme in the song.

The chorus, with its repeated questioning of 'How did we get so dark?' underscores the bewilderment and sorrow that accompany the end of a relationship. The use of the word 'dark' serves as a metaphor for the emotional void and the loss of light and warmth that once characterized the relationship. The imagery of a 'sinking ship with a heavy heart' further amplifies the sense of despair and hopelessness, suggesting that the relationship is beyond saving and is destined to sink into oblivion.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of trust and betrayal. The lines 'Nobody wants your love / But tables were turned' and 'Now there's no one you can trust' suggest a breakdown in communication and mutual respect. The repetition of 'How we get so dark' in the latter part of the song emphasizes the cyclical nature of these emotions, as the narrator is caught in a loop of questioning and regret. Royal Blood's raw and powerful musical style, characterized by heavy bass lines and dynamic drumming, complements the intense emotional landscape of the lyrics, making 'How Did We Get So Dark?' a compelling exploration of love turned sour.