Dark Signs

Sleep Token's song 'Dark Signs' delves into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and self-identity. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person grappling with their past and present selves, set against a backdrop of darkness both literal and metaphorical. The opening lines, 'Where I was raised, there was no street lights / Just pitch black and passing headlights,' set the stage for a narrative steeped in isolation and introspection. This darkness is not just physical but also symbolic of the emotional and psychological state of the protagonist.

The recurring theme of 'dark signs' and 'alarm bells' suggests a sense of foreboding and unease in the relationship. The protagonist is acutely aware of these signs, indicating a deep-seated anxiety and a premonition of inevitable turmoil. The lines 'Most days you reach for safety / Remain calm, forget that you know me' highlight the emotional distance and the struggle to maintain a facade of normalcy. This tension between the need for connection and the fear of vulnerability is a central theme in the song.

The chorus, with its repeated lines 'I might break and bend to my basic need to be loved and close to somebody,' underscores the universal human desire for love and connection, despite the risks and potential for pain. The protagonist's lament, 'And I miss the man I was the moment we left off / And I hate who I have become,' reflects a profound sense of loss and self-loathing. This internal conflict is further emphasized by the imagery of 'marks on my dashboard' and 'new scars that I didn't ask for,' symbolizing the emotional and psychological wounds inflicted by the relationship.

'When we met, I could see dark signs' is a haunting refrain that encapsulates the essence of the song. It speaks to the inevitability of the relationship's downfall and the protagonist's awareness of it from the very beginning. Sleep Token's 'Dark Signs' is a poignant exploration of the darker aspects of love and self-identity, capturing the delicate balance between the need for connection and the fear of vulnerability.