SOLSTICE

Starset's 'SOLSTICE' is a poignant exploration of light and darkness, both metaphorically and emotionally. The song opens with a nostalgic reflection on happier times, symbolized by 'blue skies' and 'star-shine.' These images evoke a sense of warmth and brightness, representing a period of emotional clarity and joy. The 'solstice' in the title and lyrics refers to a turning point, a moment of maximum light, which contrasts sharply with the encroaching darkness the narrator fears.

The recurring plea, 'Don't let me let the dark take over,' underscores a struggle against overwhelming negative emotions. This refrain acts as a desperate cry for help, emphasizing the narrator's fear of succumbing to despair. The 'dark' here is a powerful metaphor for depression or emotional turmoil, and the repeated lines highlight the intensity of this internal battle. The presence of another person, described as an 'earthmover' and 'paratrooper,' suggests that this individual played a crucial role in lifting the narrator out of their emotional landslide, providing light and hope.

The chorus, 'You take, take the pain away,' reinforces the idea that this person was a source of solace and healing. Their influence is likened to lighting the Sun and setting the 'black on fire,' vivid imagery that conveys the transformative power of their presence. However, the song also hints at a sense of loss and longing, as the narrator misses 'the way you were,' indicating that this source of light may no longer be present. The closing lines, 'Then it's over, I get the feeling that it won't subside,' leave the listener with a sense of unresolved tension, suggesting that the struggle with darkness is ongoing and the pain of loss remains.