Night Vision

Suzanne Vega's 'Night Vision' is a contemplative exploration of the duality between day and night, light and darkness, and the contrasting emotions they evoke. The song opens with a juxtaposition: 'By day give thanks, By night beware,' suggesting that daytime is a period of gratitude and safety, while nighttime brings caution and fear. This sets the stage for a deeper dive into how one navigates the complexities of darkness, both literal and metaphorical.

The lyrics delve into the idea of darkness as a force that can obscure and erase, but also as a space where one can find hidden truths. 'When the darkness takes you, With her hand across your face, Don't give in too quickly, Find the thing she's erased,' Vega sings, urging the listener to seek out what is hidden in the shadows. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for facing one's fears and uncertainties, and finding clarity and understanding in the midst of confusion.

As the song progresses, Vega describes the process of identifying and understanding the world around us even when it is not illuminated by light. 'Find the line, find the shape, Through the grain, Find the outline, things will Tell you their name,' she advises, emphasizing the importance of perception and intuition. The imagery of everyday objects like 'The table, the guitar, The empty glass' blending together in the darkness further illustrates the theme of finding coherence and meaning in the absence of light.

In the final verses, Vega shifts to a more personal tone, watching over someone as they fall asleep. 'I would shelter you, Keep you in light, But I can only teach you Night vision,' she sings, acknowledging the limitations of protection and the necessity of learning to navigate darkness independently. This poignant conclusion underscores the song's central message: while we may wish to shield our loved ones from fear and uncertainty, ultimately, we must all develop our own 'night vision' to find our way through the dark.