Sunset
The Midnight
Chasing Horizons: An Analysis of The Midnight's 'Sunset'
The song 'Sunset' by The Midnight encapsulates the feeling of yearning for escape and the pursuit of a fresh start. The lyrics convey a narrative of two individuals who feel trapped in their current lives and are desperate to break free from the monotony and constraints of their environment. The opening lines set the stage for this desire for change, with the speaker acknowledging a sense of being stuck and the belief that there must be more to life than what they have known.
The chorus, with its repeated lines about it being 'darkest before the dawn,' suggests that the characters are enduring a difficult period but are hopeful that their situation will improve. This phrase is a common metaphor for hope and the belief that good things come after the worst has passed. The act of 'faking our deaths' and leaving without a trace symbolizes a complete break from their past lives, emphasizing the theme of rebirth and starting anew. The reference to 'Miss Lazarus' further underscores this theme, drawing a parallel to the biblical story of Lazarus, who was brought back to life, symbolizing transformation and resurrection.
The song's bridge, 'Sunset, no regret,' captures the essence of the characters' decision to leave everything behind without looking back. The juxtaposition of 'first chance, last dance, stuck in the middle' conveys the tension between seizing an opportunity and the fear of being caught in limbo. The line 'even bad girls know good love' suggests that despite their flaws or past mistakes, they recognize and yearn for genuine affection and connection. The bittersweet sentiment that 'you taste so sweet it hurts a little' reflects the complex emotions involved in taking risks for the sake of love and freedom.