It's Thunder And It's Lightning

We Were Promised Jetpacks' song "It's Thunder And It's Lightning" delves into the tumultuous experience of navigating through fear and conflict. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey, both literal and metaphorical, where the protagonist is guided home, only to face a storm of emotions and physical turmoil. The repeated imagery of thunder and lightning serves as a powerful metaphor for the unpredictable and often violent nature of the challenges faced. The song's opening lines, "Right foot / Followed by a left foot," suggest a step-by-step approach to dealing with these difficulties, emphasizing the importance of perseverance even in the face of fear.

The recurring mention of a body being "black and blue" indicates physical and emotional bruising, hinting at a relationship marred by conflict and possibly abuse. The line "It struck twice there's nothing new" suggests a cycle of violence or hardship that the protagonist has become accustomed to, yet still finds deeply unsettling. The use of natural elements like thunder and lightning not only underscores the intensity of these experiences but also highlights their inevitability and the sense of being caught in a storm beyond one's control.

The song's conclusion, with the repeated declaration of "I have to say goodnight / I'm leaving before your punching out my lights," signifies a moment of realization and the decision to escape the toxic environment. This act of leaving is portrayed as a necessary step for self-preservation, even though it is fraught with its own set of fears and uncertainties. The song captures the essence of confronting and ultimately choosing to leave behind a harmful situation, making it a poignant exploration of resilience and the quest for safety and peace.