Well you're my friend
(It's what you told me)
And can you see
(What's inside of me?)

Many times
We've been out drinking
And many times
We've shared our thoughts

But did you ever, ever notice
The kind of thoughts I got?

Well you know I have a love
A love for everyone I know
And you know I have a drive
To live I won't let go

But could you see it's opposition
Comes a-rising up sometimes
That it's dreadful and position
Comes blacking in my mind

And that I see a darkness
And that I see a darkness
And that I see a darkness
And that I see a darkness
And did you know how much I love you (and that I see a darkness)
Is a hope that somehow you (and that I see a darkness)
Can save me from this darkness?

Well I hope that someday, buddy
We have peace in our lives
Together or apart
Alone or with our wives
That we can stop our whoring
And pull the smiles inside
And light it up forever
And never go to sleep
My best unbeaten brother
This isn't all I see

Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
Oh no, I see a darkness
And did you know how much I love you (and that I see a darkness)
Is a hope that somehow you, you (and that I see a darkness)
Can save me from this darkness?


Lyrics submitted by cardamom, edited by sarenarterius

I See a Darkness Lyrics as written by Will Oldham

Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Sentric Music

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

I See A Darkness song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

34 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +3
    General Comment

    This song always struck a deep chord with me. I can relate with having those dark feelings, even when your life is good and you know it, creep in and affecting you. It sometimes feels like you can't fight it; it always comes back eventually.

    I can also relate to the power of having a beer with a friend and talking about the way life is when fighting those thoughts. Sometimes it is the only thing that can give you any real perspective when they are creeping in. I've had some dark times, and my best friend has been there, and I am for him when he needs it too. I think Oldham was talking about having that friend who can "save" you from the darkness, by just being there and listening to your thoughts.

    doctorphibeson April 01, 2011   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Album art
Holiday
Bee Gees
@[Diderik:33655] "Your a holiday!" Was a popular term used in the 50s/60s to compliment someone on their all around. For example, not only are they beautiful, but they are fun and kind too ... just an all around "holiday". I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
Album art
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Album art
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Album art
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.