Blackout (Cut from the Light)

Blackout (Cut from the Light) explores themes of disconnection, powerlessness, and existential isolation. The song uses the imagery of a literal blackout to symbolize the feeling of losing control—whether emotionally, socially, or even metaphorically in a broader sense.

The song was initially inspired by a real-life event in which a tractor-trailer tore down signal lights in Houlton, Maine, causing a power outage and widespread disruption. This event serves as a backdrop for the song’s deeper themes, transforming an external power failure into an internal crisis. Lines like “Who’s got the power? Who’s holding tight?” question authority, control, and stability in a world where things can change in an instant.

Several references throughout the lyrics tie into broader ideas of displacement and feeling lost. “Moose Alley” refers to a dangerous stretch of road in Northern Maine where multiple collisions with wildlife have occurred, reinforcing the sense of unpredictability and helplessness. The astronaut imagery connects to the idea of being stranded, floating without a tether, and echoes themes found in another song by Bouchard, Fishbowl, which examines the feeling of being trapped in a small, isolated world.

Musically, the song takes influence from Bob Dylan’s storytelling approach, delivering vivid yet ambiguous lyrics that leave room for interpretation. The raw energy in the production reflects the urgency of the song’s message, though the artist has hinted at the possibility of revisiting and refining the track in the future.

At its core, Blackout (Cut from the Light) is about the sensation of losing connection—whether to the world, to others, or to oneself. The repeated imagery of wires on the ground and the struggle to navigate through darkness emphasizes the theme of isolation, making the song resonate as a powerful reflection on feeling lost and unseen.