Meaning of "Distance Is Darkness" by As I Lay Dying

The lyrics of "Distance Is Darkness" by As I Lay Dying delve into the emotions and struggles one faces when dealing with the difficulties of everyday life. The song opens with the line, "The contingencies of a day unravel my senses," which suggests that the unpredictable events and challenges of the day have left the narrator feeling overwhelmed and disoriented. It is as if the weight of these contingencies has cast a dark shadow over their world.

The repetition of the line, "And now your distance is darkness," indicates that the narrator is feeling disconnected from someone important. This distance brings about a sense of darkness, symbolizing a lack of clarity, guidance, and emotional support. The absence of this person has had a profound impact on the narrator's state of mind, leading to a decay from within.

The line, "My hope has been beset by your absence," further emphasizes the importance of this missing person. Their absence has not only caused the narrator's hope to diminish but has also become a source of torment. The word "beset" suggests that the absence is not just a simple absence but something that constantly troubles the narrator's thoughts and feelings. It represents a deep longing for the presence and connection that this person once provided.

However, amidst the darkness and decay, there is still a sense of resilience. The line, "Underneath it all there is still life," suggests that even in the midst of despair and pain, there is an underlying vitality. Despite the challenges faced and the emotional turmoil experienced, the narrator finds solace in the fact that there is still a spark of life within them. This resilience is further emphasized with the line, "Despite it all there is still love," which implies that love serves as a source of strength and hope.

Overall, the lyrics of "Distance Is Darkness" convey the emotional toll that the challenges of everyday life can have on an individual. It explores themes of isolation, longing, decay, and resilience. The absence of a significant other becomes a metaphor for the struggles faced in life, but also highlights the potential for inner strength and the power of love to endure in the face of adversity.