Meaning of "My Tunnels Are Long and Dark These Days" by Asaf Avidan

"My Tunnels Are Long and Dark These Days" delves into the fear and pain associated with love. The lyrics present love as something to be feared, as the narrator addresses a friend and repeatedly assures them that they have nothing to fear except for love itself. They compare themselves to moles, blind creatures living in darkness. This metaphor suggests that love is a dangerous path, leading to vulnerability and blindness.

The mention of "hungry crocodiles dancing in the light" highlights the dangers that lurk in the pursuit of love. The crocodiles represent the predators and challenges one might encounter in relationships. The repeated question of "what's up there besides the darkness of the night?" emphasizes the narrator's belief that love only leads to darkness and pain. They dismiss the idea of loving oneself again, portraying it as the worst kind of pain. This suggests that the narrator has experienced heartbreak or loss in the past, leading them to reject self-love as a means of protection.

The song contrasts the moles' existence with those who live above ground, depicted as indulging in the pleasures of the day and trying to keep darkness at bay. The use of alcohol as a symbol of escapism, with the mention of mixing it with chardonnay, suggests that people above ground are actively avoiding the darkness and pain that the narrator is embracing. The distinction reveals a sense of pride and difference in the narrator, as they refer to themselves and their listeners as "a different site and breed of men."

Overall, "My Tunnels Are Long and Dark These Days" explores the fear and pain associated with love, presenting it as a dark and dangerous path. It highlights the contrast between those who embrace the daylight and those who confront the darkness of the night.