Meaning of "Not Dark Yet" by Calum Scott

"Not Dark Yet" delves into a profound sense of disillusionment and the feeling of being trapped. The lyrics convey a deep loneliness and weariness, suggesting that the singer has been in a stagnant state for a while, as if time is slipping away and he has lost all motivation to move forward. The repetitious refrain of "It's not dark yet, but it's getting there" serves as a metaphor for the fading hope and impending darkness in the singer's life. The references to London, Paris, the river, and the sea symbolize the singer's search for meaning and escape, but ultimately finding nothing in the eyes of others. The line "Every nerve in my body is so naked and numb" reveals the singer's emotional vulnerability and numbness, suggesting that he has become desensitized to the pain and struggles of life. The final repetition of the refrain emphasizes the growing sense of despair and the approach of a metaphorical darkness that looms over the singer's life.

The song reflects on the universal human experience of feeling lost, disconnected, and overwhelmed by the weight of existence. It touches upon the idea that even in a world filled with beauty, pain is often an inherent part of life. The lyrics explore the theme of authenticity and the struggle to maintain a sense of self in a world that can be indifferent and harsh. The mention of scars that remain unhealed suggests the lasting emotional wounds that continue to haunt the singer, despite his efforts to find solace or escape. The repetition of the refrain serves to reinforce the inevitability of the approaching darkness, highlighting the singer's resignation to a bleak future.