Meaning of "Serena" by Duncan Sheik

The song "Serena" by Duncan Sheik paints a picture of a character who is stuck in a cycle of avoidance and despair. The speaker urges Serena to stop hiding from life's challenges and to start enjoying the beauty that surrounds her, symbolized by "the girls and the boys and everything in between." There is a sense of frustration in the lyrics, as the speaker laments Serena's self-imposed exile from joy and connection. The repeated question of whether Serena will give up or find the diamond inside herself speaks to the overarching theme of self-discovery and resilience. The mention of mornings filled with light and joy serves as a contrast to Serena's current state of despair, implying that there is a way back to that place of innocence and happiness if she can break free from her illusions. Overall, the lyrics encourage the listener, and Serena, to confront their challenges head-on and to search for the light within themselves.