Meaning of "Darkness Keeps Chasing Me" by Grace VanderWaal

"Darkness Keeps Chasing Me" portrays the internal battle that the singer faces. The opening lines indicate that it is difficult for her to face reality, as "opening my eyes seems like it gets harder sometimes." She yearns for an escape, symbolized by the skylight. However, she questions if her longing to run away at night would upset someone. This shows a conflicting desire for both connection and solitude.

The recurring theme of darkness represents the singer's emotional struggles and her inability to fully escape them. She admits that she is not strong enough to fight this darkness alone, but she also feels conflicted about depending on someone else. This internal conflict is evident in the line, "I just want you here, but I also want to be alone." It reflects the wrestling between the need for support and the desire for independence.

The darkness continues to chase the singer despite her efforts to resist it. She admits that her legs are getting tired from constantly running away, yet she pleads for it to not catch up to her. This highlights her perseverance despite feeling exhausted and on the brink of giving up. The repeated chorus emphasizes her plea to not let the darkness consume her easily, indicating her determination to keep fighting.

The lyrics also touch on the singer's relationship with someone who has a negative influence. The mention of hiding places reminding her of this person suggests that they were once connected and shared intimate moments. However, she is hesitant to reach out to them, fearing that their voice might trigger her emotions. This shows that while the singer longs for connection, she is also aware of the potential harm it could bring.

Towards the end, the singer mentions tears streaming down her cheeks and notices someone blowing smoke. This suggests that the person she once had a connection with has fallen into darkness themselves. The line "The darkness is already seeping through" implies that their negative influence is affecting her as well. She yearns to be different and break free from this cycle, but she is uncertain if she can do it alone.

Overall, "Darkness Keeps Chasing Me" depicts the struggle with inner turmoil, the desire for both connection and solitude, and the constant battle with darkness. It portrays a sense of exhaustion and the determination to keep fighting despite the emotional challenges faced.