The lyrics of "Alone In The Dark" by John Hiatt convey a deep sense of loneliness and despair, as the narrator describes their feelings of extreme self-pity, frozen fear, and longing for a love that is no longer present. The imagery of an empty glass, a drunken ass howling at the moon, and rubbing noses in roses until they smell like death paints a picture of desperation and heartache.

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Meaning of "Alone In The Dark" by John Hiatt


The lyrics of "Alone In The Dark" delve into the profound emotional pain that comes from lost love and abandonment. The narrator's feelings of extreme self-pity and frozen fear reflect the depth of their despair, as they long for the presence of a significant other who is no longer there. The repetition of being "alone in the dark" emphasizes the isolation and emptiness the narrator feels, as they navigate the darkness of their emotions without the light of love to guide them. The imagery of rubbing noses in roses until they smell like death suggests a futile attempt to hold onto something that has already withered and died, symbolizing the lingering pain of lost love. The sense of spinning confusion, failed efforts, and ultimate acceptance of being "all alone" in the darkness encapsulates the journey through heartbreak and the acceptance of loneliness that follows.