Meaning of "December" by Sara Bareilles

The song "December" by Sara Bareilles captures the complex emotions associated with the month of December. The speaker's description of December as a problem child suggests that it brings difficulties and challenges. The winter's light feeling different on their skin represents a sense of detachment or numbness towards the season, as if the speaker is unable to fully embrace its beauty or warmth. The repetition of the line "shadow won't let it in" suggests that there is a darkness or sadness blocking the speaker from fully experiencing the light and joy of December. December is personified as a force that runs the speaker down, making them feel restless and wild. The mention of the leaves changing and the mild weather in Los Angeles creates a contrast between external change and the speaker's internal state. The artificial cold is not enough to consume the darkness within, indicating that the speaker's inner turmoil is more intense than the external environment can comprehend. The speaker then contemplates the idea of distilling a whole year into a day, suggesting the desire for a fresh start. They acknowledge the need to let go of the past in order to embrace a new life. The line "I'm starting to believe in the power of a name" signifies the importance of self-identity and the potential for change through naming and owning one's experiences. The final repetition of "December" serves as a reminder that the challenges and difficulties faced in this month are an integral part of the speaker's personal journey.