Meaning of "Surreal" by The Innocence Mission

The lyrics of "Surreal" convey a message about staying true to oneself amidst the chaos and noise of the world. The imagery of firing a gun at pressure and ignoring crowd noise represents resisting external influences that may lead one astray from their true path. The idea of testing who truly loves you suggests the importance of authentic connections and relationships. The repeated references to darkness and light symbolize the internal struggles and the need to seek and illuminate positivity within oneself. The call to turn on the light can be interpreted as an encouragement to find hope, positivity, and clarity amidst challenging circumstances. Overall, the song urges listeners to navigate through life's illusions and distractions, focusing on inner truths and genuine connections.