Meaning of "The Greatest Light Is the Greatest Shade" by The Joy Formidable

The song "The Greatest Light Is the Greatest Shade" delves into themes of inner turmoil, longing for peace, and the power of letting go. The references to a glass, view, and mirror suggest different perspectives and distractions in life, while the repeated mention of dreams in a telescope signals a search for clarity or insight. The lines about fever in bedtime covers and fright growing and sinking evoke feelings of anxiety and inner conflict. The repeated affirmation that a calm day will come conveys a sense of hope for better times ahead. The final verses bring a shift in perspective, as the singer acknowledges that happiness can be found in being genuinely happy for someone else, turning the focus outward rather than remaining stuck in internal struggles. This realization of finding happiness in others' well-being is a poignant message about the healing power of empathy and letting go of personal burdens to embrace genuine joy.