Mountain Clams

Into the Dark

Death Cab for Cutie has a song on their album called "I Will Follow You Into The Dark." It's a simple arrangement: acoustic guitar and one guy on vocals. The first time I heard it, I kindof made fun of the opening two lines: "Love of mine, some day you will die." "Oh, that's real nice," I thought - and probably even said to whoever was listening with me at the time.

The lyrics themselves are poetic, and in places very clever, particularly when talking about the Vacancy signs. The guitar accompaniment is subtle and fits well with the song.

I've listened to the song a few times now, and pondered the meaning of the lyrics. I've come to the conclusion that it is a beautiful, moving song. It literally made me cry once, upon listening to it and understanding what he was trying to say. Since that time, I haven't been really able to listen to it without getting kindof misty - that's about as well as I can hold back.

To me, it exemplifies the kind of love that lasts forever, the kind that is so deep, meaningful and reciprocated that there is nothing else in the world for the one but the other. Everything else is just details, a common path to walk. It's a truly beautiful thing.

Love of mine
Some day you will die
But I'll be close behind
I'll follow you into the dark
No blinding light
Or tunnels to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
Waiting for the hint of a spark

If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs
On their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

In Catholic school
As vicious as Roman rule
I got my knuckles bruised
By a lady in black
And I held my tongue
As she told me, "Son,
fear is the heart of love"
So I never went back

If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs
On their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark

You and me
Have seen everything to see
From Bangkok to Calgary
And the soles of your shoes
Are all worn down
The time for sleep is now
It's nothing to cry about
Cause we'll hold each other soon
The blackest of rooms

If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs
On their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
Then I'll follow you into the dark

Labels: music

posted by Brett @ 4:22 PM