Better in the Dark

"Better in the Dark" is an introspective song that explores themes of insecurity, authenticity, and the comfort found in obscurity. The lyrics convey a sense of feeling more at ease and genuine away from the scrutiny and expectations of others. The darkness symbolizes a safe space where the narrator's true self can exist without fear of judgment. The line, "When the sunlight meets the dawn, you'll see I'm not the one you want, 'cause I look better in the dark," encapsulates the fear of being exposed and ultimately rejected when one's perceived flaws are brought to light. The song suggests a preference for a more authentic connection that thrives in the shadows, away from the superficiality of social status. Ultimately, "Better in the Dark" is an invitation to embrace one's true self, even if that means finding solace in the less illuminated corners of life.

The song begins with the narrator observing someone with "dyed-up blonded hair" who is perceived to have social influence or "clout." However, the narrator is indifferent to this, suggesting a disinterest in superficial social status. As the night progresses and inhibitions are lowered by alcohol, the narrator feels a sense of clarity, seeing this person through a glass, yet forgets to ask something important, highlighting a missed connection or a hesitant vulnerability.

The central theme emerges in the chorus, where the narrator expresses a profound sense of comfort and self-acceptance in the darkness. The imagery of a lighter creating a spark in the shadow of the stars suggests a fleeting moment of brightness within the encompassing night. The repeated line, "I look better in the dark," is a powerful declaration of feeling more attractive, more authentic, or perhaps safer from scrutiny when not fully illuminated. It implies a fear that the light of day will reveal flaws and lead to rejection.

The second verse delves into a desire for escapism and a deeper, more intimate connection. The narrator contemplates entering the other person's dream, a surreal and personal space. This desire to connect on a subconscious level is contrasted with the feeling of being an outsider, "always the first to know, always the last to leave." This suggests a keen observational nature but also a sense of detachment from the center of the action. The idea of pretending to be drunk in the morning is a playful suggestion to extend the night's intimacy and avoid the return to reality.

The song's outro introduces a poetic reflection on the nature of darkness. It references the idea of night as a thief that steals the colors of the day, but the narrator refutes this. Instead, they assert that the night has its own vibrant and intense palette: the "burning red of passion, the angry green of jealousy, the ugly and terrifying black." This reimagining of darkness as a space rich with emotion and complexity reinforces the idea that it is a place of genuine feeling, not just an absence of light. The closing lines, with their fragmented and repeated phrases, create a sense of lingering thought and unresolved emotion, leaving the listener in the contemplative and atmospheric world the song has built.

"Better in the Dark" is a collaboration between Jordana Nye (known as Jordana) and the band TV Girl. The song was released on October 13, 2021, as part of their collaborative EP titled "Summer's Over". The producers credited on the track are Jordana and TV Girl. The song was released under the label Grand Jury Music. The EP "Summer's Over" followed Jordana's 2020 album "Something to Say to You" and showcases a blend of Jordana's bedroom pop style with TV Girl's signature use of samples and dreamy pop aesthetic. The collaboration came about as both artists share a similar indie-pop sensibility. The song incorporates audio samples from older movies, a characteristic feature of TV Girl's music, which adds to the track's nostalgic and introspective atmosphere.

The rhyme scheme in "Better in the Dark" is relatively simple and direct, primarily utilizing couplets (AABB) in the verses, such as "When I saw you standing there / With the dyed-up blonded hair" and "They said that you had clout / I said I didn't care." This straightforward rhyme scheme contributes to the song's pop sensibility and makes the lyrics memorable. The chorus also employs a clear rhyming structure. The song's rhythm is characterized by a steady, mid-tempo drum beat with a noticeable backbeat, which gives it a gentle, swaying feel. The tempo is approximately 90 BPM. This rhythmic foundation, combined with the melodic bassline, creates a groove that is both laid-back and danceable. The interplay between the lyrical rhythm and the musical rhythm is smooth and cohesive, with the vocal melody often following the contours of the instrumental arrangement. This creates a sense of effortless flow and enhances the song's dreamy and introspective atmosphere.

Musically, "Better in the Dark" combines elements of dream pop and indie rock, characterized by its shimmery and atmospheric production. The song features a prominent and funky bassline, echoed drum beats, and delicate, hazy guitar riffs that create a danceable yet introspective mood. Jordana's vocal delivery is soft and syrupy, contributing to the song's dreamy quality. A key stylistic element, characteristic of TV Girl's production, is the use of audio samples from old films, which adds a layer of nostalgia and thematic depth. Lyrically, the song employs a first-person narrative voice that is both vulnerable and assertive. The use of direct address ("When I saw you standing there") creates an intimate and personal tone. The repetition of the line "I look better in the dark" serves as a powerful and memorable refrain that reinforces the central theme of the song.

"Better in the Dark" has gained significant popularity within indie pop and alternative music circles, largely due to its relatable themes and dreamy sound. The song found a wider audience through its use on social media platforms like TikTok, where its introspective and atmospheric qualities resonated with many users. The collaboration between Jordana and TV Girl brought together the fanbases of both artists, further boosting the song's reach. While it may not have achieved mainstream chart success, it has become a staple in indie and bedroom pop playlists. The song is a notable track in both Jordana's and TV Girl's discographies, exemplifying their ability to craft emotionally resonant and stylistically distinct music. Its themes of insecurity and finding comfort in one's own space have made it an anthem for those who identify with a more introspective and reserved way of life.

The central metaphor in "Better in the Dark" is the contrast between light and darkness. The dark represents a place of comfort, authenticity, and safety from judgment. It is a space where the narrator feels they can be their true self without fear of rejection. Conversely, the sunlight and the dawn symbolize exposure, scrutiny, and the harsh reality that may lead to being unwanted. The "dyed-up blonded hair" can be seen as a symbol of superficiality and social status, which the narrator dismisses. The act of seeing someone "through the glass" while under the influence of alcohol suggests a barrier to true connection, a distorted perception of reality. The idea of dropping into a dream is a metaphor for seeking a deeper, more intimate, and less guarded form of connection. The outro challenges the traditional metaphor of night as a thief of color by personifying it as having its own intense emotional spectrum, such as the "burning red of passion" and "angry green of jealousy," further cementing the darkness as a place of rich, authentic experience.

The most prominent recurring phrase in "Better in the Dark" is the title line itself, "I look better in the dark." This phrase is repeated in the chorus and serves as the song's central thesis, encapsulating the themes of insecurity and finding comfort in obscurity. Its repetition emphasizes the narrator's deep-seated belief that they are more appealing or authentic when not fully exposed. Another recurring motif is the contrast between light and darkness, which is present throughout the song in phrases like "shadow of the stars," "the lighter makes a spark," and "when the sunlight meets the dawn." This recurring imagery reinforces the central conflict between the safety of the night and the perceived threat of the day. The idea of dreaming also appears as a recurring desire for a different kind of connection, as seen in the line, "Do you think it would be weird if I dropped into a dream?" This motif highlights the theme of escapism and the longing for a more intimate, less superficial relationship.