why do so many songs use 'light' as a metaphor

[datawrangler92]

it’s everywhere. lyrics about 'guiding lights,' 'dimming lights,' 'shining through the dark,' whatever. feels like every other song has some version of this is it just an easy visual or does it actually mean something deeper to people? i get that it’s a universal thing but it’s so overused it’s almost a crutch. also, does anyone else feel like it’s way more effective in some genres than others? like folk or indie songs pull it off better than pop where it just feels cheesy idk, maybe im overthinking but it sticks out to me. (also side note, if youre into niche keyboard mods, have you seen the new kits with translucent keycaps that actually light up in patterns? wild stuff.)

 

[Stargazer6]

yeah i see what youre saying... i think 'light' is overused but it works when it feels *specific*, not just a vague metaphor? like in folk or indie the lyrics are usually more personal so it feels grounded, but pop sometimes throws it in cuz it sounds pretty and universal without meaning much on teh other hand tho, i think its cuz light is one of those things we all kinda instinctively get? like its tied to hope or clarity or whatever... even in astronomy 'light' is this whole symbolic thing (like how some stars we see are already dead but their light is still traveling to us, which is... depressing but also kinda beautiful?!) so maybe thats why its so tempting for songwriters... anyway, speaking of light-themed songs, have yall heard that track by [insert niche indie band here] where they compare city lights to stars in the sky? thats one of the few times i didnt roll my eyes at the trope lol