Truth in the Darkness: Embracing Our Shadows and Building Lenses for Love
The song Truth by Alex Ebert is an anthem for self-acceptance, self-awareness, and the messy, complicated journey of being human. Each lyric unfolds layers of meaning that encourage us to face our darkness, acknowledge the lenses we build through life, and lean into love as the ultimate truth.
Let’s break down the themes in this song and connect them to the concept of building intentional lenses to navigate life.
Lyrics: Truth by Alex Ebert:
The truth is that I never shook my shadow
Every day, it's trying to trick me into doing battle
Calling out faker only get me rattled
Want to pull me back behind the fence with the cattle
Building your lenses
Digging your trenches
Put me on the front line
Leave me with a dumb mind with no defenses
But you're defenseless
If you can't stand to feel the pain then you are senseless
Since this (ooh) I've grown up some different kind of fighter
And when the darkness comes, let it inside you (ah-ah-ah)
And your darkness is shining
My darkness is shining (ah)
Have faith in myself
Truth
I've seen a million numbered doors on the horizon
Now, which is the future you're choosing before you go dyin'?
I'll tell you about a secret I've been undermining
Every little lie in this world comes from dividing
Say you're my lover, say you're my homie
Tilt my chin back, slit my throat, take a bath in my blood, get to know me
All out of my secrets
All my enemies are turning into my teachers
Because, lights blinding, no way dividing what's yours or mine (ooh)
When everything's shining (ah)
And your darkness is shining
My darkness is shining (ah-ah-ah)
Have faith in ourselves
Truth
Yeah
Yes, I'm only loving, only trying to only love
And yes, what I'm trying to do is only loving
Yes, I'm only loving, trying to only love
I swear to God, I'm only trying to be loving (yes, I'm only loving)
Yes, I'm only lonely loving
Yes, I'm only feeling, only loving, only loving (yes, I'm only loving)
You say it ain't loving, ain't loving (ah)
Ain't loving, my loving (yes, I'm only loving)
But I'm only loving, still only loving
Swear to god, I'm only loving
Trying to be loving, loving
Loving, loving, loving, loving (ah)
Yes, I'm only loving, yes, trying to only love
I swear to god, I'm trying but I'm only loving
You say it ain't loving, ain't loving, ain't loving
Ain't loving, ain't loving, my loving (ah)
But I'm only loving, loving, loving, loving the truth
Ooh-ooh
La-la-la-la-la
Ooh
Truth
- Written by Alex Ebert
"The truth is that I never shook my shadow"
This line acknowledges the ever-present nature of our shadows: our fears, insecurities, and darker impulses. We often try to escape these parts of ourselves, seeing them as weaknesses or flaws. But here, Ebert reminds us that the shadow isn’t something to be defeated or erased; it’s a constant companion, a mirror reflecting parts of us we’d rather not see. True self-acceptance requires recognizing the shadow, not as an enemy, but as a teacher.
"Every day, it's trying to trick me into doing battle"
The shadow doesn’t disappear…it challenges us daily, tempting us into internal conflict. This battle often manifests as self-criticism or comparison, pulling us into the cycle of "not enough." But the real trick is realizing that fighting the shadow is futile; it grows stronger the more we resist. Acceptance dissolves its power.
"Building your lenses, digging your trenches"
This lyric highlights the mental frameworks we construct to navigate life. We build lenses—perspectives shaped by our experiences, beliefs, and biases—but sometimes, those lenses become trenches. They trap us in narrow viewpoints or defense mechanisms that separate us from others and from ourselves. Becoming aware of these lenses is the first step in transforming them into tools of clarity rather than walls of division.
"Put me on the front line, leave me with a dumb mind with no defenses"
In vulnerability, we strip away the defenses that keep us "safe" but also isolated. Being on the front line of our own emotions, exposed and undefended, is terrifying…but it’s also where the most profound growth occurs. When we stop numbing or avoiding pain, we gain the strength to face it head-on.
"If you can't stand to feel the pain then you are senseless"
Pain is not the enemy, it’s a guide. Avoiding it renders us numb, disconnected from ourselves and others. To feel pain is to be alive and human, and embracing it allows us to move through it rather than be paralyzed by it. This lyric underscores the importance of emotional resilience and self-regulation.
"And when the darkness comes, let it inside you"
Here, Ebert offers a radical perspective: welcome the darkness. By letting it in, we integrate it into our whole self rather than allowing it to control us from the shadows. This isn’t about succumbing to negativity…it’s about understanding that the darkness has lessons to teach. When we let it shine, we find unexpected wisdom and strength.
"Every little lie in this world comes from dividing"
Division is the root of all falsehoods. When we see ourselves as separate, (from others, from the world, from our own contradictions) we create lies to justify that separation. Unity, on the other hand, is where truth resides. This lyric challenges us to dissolve the artificial boundaries we build and embrace the interconnectedness of all things.
"All my enemies are turning into my teachers"
This line speaks to the transformative power of perspective. Those who challenge us often hold up a mirror to our own unresolved issues. By reframing enemies as teachers, we shift from a place of blame to a place of growth. This ties directly into the idea of building intentional lenses: choosing to see challenges as opportunities rather than threats.
"Lights blinding, no way dividing what's yours or mine"
In the light of truth, divisions dissolve. This lyric reminds us that love and connection are about erasing the boundaries that keep us apart. When everything shines, there’s no room for possessiveness or separation, only unity.
"Yes, I'm only loving, trying to only love"
The repetition here underscores a central theme: love is both the goal and the practice. Ebert admits to imperfection in loving but commits to trying anyway. This vulnerability reflects the messy, imperfect nature of love—it’s not always neat or easy, but it’s always worth striving for.
Building Lenses: A Framework for Truth
Ebert’s lyrics align beautifully with the idea that we all build lenses over our lifetimes. These lenses are shaped by our experiences, upbringing, and beliefs, influencing how we see the world. However, we have the power to become aware of these lenses and choose which ones to use in any given situation.
Self-Awareness: Recognize the lenses you’ve built—are they helping you see clearly or distorting your view?
Intentional Choice: Decide which lens serves you best in the moment. For example, a lens of compassion may be more useful than one of judgment when dealing with conflict.
Flexibility: Be willing to shift your perspective. Life is dynamic, and rigid lenses can limit growth.
Integration: Use multiple lenses to gain a fuller picture of reality. Embrace complexity rather than forcing simplicity.
Embracing the Truth
The overarching message of Truth is a call to embrace all parts of ourselves—the light and the dark—and to see the unity that lies beneath our perceived divisions. By acknowledging our shadows, being mindful of our lenses, and striving to love despite imperfection, we move closer to the truth.
Ultimately, the song challenges us to stop fighting ourselves and instead lean into the discomfort of growth. In doing so, we find that our darkness isn’t something to fear—it’s something to illuminate. And in that illumination, we discover the power of love, connection, and truth.
