David Kushner is a rising star in the pop music scene thanks to his viral hit Daylight.
The song, which was released on April 14, 2023, and debuted at #48 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, has amassed over 2.7 million views on YouTube and climbed to #28 on the chart in June.
The song, characterised as an orchestral gothic pop ballad, has been compared to the work of acclaimed artists like Bon Iver and Hozier.
But what is the meaning and inspiration behind the song? Here are some insights into the lyrics and the story of Daylight.
David Kushner and the Making of Daylight
Daylight is the brainchild of American singer-songwriter David Kushner.
It was released as the second single from his upcoming debut studio album on April 14, 2023, by Miserable Music Group.
Kushner’s journey to creating this masterpiece began after realising his singing talent in the 12th grade, and since then, he has committed himself to writing songs that he believes “will speak to people.
Decoding the Daylight Lyrics
Kushner’s songwriting prowess shines through in the Daylight lyrics. The song is a profound exploration of paradoxical desire, as echoed in the lines, “You and I drink the poison from the same vine, Oh I love it and I hate it at the same time.”
This captures the idea of longing for something that is simultaneously harmful, a concept that resonates with many listeners.
The song’s narrative is deeply rooted in biblical allusions, inspired by Paul the Apostle’s teachings about overcoming “evil forces.”
Kushner perceives “darkness” as a ubiquitous concept representing the “worst version of ourselves“, and this forms a core part of the song’s thematic essence.
He says:
I would want to do things that would lead to darkness, but also want to be in the light. Those are real things. We all go through darkness, and we all have brighter moments, too. [This song] speaks from my own life experiences. To me, it’s a realisation of my own desires and the complexity of those desires. The desire for light, but always running towards the darkness instead of light.
Some of the biblical references that can be found in the song are:
- The blood spilled by Cain after killing his brother Abel (Genesis 4:10–11)
- The two sinners who can’t atone with a lone prayer echo Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9–14)
- The souls tied by pride and guilt, reminiscent of Adam and Eve’s fall from grace (Genesis 3:6–13)
- The darkness in the distance, symbolising hell or judgement (Matthew 25:30)
- The poison from the same vine alludes to the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:2-3)
- The daylight, representing God’s presence or salvation (Psalm 27:1)
Daylight Music Video
Luke Shaw and Landon Juern directed the music video for Daylight, which features Kushner as a man on fire running through a forest at night.
The video also shows scenes of Kushner playing the piano in a dark room and singing in front of a church.
The video is a visual representation of the song’s theme of struggling with darkness and light. Kushner says:
The video is about running away from something that you know is bad for you but can’t help yourself. It’s about being consumed by something that you love but also hate at the same time.
The video has received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised its cinematography, symbolism, and emotion.
The Impact of Daylight
Daylight has been a massive success, both commercially and critically.
The song’s sincere lyrics, eerie melody, and potent vocals have received a lot of praise from both critics and fans.
It went viral on TikTok, where Kushner posted demo snippets and created a trend named “You look happier; what happened“, amassing over 230,000 clips featuring the snippet.
The song made waves on several national record charts, reaching the top five in numerous countries, including a number one spot in Latvia, the Netherlands, and New Zealand.
Daylight is also one of the first songs to be mixed and mastered in Dolby Atmos, a technology that creates a three-dimensional sound experience for listeners. Kushner says:
I wanted to create a song that would make people feel something, and Dolby Atmos helped me achieve that. It’s like being inside the song, feeling every emotion and every detail.
Daylight is the second single from Kushner’s upcoming debut studio album, which is expected to be released later this year.
The album will feature more songs that explore Kushner’s personal experiences and emotions, as well as collaborations with other artists.
In Conclusion
David Kushner’s Daylight is a striking example of music’s power to communicate complex emotions and themes.
The deeply moving lyrics and the song’s captivating melody have ensured its place in the hearts of listeners worldwide.
As we continue to follow Kushner’s musical journey, Daylight will undoubtedly remain a remarkable milestone in his career.
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David Kushner Daylight Lyrics
Verse 1
Telling myself I won’t go there
Oh, but I know that I won’t care
Tryna wash away all the blood I’ve spilt
This lust is a burden that we both share
Two sinners can’t atone from a lone prayer
Souls tied, intertwined by pride and guilt
Pre-Chorus
(Ooh) There’s darkness in the distance
From the way that I’ve been livin’
(Ooh) But I know I can’t resist it
Chorus
Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time
You and I drink the poison from the same vine
Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time
Hidin’ all of our sins from the daylight
From the daylight, runnin’ from thе daylight
From the daylight, runnin’ from the daylight
Oh, I love it and I hatе it at the same time
Verse 2
Tellin’ myself it’s the last time
Can you spare any mercy that you might find
If I’m down on my knees again?
Deep down, way down, Lord, I try
Try to follow your light, but it’s nighttime
Please don’t leave me in the end
Pre-Chorus
(Ooh) There’s darkness in the distance
I’m beggin’ for forgiveness
(Ooh) But I know I might resist it, oh
Chorus
Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time
You and I drink the poison from the same vine
Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time
Hidin’ all of our sins from the daylight
From the daylight, runnin’ from the daylight
From the daylight, runnin’ from the daylight
Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time
Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time
You and I drink the poison from the same vine
Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time
Hidin’ all of our sins from the daylight
From the daylight, runnin’ from the daylight
From the daylight, runnin’ from the daylight
Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time
