(Update 12/30/2021: I got past Quarter Finals! I'm super excited now!) There's a super long description for this project, and I highly recommend reading all of it to understand the full meaning behind this song. "Darker By Dusk" is an original song of mine that I came up with a year ago. The tune and some lyrics are all from 2020's version, where it was written for this fake musical I was making. I really wanted to record it and make it into something more than just an idea, but since I couldn't find the motivation to do so, I decided to save it until July of this year, where I found the interest to re-write lyrics after getting past SGT V auditions. I saved the process of making the actual song and everything that came with it for a future SGT V round, and until then, the lyrics were in an unopened Google document, waiting to be used. But re-writing the lyrics gave me a new interest for the song - I really, really, really love the lyrics of this song. They're so deep and meaningful - allow me to elaborate. The song references two lovers who have separated because of a betrayal. It focuses on the voice and thoughts of one, who says that they wish they could but are not ready to let go of the other one yet. They talk about their agony from the other's betrayal, how they were just a puppet of the other person, and explain that they needed this other person. The main resonating theme in the song is how these two dreamed of building a kingdom together, and in the end, the other person takes the throne for themselves. This song has so much purpose built into it and I think that it alone makes the final result something beyond beautiful. This is an entry for the SGT V Quarter Finals - I genuinely hope I get past and make it into Semi-Finals! Since the entire process took over a year, I think I was able to bring a different level of creativity into this. [headphones are recommended] [please leave a love and favorite if you enjoyed + a comment with what you liked and/or constructive criticism]
There's even more description for this project! Below is the song's lyrics, the poem that I wrote to base it on, and the official credits. Lyrics: Midnight, twilight, you won’t know How much I don't wanna let go Auburn castles, cobalt moats Since the crown is yours, have you come to gloat? This is not a game The spark is now more than a tiny flame Things won't be same For all this pain, you're the one to blame But you've lost the war Though you've left a scar I'll try and forget Because you’ll never feel any remorse or regret Midnight, twilight, you won’t know How much I don't wanna let go Auburn castles, cobalt moats Since the crown is yours, have you come to gloat? Haunt me like a ghost You used me, bruised me, tossed me in the coast Like a useless toy Can't believe I fell for such a ploy We were once in love Dreamed of building a kingdom for us (two) Jeweled robes and gilded thrones But all that's left in your heart is stones 'Cause you're the one who reigns (now) And I, should've known ice runs in your veins Midnight, twilight, you won’t know How much I don't wanna let go Auburn castles, cobalt moats Since the crown is yours, have you come to gloat? How could you just disappear Leave me crying, shedding tears? Remember all that we shared? Don't lie and say you didn't care All we wanted was a palace for ourselves and how could you possibly let that go Ran away to the rolling hills with violets and valleys low Midnight, twilight, you won’t know How much I don't wanna let go Auburn castles, cobalt moats Since the crown is yours, have you come to gloat? Why did you betray me, I (Tell me, what did I do wrong?) Can't quite see why you would lie Crimson paintings, chestnut halls (Please tell me, what did I do wrong?) Yet you still bulldozed the walls Midnight, twilight, you won’t know (darker by dusk) How much I don't wanna let go (darker by dusk) Auburn castles, cobalt moats (darker by dusk) Since the crown is yours, have you come to gloat? (darker by dusk) I guess I've learned something after all (Darker by dusk, darker by dusk) When you're gone, night doesn't fall I can't sleep when you're not there (Darker by dusk, darker by dusk) I loved you and now I'm scared This song was inspired by this poem, which I wrote myself: Each and every day The sun and all its magnificence sets Bringing nightfall upon the bustling town The sunset ushers a newfound quiet One that can only be witnessed at twilight A tranquility that was previously unheard of The evidence is apparent For it is indeed translucent Like the flourishing moon The corroboration demonstrates one certainty No doubt remains That it gets darker by dusk But when you’re absent Not even a plethora of light Can penetrate the foreboding darkness Credits: - Me () for lyrics, production, recording, and vocals - Canva for the thumbnail - Soundtrap for being a great editing software - The following beta-listeners: - , , , , and for being the judges and guest judges of SGT V If you press "see inside" and head to the sound tab in the backdrops, there are some other tries that I made before creating a finalized version. It'll help you truly understand how much effort went into this when you compare the first draft to the final one. Anyway, I really hope you enjoyed this song and the difficult process that it took to make it - I'm extremely proud of how this came out. Thanks for listening :)
