The Darkness In The Light

Personally, I find the hit song Disturbia off the 2008 album Good Girl Gone Bad by Rihanna to be one of the most hypnotically haunting tracks I’ve heard in a long time, if not ever. Considering the title of the album, it should come as no surprise if some of the lyrics contain slightly ominous undertones.

While this song has a phenomenal beat and has been produced nearly to perfection, undoubtedly by nothing less than a skillfully educated squad of “pop experts”; the well scripted lyrics appear to hold a much darker meaning than what is presented for our superficial consumption. Precisely what it all represents is something that can be interpreted in many ways, depending on your particular perspective of the world but every time I hear those eerie words “Your mind is in DISTURBIA… it’s like the darkness in the light” it sends chills down my spine. “DISTURBIA… am I scarin’ you tonight?”

As the song begins we hear the tormented scream of an individual in anguish, followed by Rihanna asking to the beat “What’s wrong with me? Why do I feel like this?” before announcing “I’m goin’ crazy now!”

Again, these lyrics can probably be interpreted in a number of different ways based on one’s perspective, however anyone who thinks for themselves and can spare a moment’s reflection can see there’s surely a much deeper meaning hidden within... but hey, what’s the big deal? It’s just pop music, right? Yeah… right… and television is merely harmless entertainment.

“No more gas, in the red. Can’t even get it started.
Nothin’ heard, nothing said. Can’t even speak about it.
Out my life, out my head. Don’t want to think about it.
Feels like I’m goin’ insane, yeah.

It’s a thief in the night to come and grab you.
It can creep up inside you and consume you.
A disease of the mind, it can control you.
It’s too close for comfort.

Put on your brake lights, you're in the city of wonder.
Ain’t gon’ play nice. Watch out, you might just go under.
Better think twice. Your train of thought will be altered.
So if you must falter be wise…

Your mind is in…

DISTURBIA… it’s like the darkness in the light.
DISTURBIA… am I scarin’ you tonight?
DISTURBIA,.. ain’t used to what you like.
DISTURBIA… DISTURBIA.

Faded picturse on the wall, it’s like they talkin’ to me.
Diconnectin’ on calls, the phone don’t even ring.
I gotta get out or figure this shit out.
It’s too close for comfort.

It’s a thief in the night to come and grab you.
It can creep up inside you and consume you.
A disease of the mind, it can control you.
I feel like a monster.

Release me from this curse I’m in.
Tryin’ to maintain but I’m strugglin’.
If you can go oh oh oh oh oh…
I think I’m gonna ah ah ah ah ahhh!”

Perhaps taking into account one of the definitions of the word “Disturbia” provided by UrbanDictionary.com; “the feeling of dread or shock that comes with the realization that something that is normally considered normal and safe is in fact horribly dangerous and wrong.” is one of the keys to unlocking some of what may (or may not) be concealed within the cryptic lyrics - which obviously were not written by the lovely Rihanna.

Rolling Stone called Disturbia an "awesomely creepy synth-pop mindfunk".

I'll say.