How does no one know about this amazing song, “Darkest of Night Skies”? Emily discovered it through her Apple Music radio station just this past year. Yet, it seems like it’s been a part of our daily music rotation for quite a bit longer. The Native Sibling are a brother-sister acoustic folk duo, whose first LP was Letters Kept to Ourselves, released in 2014. “Darkest of Night Skies” is the first track on that ten-song record.

Produced by Daniel Mendez, Ryan and Kaylee Williams write all of their own music and lyrics. According to their Bandcamp page, they’d been playing music independently since their childhood. But they discovered a shared musical direction after performing together at an Irish pub. This realization came after the passing of their mother, leading them to a period of soul-searching that’s reflected in their debut album.

So, let’s take a closer look at this song that leads off an album far more people should know about.

Darkest of Night Skies Lyrics Meaning

Setting the tone for the entire record, the lyrics of “Darkest of Night Skies” evoke a sense of existential contemplation, set against the backdrop of a natural, serene environment. The song opens with a scene of an autumn night in the woods by a fire. This setting creates a tranquil, yet introspective atmosphere. It suggests a moment of solitude where one is more attuned to their thoughts and feelings.

The fire and the night sky are central images of this song. The lines “The flames staring at your face / Hollowing your eyes telling you what you aspire” symbolize an intense, challenging internal reflection. The titular line “darkest of the night skies” serves as a metaphor for the unknown and the mysteries of life. It could even refer to the darker aspects of one’s own thoughts or experiences.

There are also suggested themes of connection and destiny, clearly mirroring the meeting of brother and sister on a shared path after the death of their mother. The lines “Have we met here in the passing? / Led here by all happenstance” suggest a sense of serendipity or fate in human connections. It reflects on the possibility of crossing paths with others in life’s journey, guided by chance or destiny.

Next, the phrase “Here I’m walking under darkest / The darkest of the night skies” implies a journey, both literal and metaphorical, under challenging or uncertain circumstances. In this case, these lines symbolize the journey of self-discovery through navigating through difficult times in life.

The verse “Family, try to understand / Buried in your hand held close beside you” might indicate a plea for understanding from loved ones. It suggests a close bond with family, but also a sense of carrying a personal, perhaps burdensome, secret or struggle.

The recurring lines about dancing under the night skies indicate a transition from introspection to acceptance and celebration. It suggests finding joy or peace in the moment, despite the darkness or uncertainty represented by the night sky.

The frequent use of “Oh, oh, oh” and the repetition of key lines contribute to the song’s lyrical rhythm and emotional resonance. This repetition could be emphasizing the cyclical nature of thoughts and experiences.

Overall, “Darkest of Night Skies” is a contemplative piece exploring themes of introspection, connection, destiny, and the balance between acknowledging life’s darker moments and embracing the present. The natural imagery and the contrast between light (fire) and darkness (night sky) enhance its reflective and somewhat mystical quality.

I highly suggest you check out this and the rest of the “Letters Kept to Ourselves” album on your favorite streaming platform.

Here’s a great live performance of this song at Sofar Sounds in New York City:

~ Artemis Desertsong, The Phoenix Desertsong