Setting Sun

Song Meaning

The lyrics immediately plunge into a complex relationship, describing someone as "the devil in me I brought in from the cold." This figure is intense, "coming on strong," and possesses a paradoxical nature: "body was young but your mind was very old." The speaker acknowledges a profound, unfortunate reality as shared "visions we had have faded away." A central tension arises from the speaker's initial attraction to this powerful individual, even while recognizing their potentially destructive influence. The "you" represents "a life I've never had," suggesting an experience or path previously unexplored by the speaker. This connection, however, seems to be winding down, marked by a sense of resignation. The most striking craft element is the repeated phrase, "I'll tell you that it's just too bad," which functions as a resigned, almost weary acceptance of an unfortunate truth. This sentiment culminates in the powerful "setting sun" metaphor. The "you" is "showing your color / Like a setting sun," implying a beautiful but ultimately terminal revelation of true nature as things draw to a close. These lyrics are effective because they capture the bittersweet clarity that often accompanies the end of a complicated connection. The speaker isn't railing against fate but observing it, recognizing the inherent nature of this person. The imagery of a "devil" welcomed in, combined with the fading light of a "setting sun," paints a vivid picture of a relationship that was both alluring and destined for an unfortunate conclusion.