Honest

The overall theme of the song revolves around unexpressed emotions and the consequences of holding back. The narrator reflects on a past relationship, filled with regret over not being honest about his feelings. He grapples with his memories, questioning fate while hoping for a second chance. There’s a sense of vulnerability throughout, as he acknowledges both the darkness he feels and the light that love brings.

Verse 1

Oh, I raced headfirst down the old stone road
To the bridge outside Kilteel
And I held my breath on that frosty mornin'
Dreamin' maybe you're still there

In this opening verse, the imagery sets a nostalgic and chilly scene. The old stone road and the bridge suggest a significant place tied to memories. The act of holding his breath hints at anticipation and fear, showing how deeply he still feels for this person. It’s clear he’s longing for a connection that he believes might still exist.

Chorus

Now I know in my heart that the original sin
Was never showin' you my mind
'Fore you crossed that sea, you left this land
And left my love behind

This chorus reveals the core regret of the song. The "original sin" symbolizes the mistake of not being open about his feelings before the person left. It’s powerful how he connects his emotional honesty with the idea of loss. The distance created by crossing the sea emphasizes the separation and adds to the weight of his regret.

Verse 2

Now my father stands in the middle of the road, sayin'
"Boy where have you been?
You've been out all night chasin' dogs and ghosts
And this hill has taken down good men"

In this verse, the narrator hears his father’s voice, which adds a layer of familial concern. The imagery of chasing "dogs and ghosts" suggests a pursuit of things that are elusive and perhaps meaningless. It indicates that he’s been consumed by his thoughts and feelings, losing track of time and reality. The mention of the hill taking down good men paints a somber picture of struggle and hardship.

Chorus

It's been dark so long, she's so damn bright
I can barely get myself to leave
I don't do this much, no, it's not like me, he said
"I know just what you mean"

This chorus repeats the theme of longing and the contrast between darkness and light. Her brightness symbolizes hope and love, making his current state feel even more challenging. The exchange with his father shows a shared understanding of emotional struggles, highlighting that he’s not alone in his feelings.

Bridge

I realise now there's a wolf inside that I dare not try to kill
I can change my path, I can learn his heart, but I cannot change his will
I watch her go on a long cold night, I expect she'll never leave my mind
And I'll walk 'round broken, sceptical, hopin'
One day she'll return to my side

The bridge introduces a darker metaphor with the "wolf," representing inner turmoil or fear. He recognizes that while he can adapt and learn, he can’t control everything. The cold night signifies loneliness, and the thought of her leaving weighs heavily on him. It’s a powerful moment of vulnerability, as he admits to feeling broken yet still holds onto hope for a reunion.

Outro

'Cause I know you're all I want, want
Have we missed our moment?
How could fate be so unfair?

In the outro, the repetition of wanting her reinforces the depth of his feelings. He continues to grapple with the idea of missed opportunities and the unfairness of fate. This ending leaves listeners with a lingering sense of yearning and unresolved emotion.

Closing Thoughts

"Honest" is a heartfelt exploration of love, regret, and the struggle for emotional honesty. Dermot Kennedy's vivid imagery and raw emotions resonate deeply, making it relatable for anyone who's faced similar feelings of longing and uncertainty. The song beautifully captures the complexity of relationships and the pain of unexpressed love.