Dark and Velvet Nights Lyrics, David Gilmour

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I didn’t think that this could be
all that unto death do we
’til you managed the lock and magicked the key
after a night of hard drinking and ecstasy

It’s softer than words that are spoken
Blackened on paper that’s shredded and torn
Or carved into stones lying shattered and broken
Branches beckoned along the wrong path
Winding up in the past

And this dark and velvet night
That surrounds us
This dark and velvet night
I will wrap around us

It’s softer than words that are spoken
Or painted as slogans and flung to the lions
Written on slips as the punters wait smoking
A leap of faith, the odds sky-high
Say goodbye to your place or mine

Don’t like to make promises that I can’t keep
Don’t want to hurt this old heart or wreck my sleep
Thinking how will we part
Will I hold your hand or you be left holding mine?
Between this breath and then
There’s this airlock of time
This airlock of time

And this dark and velvet night
That surrounds us
This dark and velvet night
I will wrap around us

It’s softer than words that are spoken
In the towers of great cities that toppled and drowned
Engraved on gold rings or some other love token
No walls, no bells, to sanctify this dark and velvet night

[GUITAR SOLO on Gibson Guitar]

Dark and Velvet Nights (Official Music Video)

You can watch the official music video to Dark and Velvet Nights on David’s Official YouTube channel.

Dark and Velvet Nights Analysis of the Lyrics

David Gilmour’s new song seems to be rich with themes and literary references. Here’s an analysis of some of the key elements:

Themes

1. Love and Commitment: The lines “all that unto death do we” and “I didn’t think that this could be” suggest a deep reflection on the vows of marriage and the surprise of finding true love.
2. Transience of Life: The recurring mention of “this dark and velvet night” symbolizes the fleeting nature of life and experiences, wrapping around the lovers like the inevitable passage of time.
3. Regret and Reflection: Phrases like “winding up in the past” and “branches beckoned along the wrong path” indicate a contemplation of past choices and the desire to correct or learn from them.
4. The Power of Words: The song repeatedly contrasts the softness of spoken words with their potential for destruction when “blackened on paper” or “carved into stones.”

Literary References

1. Shakespearean Echoes: The phrase “unto death do we” is reminiscent of the marriage vow “till death do us part,” often found in Shakespeare’s era.
2. Biblical Allusions: The idea of words being “painted as slogans and flung to the lions” could be an allusion to the Christian martyrs thrown to the lions, suggesting the sacrifice of one’s beliefs or love.
3. Classical Imagery: The “dark and velvet night” could be a nod to classical poetry, where night often represents both a cover for lovers and a metaphor for death or the unknown.

The song’s lyrics are poetic and evoke a sense of romanticism tinged with melancholy, reflecting on the beauty and complexity of human relationships against the backdrop of time’s relentless march. The references to “hard drinking and ecstasy” and the “airlock of time” add a modern twist to the timeless themes, suggesting a blend of contemporary and classic influences.

Gilmour’s music often intertwines with literary elements, as seen in his collaboration with his wife, Polly Samson, who is a novelist and lyricist. Their joint work often explores themes of love, time, and the human condition, which are evident in this song as well.

It’s worth noting that Gilmour’s upcoming album, “Luck and Strange,” is said to address mortality and aging, which aligns with the reflective nature of this song. The album also includes contributions from his family, adding a personal dimension to the music.

About David Gilmour’s New Album

I am looking forward to David Gilmour’s new album, Luck and Strange being added to David Gilmour’s discography. because I really like the songs so far. Here’s what I know about it:

• Release Date: The album is scheduled for release on 6 September 2024 and I am getting the deluxe version – although its release is delayed due to production issues.
• Studio: It was recorded at Gilmour’s Medina Studio in Hove and at Mark Knopfler’s British Grove Studios in London so you can expect it to sound fantastic.
• Production: I believe David Gilmour co-produced the album with Charlie Andrew.
• Musicians: The album features contributions from musicians like Guy Pratt and Tom Herbert on bass, drummers Adam Betts, Steve Gadd, and Steve DiStanislao, and keyboardists Rob Gentry and Roger Eno. String and choral arrangements are by Will Gardner.
• Special Features: It includes keyboards recorded in 2007 by the late Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright.
• Singles: Three singles have been released so far: “The Piper’s Call” on 25 April 2024, “Between Two Points” on 17 June 2024, and “Dark and Velvet Nights” on 9 August 2024.
• Lyrics: Its my understanding that many of the lyrics were written by Gilmour’s wife, Polly Samson, and address themes of mortality and ageing. Their children contributed additional vocals and lyrics.
• Cover Art: The cover was photographed and designed by Anton Corbijn who is a renowned Dutch photographer, film director, and music video director, known for his impactful visual style.
• Tour: David Gilmour is due to begin a tour in September 2024.

1. Black Cat
2. Luck and Strange
3. The Piper’s Call
4. A Single Spark
5. Vita Brevis
6. Between Two Points – with Romany Gilmour
7. Dark and Velvet Nights
8. Sings
9. Scattered

Promotional Media

Watch the video excerpt of the song below to pick up on some of the Dark and Velvet Nights Lyrics that I have transcribed above for your reference.

Dark and Velvet Nights is the third single from David Gilmour’s forthcoming album Luck and Strange. It features world class drummer Steve Gadd on drums. David uses his lap steel guitar to create some of his distinctive guitar slides and brings a more mature voice to the blues piece.

Links – David Gilmour Twitter Post