I keep finding myself playing and replaying “Daylight” by David Kushner. I originally heard Kushner’s music when it appeared after one of my Spotify playlists had finished playing.

Kushner’s “pensive ballad” was released April 14, 2023. In an interview with Paper Magazine, Kushner said, “I aim to convey the paradoxical desire for something that is simultaneously harmful to oneself, using elements of light and darkness. The lyrics, ‘Oh, I love it and I hate it at the same time/You and I drink the poison from the same vine,’ encapsulate this concept.”

Something that I originally got from the song was a message that connects to my faith as a Christian: how we as humans want the light and are given the opportunity to make the right decisions, but every single one of us are sinners and constantly run back to temptation.

Kushner also told Paper Magazine, “‘I would want to do things that would lead to darkness but also want to be in the light. Those are real things. We all go through darkness and we all have brighter moments, too. [This song] speaks from my own life experiences. To me, it’s a realization of my own desires and the complexity of those desires. The desire for light, but always running towards the darkness instead of light.’”

David Kushner is a Christian and has had a number of Biblical inspirations from his childhood that are now present in his music and platforms.

I did not know this when I started listening to his music. “Daylight” stuck out to me because it checked all of my boxes musically. His voice is just so crisp and melodious with darker and deeper tones, similar to Bon Iver, Hozier, and George Ezra.

Once the chorus comes, “Daylight” has a wonderful climax. The dramatic piano and rich electric guitar sound pulls the listener in. The music and lyrics sink in and move throughout your body in a dancing rhythm.

The tones of the music are also very peaceful and moody “af” (as fish — a hipster fish on poetry night). The instruments are echoey and deep, which goes well with both the catchy and reflective lyrics. One of my favorite parts is at the beginning when a faint creak of a porch swing sound can be heard. It adds to the reflection in the tone — as if Kushner is sitting on a porch swing singing “Daylight”.

After learning more about the meaning behind the lyrics and the person who sings them, I have a greater respect for the song itself.

As a Christian, it can sometimes be difficult to find an artist to connect with who sings outside gospel or CCM, especially someone within the genre of alternative music. It helps make it feel comforting and less lonely.

This song is so beautifully created. I would recommend that any person, no matter their musical preferences, give “Daylight” by David Kushner a listen. In fact, I give “Daylight” a 10/10.