I completely agree with J Jaspers - this song played at a friend's memorial service. "My eyes are shooting sparks" refers to his search for the spirit of a passed loved one. "If you see a shadow, there's something there." The father can't see it, most people can't see it - most people are wearing blinders (also possibly a reference to being blinded by grief). The pain of the death is the year without light. This is, afterall, on an album called Funeral. I can't remember the interview - I'm sure it's on Wikipedia or somewhere, though - but Arcade Fire specifically said this song was written after several of the band members' relatives died during the makings of the album.
I completely agree with J Jaspers - this song played at a friend's memorial service. "My eyes are shooting sparks" refers to his search for the spirit of a passed loved one. "If you see a shadow, there's something there." The father can't see it, most people can't see it - most people are wearing blinders (also possibly a reference to being blinded by grief). The pain of the death is the year without light. This is, afterall, on an album called Funeral. I can't remember the interview - I'm sure it's on Wikipedia or somewhere, though - but Arcade Fire specifically said this song was written after several of the band members' relatives died during the makings of the album.
However - it really is all subjective, isn't it?
Beautiful, chilling song.