Come Out of the Dark

From "The Unseen Chorus (A Gay Musical)"

Track 27 • Written by Agust Smari Bjarkarson

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Song Information

  • Title: Come Out of the Dark
  • From Album: The Unseen Chorus (A Gay Musical)
  • Track Number: 27
  • Artist: Agust Islandia (Agust Smari Bjarkarson)
  • Release Date: 2025
  • Genre: Musical Theatre, LGBTQ+ Music, Theatrical Pop
  • Written by: Agust Smari Bjarkarson
  • Produced by: Agust Smari Bjarkarson
  • Label: Agust Islandia (Independent)

About the Song

"Come Out of the Dark" is a powerful theatrical anthem from The Unseen Chorus (A Gay Musical), addressing the profound themes of coming out, addiction recovery, and breaking free from shame.

The song carries a dual message of liberation: it speaks to both the LGBTQ+ experience of coming out of the closet and the universal struggle of coming forward about addiction, illness, and mental health challenges. With the powerful declaration "The illness isn't who you are - You're a fire you're a star," the song refuses to let shame define anyone's identity.

Written and composed by Agust Smari Bjarkarson for his groundbreaking gay musical The Unseen Chorus, this song addresses gay community challenges including substance abuse, HIV/AIDS stigma, mental health struggles, and the courage it takes to seek help and live authentically.

The memorable line "Closets are for costumes not for your truth" perfectly encapsulates the show's message: whether you're hiding your sexuality, your struggles, or your story - it's time to step into the light and own your truth.

Lyrics - Come Out of the Dark

Hey you in the back row
I see you hiding low
No shame in your story
Let the whole world know

We've all got secrets
We've all got scars
We've danced in shadows
Chased the wrong stars

But baby the truth it sets you free
No sickness owns your destiny

Don't be quiet
Don't disguise
Don't let the fear live in your eyes
Step into the light take a stand
Your story's power is in your hands

Come out come out of the dark tonight
No shame no chains just shining bright
The illness isn't who you are
You're a fire you're a star
Come out come out come out
Come out tonight

So what if you stumbled
So what if you fell
Every saint has a sinner's tale to tell
Addiction's a thief but it don't define
Raise your voice this life is mine

Don't be quiet
Don't disguise
Don't let the shame live in your eyes
Step into the light sing it loud
You've got a chorus you've got a crowd

Come out come out of the dark tonight
No shame no chains just shining bright
The illness isn't who you are
You're a fire you're a star
Come out come out come out
Come out tonight

Closets are for costumes not for your truth
So step out shine out we're living proof

Come out come out of the dark tonight
No shame no chains just shining bright
The illness isn't who you are
You're a fire you're a star
Come out come out come out
Come out tonight

Now go live your life and take a bow

Lyrics © 2025 Agust Smari Bjarkarson. All rights reserved.
From "The Unseen Chorus (A Gay Musical)" • Written by Agust Smari Bjarkarson (Agust Islandia)

Themes & Meaning

"Come Out of the Dark" addresses multiple intersecting struggles within the LGBTQ+ community:

  • Coming Out (LGBTQ+): "Closets are for costumes not for your truth" - The courage to live authentically
  • Addiction & Recovery: "Addiction's a thief but it don't define" - Substance abuse doesn't define your worth
  • Mental Health: Breaking the silence around depression, anxiety, and struggles
  • HIV/AIDS Stigma: "The illness isn't who you are" - Addressing health stigma in gay community
  • Shame & Liberation: "No shame no chains just shining bright" - Rejecting shame, embracing truth
  • Community Support: "You've got a chorus you've got a crowd" - No one fights alone
  • Identity vs. Struggle: "You're a fire you're a star" - You are not your illness, addiction, or pain
  • Empowerment: "Your story's power is in your hands" - Owning your narrative

Musical Context: The Unseen Chorus

"The Unseen Chorus (A Gay Musical)" is a groundbreaking theatrical work by Agust Islandia that addresses the challenges, struggles, and triumphs within the gay community. Unlike many LGBTQ+ narratives that focus solely on romance or coming out, this musical tackles the "unseen" struggles: addiction, mental health, HIV stigma, and community healing.

As Track 27, "Come Out of the Dark" serves as a pivotal moment in the show - a rallying cry for anyone hiding their truth, whether in the closet about their sexuality or suffering in silence with addiction or illness. The song's theatrical power comes from its direct address to the audience member "in the back row" - speaking to anyone who feels invisible or ashamed.

The musical represents Agust Smari Bjarkarson's commitment to creating authentic queer narratives that don't shy away from difficult topics, offering both representation and hope.

Key Lyrics Explained

  • "Hey you in the back row / I see you hiding low"
    Direct address to those suffering in silence, feeling unseen or hiding their truth
  • "The illness isn't who you are / You're a fire you're a star"
    Separating identity from illness - whether HIV, addiction, or mental health struggles
  • "Closets are for costumes not for your truth"
    Brilliant theatrical metaphor: closets for performance/pretending vs. authentic living
  • "Every saint has a sinner's tale to tell"
    No one is perfect; everyone has struggles - compassion over judgment
  • "You've got a chorus you've got a crowd"
    Community support - musical theatre metaphor for collective voices lifting you up
  • "Now go live your life and take a bow"
    Final empowerment: your life is a performance worth celebrating

Listen & Follow

Stream "The Unseen Chorus (A Gay Musical)" and other works by Agust Islandia:

Follow Agust Islandia for more LGBTQ+ musical theatre and queer anthems: www.gusti.com

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