See a Little Light
"See a Little Light" is a 1989 song by alternative rock musician Bob Mould for his debut solo album Workbook. Written by Mould about his optimism after the break-up of his previous band, Hüsker Dü, the song features relatively upbeat lyrics and a light arrangement highlighted by clean electric guitar and cello.
It was released as the debut single from Workbook, charting on the alternative charts in America. The song was boosted by a music video. It has since received positive reception from critics and has served as the title for Mould's memoir.
Background
"See a Little Light" was written by Mould in 1988, a period he spent alone in Pine City, Minnesota, after the break-up of his previous band, Hüsker Dü. Mould recalled,Musically, the song features a jangly, acoustic style. The song also features backing strings, a theme common on Workbook. Mould commented, "A positive chord structure, and the chorus is so up, so jangly and bright. I was messing around with alternate tunings. A bright moment on an otherwise fairly overcast record."
Release
"See a Little Light" was released on Workbook in April 1989. The song was released as the debut single from the album, with "All Those People Know" on the B-side. The song was a success in alternative rock circles, reaching number 4 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart in July 1989. The song was also released on the compilation album Never Mind the Mainstream: The Best of MTV's 120 Minutes, which featured songs from various alternative artists.A music video was produced to accompany the song. Mould recalled the video negatively, saying, "I remember making that video. Such a beautiful song and such a cheesy and expensive video. No offense to the filmmakers, but my God. It was like, 'Wardrobe, what's that?' 'Hair stylist? What?' 'That'll be $5,000!
The song has since become a live staple of Mould's solo setlist. It has also provided the title to Mould's memoir, See a Little Light: The Trail of Rage and Melody.