Laura Mustard releases “Afraid of the Dark,” a deeply personal pop-folk single that tells the story of her carjacking at gunpoint off Music Row exactly nine years ago. The Nashville singer-songwriter transforms that traumatic night into a song about learning to live with fear and finding light on the other side, creating something that speaks to anyone navigating their own “after.” Produced by Nolan Sorsby, the track blends piano, mandolin, fiddle, and horns into an upbeat, catchy arrangement that deliberately contrasts with the weight of the lyrics, representing the “good front” people often put up to cope through difficult experiences.
Mustard explores how trauma fundamentally changes the way someone moves through the world, asking questions like “What if what doesn’t kill you leaves you looking over your shoulder forever?” The bridge transforms into a conversation with her own emotions including fear, paranoia, and hope, showcasing her growth and acceptance. Mustard calls “Afraid of the Dark” the most healing song she’s ever written, and that vulnerability creates a connection point for listeners working through their own hard times. This is songwriting that doesn’t just acknowledge pain but walks straight through it with courage and honesty.