The song serves as a reflection on the pain of loving a creative pursuit so much that you dedicate your life to it, even when there is no guarantee of reward.
"Dark Side" explores the duality of the human experience, specifically the tension between the "light" version of ourselves we show the world and the "darker," more honest version we keep private. Bishop Briggs – Dark Side Lyrics - Genius
When the psychic predicted Briggs' friend would quit music, and the friend admitted she was indeed considering it, Briggs was struck by a wave of realization.