"Half Light I" by Arcade Fire explores the theme of liberation and breaking free from imposed restrictions. The song speaks to the struggle of being told that one is too young or inexperienced, and the sense of confinement that comes from being locked away and hidden away from the outside world.

In the verses, there is a contrast between the closing night and the half light, where the characters in the song find freedom. The half light represents a transformative state, as it allows the familiar streets and houses to become new and unrecognizable. It symbolizes a space where one can escape the expectations and limitations that society places upon them. The elusive nature of the half light suggests that this freedom is fleeting and ephemeral.

The lyrics also touch on the idea that appearances can be deceiving. The houses in the streets hold secrets and hidden truths that are invisible in the darkness but are revealed in the half light. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the masks people wear and the concealed emotions or experiences they carry within themselves.

The lines "Our heads are just houses/ Without enough windows" convey a sense of limited perspective and a desire for greater understanding. The mention of hearing human voices as echoes suggests a detachment from authentic connection and a feeling of isolation.

The repeated refrain at the end of the song, "We are not asleep, we are in the streets," further emphasizes the desire for freedom and active engagement with the world. It suggests a refusal to be confined or silenced, and a call to awaken and participate in the realities of life.

Overall, "Half Light I" explores themes of liberation, societal expectations, hidden truths, and the yearning for genuine human connection. It invites listeners to challenge conventions and seek their own path towards freedom and self-discovery.