Darkness

Peter Gabriel's song 'Darkness' delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the fears and anxieties that often lurk beneath the surface. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the artist's internal struggles, using metaphors and imagery to convey the complexity of his emotions. The opening lines, 'I'm scared of swimming in the sea / Dark shapes moving under me,' set the tone for the song, highlighting the fear of the unknown and the unseen threats that can paralyze us. This fear is not just about physical dangers but also about the intangible anxieties that can make us feel small and insignificant.

As the song progresses, Gabriel touches on the duality of human nature, expressing fears of both his darker impulses ('I'm afraid I can be devil man') and his potential for goodness ('And I'm scared to be divine'). This duality is a common theme in Gabriel's work, reflecting his interest in the complexities of the human condition. The line 'When I allow it to be / There's no control over me' suggests a struggle for control over these fears, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and confronting them rather than letting them dominate one's life.

The imagery of walking through the undergrowth to a house in the woods symbolizes a journey into the depths of one's mind. The deeper he goes, the darker it gets, representing the increasing difficulty of facing one's fears. However, the revelation that the 'monster' he was so afraid of is 'curled up on the floor just like a baby boy' signifies a moment of catharsis and understanding. This powerful image suggests that our fears, when confronted, are often less terrifying than they seem. The song concludes with a poignant juxtaposition of crying and laughing, capturing the emotional release and the complex interplay of emotions that come with facing one's inner demons.