Fear is the Key

Album: Fear of the Dark (1992)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about AIDS, and about how before AIDS everyone used to have unprotected sex, but afterward everyone was scared of catching the HIV virus. The line "nobody cares 'til somebody famous dies" is a reference to Queen singer Freddie Mercury, who died from AIDS the year before this song was released and spread awareness of how devastating the disease is. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Caitlin - Colmesneil, TX

Comments: 2

  • Craig from California Los AngelesP.S.

    First.
  • Craig from California Los AngelesNah. Not AIDS. Nothing else describes it. That one line is a certain context. I thinks its more to do with peoples natural fear of the unknown. You know what I'm saying?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."

Vince Clarke

Vince ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

An original member of Depeche Mode, Vince went on to form Erasure and Yaz.

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Subversive Songs Used To Sell

Subversive Songs Used To SellSong Writing

Songs about drugs, revolution and greed that have been used in commercials for sneakers, jeans, fast food, cruises and cars.

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat WorldSongwriter Interviews

Jim talks about the impact of "The Middle" and uses a tree metaphor to describe his songwriting philosophy.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.