Keep It Dark

Album: Abacab (1981)
Charted: 33
Play Video
  • Lyrics currently unavailable Writer/s: Michael Rutherford, Phil Collins, Tony Banks
    Publisher: CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Comments: 4

  • Robert from UsaI was puzzled for the longest time about where the beat is at the start of the song. Finally figured out the 6/4 time starts with the drums at the "4-and." Fun musical puzzle by the master musicians.
  • Stella from London, United KingdomOh. I thought it was about this guy who gets kidnapped and robbed by the police who are then set upon by different animals 'who have happier lives' and the police ask the man to 'keep it dark' so nobody finds out they've been attacked by different animals.
  • Jesse from Madison, WiI'm with you Brian! After listening to it hundreds of times in nearly thirty years, I always got the impression that the nondescript central character was abducted, returned and the song just kind of told his tale. But hey, rock songs are always just kind of "out there", right? I mean, go through the verses - "..by a band of thieves, who mistook him for a man of means..." - seems almost to a T for most abductions/kidnappings... Seems almost a diary of daily life in New York City or something!

    Whatever the meaning behind the song, I've always been taken (and probably have more authority or ability to know about it than the lyrical content and story) by the synthesizer and keyboard work of Tony Banks, which TO ME, was the standout essence of this whole album. Synthesizers were the focal point of MUCH music in 1981, and this album is no exception. Take extra notice of the very "dreamy" (hence the "space theme"???) synthesizer pads during the buildup to the "Keep It Dark" breakdowns. I have ALWAYS exceptionally admired the chords played, and the ever-so-slightly off-kilter and syncopated structure of the synth pads. It's not the straightforward, run-of-the-mill, ho-hum keybored (sic) work that so many others clung to!

    Always a perennial favorite song AND album! In my personal opinion, this was Genesis' best work. They had many fine singles and lots of great experimentation throughout their entire career, but this was the best whole product they produced!

    BRAVO Genesis!
  • Brian from Kc, MoI used to think this song was about the reverse--a guy gets kidnapped and roughed up. He wishes what he could say was that the world is beautiful, not that bad things can happen to them at any moment, but he can't tell them THAT so he tells them nothing..and keeps it dark
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"

Lou Gramm - "Waiting For A Girl Like You"They're Playing My Song

Gramm co-wrote this gorgeous ballad and delivered an inspired vocal, but the song was the beginning of the end of his time with Foreigner.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright IIISongwriter Interviews

"Dead Skunk" became a stinker for Loudon when he felt pressure to make another hit - his latest songs deal with mortality, his son Rufus, and picking up poop.

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)Songwriter Interviews

The co-writer/guitarist on many Alice Cooper hits, Dick was also Lou Reed's axeman on the Rock n' Roll Animal album.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."