19 Apr 2014

See You On A Dark Night - Lyric Day


#WhyIDidntReport has been trending on Twitter and cropping up on my newsfeed. I've been shocked and saddened by the experiences I've seen tweeted. 

I don't know why I'm so shocked though, after my own (minor) sexual assault 7 years ago, so many female friends came forward to tell me of their own experiences, many of whom didn't report it - or even tell anyone. 


I've just started listening to Grimes (real name, Claire Boucher) and her particular brand of what has been described as "ABBA meets Aphex Twin" electro-y sort of music (and also as "witch-house" which I love!), but when I heard her song Oblivion, I just couldn't get the lyric "see you on a dark night" out of my head. Because, well, I got attacked on a "dark night". 


The song itself is great - ethereal, catchy, with a great trip-hop beat behind it. Grimes has a lovely voice too - soothing and seductive - Baby45 loves her.

The video is pretty cool too - it subverts the traditional idea of a singer up on a platform and puts her in the audience instead. Filmed at football matches and biking competitions, the contrast of Grimes bobbing around with her pink fringe and Enya-style voice is in interesting one. (check this for more on the meaning behind the video)

I then read an interview with Grimes and she says this about Oblivion
"The song's sort of about being — I was assaulted and I had a really hard time engaging in any types of relationship with men, because I was just so terrified of men for a while." So the lyrics made sense after that - to me and my interpretation at least."
I think it's a testament to her strength that Grimes created something so beautiful out of what I imagine must have been a horrible experience. (see also this fab Bluestocking article on the song)

So here's the lyrics:
"And never walk about, after dark
it's my point of view.
Cause someone could break your neck
Coming up behind you always coming and you'd never have a clue
And now I'm left behind, all the time
I will wait forever, always looking straight
Thinking, counting, all the hours you wait
See you on a dark night
(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)
See you on a dark night
(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)
See you on a dark night
(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)
See you on a dark night
And now another clue I would ask
If you could help me out
It's hard to understand
'Cause when you're running by yourself ( this line is listed as "really by yourself")
It's hard to find someone to hold your hand
And now it's gonna be tough for me
But I will wait forever
I need someone now
To look into my eyes and tell me
Girl you know you've got to watch your health
To look into my eyes and tell me
La la la la la
To look into my eyes and tell me
La la la la la
La la la la la
La la la la la
I see you on a dark night
I see you on a dark night
(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)
I see you on a dark night
(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)
I see you on a dark night
(oooooooo aaaaaaaaa)"

Thank you and goodnight,

Stupidgirl has left the building

3 comments:

  1. It's horrifying how many women have been subject to sexual assault, let alone verbal abuse. My best friend was raped over 20 years ago, and whilst it hasn't stopped her forming meaningful, long term relationships, I can see its affect on her even know. Sometimes I feel ashamed to be of the gender as the hateful morons who would do a woman harm.

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  2. Important Subject that must not be ignored. Thanks for posting. . Always insightful and genuine.

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  3. Thanks guys - more and more these stories are coming out :( On the other hand, if you haven't checked out Grimes, she's awesome!

    Thanks for taking the time to comment!

    Stupidgirl45 x

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