The Dark I Know Well
Duncan Sheik & Steven Sater Lyrics

There is a part I can't tell
There is a deeply troubling and painful part of my experience that I am unable to express or communicate to others.

About the dark I know well
This painful experience is related to something very dark and disturbing that I have unfortunately become intimately familiar with.

You say, "Time for bed now, child"
The abuser uses a common parental cue to try and normalize the situation and keep their control over the victim.

Mom just smiles that smile
The mother's passive reaction suggests that she may be aware of the abuse, but chooses to ignore it.

Just like she never saw me
The mother disregards the victim's distress, as if they do not exist or matter.

So, I leave, wantin' just to hide
Feeling ashamed and vulnerable, the victim tries to escape the situation and hide from the abuser.

Knowin' deep inside
Despite trying to ignore or deny it, the victim is fully aware of the abuser's intentions and the darkness of the situation.

You are comin' to me
The abuser's presence and intentions are felt by the victim, even when they are not physically present.

You say all you want is just a kiss good night
The abuser use the pretense of a innocent and loving gesture to get closer to the victim and manipulate them.

Then you hold me and you whisper, "Child, the Lord won't mind"
The abuser tries to deflect any guilt or responsibility by bringing faith into the situation and making the victim feel like they are not doing anything wrong.

It's just you and me
The abuser tries to isolate the victim, making them feel like there is no one else to turn to or rely on besides the abuser.

Child, you're a beauty
The abuser tries to manipulate the victim by praising and flattering them, making them feel special and desired.

God, it's good, the lovin'—ain't it good tonight?
The abuser tries to mask the abusive behavior and make it seem pleasurable and normal, while also claiming a sense of religious righteousness or morality.

You ain't seen nothin' yet, gonna treat you right
The abuser promises even more pleasure and attention, making the victim feel like there is something to look forward to and be rewarded with.

I don't scream, though I know it's wrong
The victim is trapped in a confusing and conflicting situation, where they know the abuse is wrong but feel powerless to do anything about it, even to express their anger and pain.

I just play along
Feeling helpless and resigned, the victim feels like they have no other choice but to go along with the abuser's desires and demands.

I lie there and breathe
Unable to resist or fight back, the victim becomes passive and numb, just trying to survive the abuse and wait for it to be over.

I wanna be strong
Despite feeling helpless and powerless, the victim still desires to be strong and fight against the abuse, although they may not know how to do so.

I want the world to find out
The victim wants to break the silence and shame of the abuse, and expose the abuser to the world, but feels too scared and alone to do so.

That you're dreamin' on me Me and my "beauty"
The victim feels violated and exploited by the abuser's sexual desires and fantasies, which have reduced them to a mere object or possession.