In October 2004, Etheridge was diagnosed with breast cancer, and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. At the 2005 Grammy Awards, she made a return to the stage and, although bald from chemotherapy, performed a tribute to Janis Joplin with the song "Piece of My Heart". Etheridge's performance was widely lauded, with India.Arie writing "I Am Not My Hair" about Etheridge. Later that year, Etheridge released her first compilation album, Greatest Hits: The Road Less Traveled. The album was a huge success, peaking at #14 on the Billboard 200, and going Gold immediately. Her latest release is 4th Street Feeling.
Etheridge is known for her mixture of "confessional lyrics, pop-based folk-rock, and raspy, smoky vocals." She has also been an iconic gay and lesbian activist since her public coming out in January 1993.
Meet Me In The Dark
Melissa Etheridge Lyrics
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MEET ME IN THE DARK, MEET ME IN THE SHADOWS, PAST THE OLD GRAVE YARD, DOWN EISENHOWER ROAD. MEET ME WHERE THE STORMS BLOW OUT ON THEIR OWN DEAR, MEET ME IN THE DARK AND NEVER LET ME GO.
I KNOW EVERY ONE HAS THEIR UNSPOKEN FEAR, IT EATS AWAY THEIR SENSES AND THEIR HUMANITY. THEY CARRY ALL THEIR SECRETS, EVERY NIGHT DOWN TO THE RIVER, AND THEY TRY SO HARD TO DROWN THEM, THEY WON'T DO THAT TO ME. CAUSE I'M WORKIN' HARD AND SAVIN' ALL MY MONEY, AND THE TIPS IN THIS JAR WILL BY A BRAND KNEW SET OF WINGS, FOR MY MURCURY, until THEN PLEASE
MEET ME IN THE DARK, MEET ME IN THE SHADOWS, PAST THE OLD GRAVE YARD, ON EISENHOWER ROAD. MEET ME WHERE THE STORMS BLOW OUT ON THEIR OWN DEAR, MEET ME IN THE DARK AND NEVER LET ME GO.
MEET ME IN THE DARK, MEET ME IN THE SHADOWS, PAST THE OLD GRAVE YARD, DOWN EISENHOWER ROAD. MEET ME WHERE THE STORMS BLOW OUT ON THEIR OWN DEAR, MEET ME IN THE DARK,MEET ME IN THE DARK, MEET ME IN THE DARK
The lyrics to Melissa Etheridge's "Meet Me in the Dark" tell a story of someone who is living in secrecy, afraid of being discovered and exposed. The song encourages the listener to keep their head down, to stay hidden and not to tell anyone else about what's going on. The singer knows that what they're doing is wrong, but they're determined to keep going until they can find a way out.
The first verse references the idea of leaving and finding a place where light shines on their reflection. This could represent a desire to escape from the darkness and into a better situation. They don't want to be on their knees anymore, and they ask their loved one to meet them in the dark, promising to never let them go.
The second verse is more ambiguous but seems to be about the weight of secrets and how they can eat away at people's humanity. The singer has been working hard and saving money for a new start, and they vow not to let their secrets drown them like they have for others. The final verse is the most poignant, as the singer says they could never hide their light and that they would rather die than be silenced. They beg their loved one not to reveal their connection and to meet them in the dark.
Overall, "Meet Me in the Dark" is a powerful song about coming to terms with who you are and what you want, even if it means leaving everything else behind.
Line by Line Meaning
KEEP YOUR EYES DOWN, KEEP YOUR HEAD LOWERED, KEEP TO YOUR SELF DEAR, DO NOT TELL A SOUL.
Don't draw attention to yourself, keep quiet and avoid sharing any secrets.
YOU KNOW IT'S WRONG, WHAT THEY'VE BEEN SAYIN'. AND YOU KNEW ALL ALONG, THAT I WOULD HAVE TO GO.
The rumors being spread are false, and the person being spoken to knew that the singer would eventually leave.
FIND A PLACE WHERE LIGHT SHINES ON MY REFLECTION, A PLACE WHERE I CAN STAND UP ON MY OWN, NOT DOWN ON MY KNEES, until THEN PLEASE
The singer needs a place to shine and exist on their own terms, without having to rely on anyone else for support.
MEET ME IN THE DARK, MEET ME IN THE SHADOWS, PAST THE OLD GRAVE YARD, DOWN EISENHOWER ROAD. MEET ME WHERE THE STORMS BLOW OUT ON THEIR OWN DEAR, MEET ME IN THE DARK AND NEVER LET ME GO.
The singer is asking to meet in an isolated and private location, where they can be themselves without fear of judgement or persecution.
I KNOW EVERY ONE HAS THEIR UNSPOKEN FEAR, IT EATS AWAY THEIR SENSES AND THEIR HUMANITY. THEY CARRY ALL THEIR SECRETS, EVERY NIGHT DOWN TO THE RIVER, AND THEY TRY SO HARD TO DROWN THEM, THEY WON'T DO THAT TO ME.
Everyone has demons they carry with them, but the singer won't let theirs consume them and wash away their humanity.
CAUSE I'M WORKIN' HARD AND SAVIN' ALL MY MONEY, AND THE TIPS IN THIS JAR WILL BY A BRAND KNEW SET OF WINGS, FOR MY MURCURY, until THEN PLEASE
The singer is working hard and saving up to buy their freedom and independence, and in the meantime is asking for continued support and assistance.
I COULD NEVER HIDE THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE, IF GOD MADE A MISTAKE, THEN I SHOULD DIE BEFORE I WAKE. MAYBE ITS MY FATE TO SWIM AGAINST THIS TIDE, SWALLOWING MY PRIDE.
The singer won't hide their true self, and would rather die than pretend to be someone they're not. They know they may face difficulties and resistance, but will continue to be true to themselves.
KEEP YOUR EYES DOWN, SAY THAT YOU DON'T KNOW ME. FOR I COULD NOT SURVIVE IF THEY TOOK YOU AWAY
The singer is encouraging the listener to keep a low profile and distance themselves to avoid being targeted or punished for associating with them.
MEET ME IN THE DARK, MEET ME IN THE SHADOWS, PAST THE OLD GRAVE YARD, DOWN EISENHOWER ROAD. MEET ME WHERE THE STORMS BLOW OUT ON THEIR OWN DEAR, MEET ME IN THE DARK,MEET ME IN THE DARK, MEET ME IN THE DARK
The singer repeats their request to meet in a secluded and secure location.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MELISSA ETHERIDGE
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