Peter Gabriel — Secret World
Album: UsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2222
Length: 6:50
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I stood in this unsheltered place
'Til I could see the face behind the face
All that had gone before had left no trace
Down by the railway siding
In our secret world we were colliding
All the places we were hiding love
What was it we were thinking of?
So I watch you wash your hair
Underwater, unaware
And the plane flies through the air
Did you think you didn't have to choose it
That I alone could win or lose it
In all the places we were hiding love
What was it we were thinking of?
In this house of make believe
Divided in two, like Adam and Eve
You put out and I recieve
Down by the railway siding
In our secret world we were colliding
In all the places we were hiding love
What was it we were thinking of?
Oh the wheel it is turning, spinning round and round
And the house it is crumbling but the stairways stand
With no guilt and no shame, no sorrow or blame
Whatever it is, we are all the same
Making it up in our secret world
Making it up in our secret world
Making it up in our secret world
Shaking it up
Breaking it up
Making it up
In our secret world
Seeing things that were not there
On a wing on a prayer
In this state of disrepair
Down by the railway siding
In our secret world we were colliding
In all the places we were hiding love
What was it we were thinking of?
Shh, listen...
'Til I could see the face behind the face
All that had gone before had left no trace
Down by the railway siding
In our secret world we were colliding
All the places we were hiding love
What was it we were thinking of?
So I watch you wash your hair
Underwater, unaware
And the plane flies through the air
Did you think you didn't have to choose it
That I alone could win or lose it
In all the places we were hiding love
What was it we were thinking of?
In this house of make believe
Divided in two, like Adam and Eve
You put out and I recieve
Down by the railway siding
In our secret world we were colliding
In all the places we were hiding love
What was it we were thinking of?
Oh the wheel it is turning, spinning round and round
And the house it is crumbling but the stairways stand
With no guilt and no shame, no sorrow or blame
Whatever it is, we are all the same
Making it up in our secret world
Making it up in our secret world
Making it up in our secret world
Shaking it up
Breaking it up
Making it up
In our secret world
Seeing things that were not there
On a wing on a prayer
In this state of disrepair
Down by the railway siding
In our secret world we were colliding
In all the places we were hiding love
What was it we were thinking of?
Shh, listen...
Comments (212)add comment
aspicer wrote:
I wanted to go, but settled for watching his Washington, DC show on YouTube. Not the same, but more affordable.
Catch this I/O tour - it's awesome and, as usual, incredible musicians. Just saw him in Chicago, amazing what he's doing at 72 yo (I believe it is). Looking forward to a cohesive I/O album - eventually I hope.
I wanted to go, but settled for watching his Washington, DC show on YouTube. Not the same, but more affordable.
aspicer wrote:
AMEN!
It was worth the wait to finally see him live...and the new materials was great!
Catch this I/O tour - it's awesome and, as usual, incredible musicians. Just saw him in Chicago, amazing what he's doing at 72 yo (I believe it is). Looking forward to a cohesive I/O album - eventually I hope.
AMEN!
It was worth the wait to finally see him live...and the new materials was great!
Peter Gabriel performed in San Francisco last night. I didn't go - tickets were well beyond my means. He didn't play this song - in fact, he played very few songs I know. My husband got some last-minute tickets at a discount (still $100 each) and went with his brother, and had a good time.
Catch this I/O tour - it's awesome and, as usual, incredible musicians. Just saw him in Chicago, amazing what he's doing at 72 yo (I believe it is). Looking forward to a cohesive I/O album - eventually I hope.
S-curvy wrote:
I nearly wore out my CD of this album during a tough relationship passage. Then I saw him perform it live at WOMAD in Golden Gate Park; I was better after that, but this song still gives me goosebumps. Infectious greatness.
I was at that gig too. Living in London what stuck me as extraordiary was the fact the that the park was SPOTLESS after the gig. People actually, wow, TOOK THEIR RUBBISH WITH THEM! If it was in London the place would be a foot deep in trash. Crowded House were great too, building a human pyramid I recall.
I nearly wore out my CD of this album during a tough relationship passage. Then I saw him perform it live at WOMAD in Golden Gate Park; I was better after that, but this song still gives me goosebumps. Infectious greatness.
I was at that gig too. Living in London what stuck me as extraordiary was the fact the that the park was SPOTLESS after the gig. People actually, wow, TOOK THEIR RUBBISH WITH THEM! If it was in London the place would be a foot deep in trash. Crowded House were great too, building a human pyramid I recall.
I refuse to believe this song was released 30+ years ago.
When I was a teen listening to music, 30-year old music sounded like it was from a different century.
Well, this >does< sound like it's from a different century, one we have yet to visit in my mind's eye.
When I was a teen listening to music, 30-year old music sounded like it was from a different century.
Well, this >does< sound like it's from a different century, one we have yet to visit in my mind's eye.
Egrey wrote:
I know what you mean. I sent this to my first wife after our split and she said she didn't get it.
This song always breaks my heart.
I know what you mean. I sent this to my first wife after our split and she said she didn't get it.
When I was young, I knew I liked Peter Gabriel from MTV. I went out and bought his newest album, Us. It was different from everything I knew. It was emotionally complex. I learned it inside and out and could sing every song. I didn't even know what love was and felt like I'd lost it already. I've been called an old soul by many and this album is just one of many reasons for that. I am a people person. I cherish the relationship that I have with each person I meet. In a world where many people lack even a tiny amount of empathy I can spot the good ones and I understand the others.
I saw him a few days ago during the io tour. Great concert show
Not too bad, might change my 5 after hearing a few times.
The bass saves the song, in my opinion.
Sorry PG lovers 🥲
garyalex wrote:
i was about to downgrade my vote (asking myself why i voted this so high), then that bass kicked in & i realized why i gave it a higher #
Stellar bass playing from Tony Levin.
i was about to downgrade my vote (asking myself why i voted this so high), then that bass kicked in & i realized why i gave it a higher #
Probably one of the most recognizable voices ever.
I love Peter Gabriel. No apologies. This song truly speaks to me.
Seriously good work here. Reminds me of the last months of my failing marriage. "What was it we were thinking of?"
maboleth wrote:
I'm glad you enjoyed this offering. I suggest you examine more of PG's catalog. The best tracks never made it to radio.
One of rare PG songs that I actually like.
I'm glad you enjoyed this offering. I suggest you examine more of PG's catalog. The best tracks never made it to radio.
Yeah, that's a nice fingered bass line. III-II-I-vii. Love diminished 7th's !
garyalex wrote:
Agreed, once it kicks in. One of my all-time favorite bass lines of all time!
Stellar bass playing from Tony Levin.
Agreed, once it kicks in. One of my all-time favorite bass lines of all time!
One of Peter’s very best songs. Version on Secret World Live is even better. Love to here that on RP.
Jelani wrote:
That's actually a Chapman Stick.
why did this get two downvotes when it's the truth?
That's actually a Chapman Stick.
why did this get two downvotes when it's the truth?
One of rare PG songs that I actually like.
I humbly request the option to rate this as 11. 
Pour moi , absolutly fantastique , un morceau qui me fait vibrer depuis longtemps...
pcicatar wrote:
That's actually a Chapman Stick.
That's actually a Chapman Stick.
I am sure that Peter's music will be cherished in a 100 year or more, like we do with Bach's today
garyalex wrote:
Stellar bass playing from Tony Levin.
Stellar bass playing from Tony Levin.
I didn’t appreciate this album when it come out but it is one of PG’s best. Always loved the song Secret World and, as commented below, it’s even more brilliant when performed live.
https://youtu.be/RM7ybJaCQK0
The whole concert...
The whole concert...
Tomasni wrote:
I'll join you!!! +1
To me this is a 9 - O U T S T A N D I N G TY Peter Gabriel and RP
I'll join you!!! +1
truebluejay99 wrote:
I was lucky to see him twice, 1993 in Atlanta on the Secret World Tour and 2012 at Red Rocks. Of the hundreds of concerts I've been to in the last 50 years or so these were two of the best!!
Amazing album and amazing song...but even better live!
I was lucky to see him twice, 1993 in Atlanta on the Secret World Tour and 2012 at Red Rocks. Of the hundreds of concerts I've been to in the last 50 years or so these were two of the best!!
Amazing album and amazing song...but even better live!
Superb album, as mention some of his best work.
Ssh ... Listen ...
Arguably some of PG's best work on this album.
Get behind deem you'll
and plow the acreage
then we carry each
and plow the acreage
then we carry each
Egrey wrote:
I nearly wore out my CD of this album during a tough relationship passage. Then I saw him perform it live at WOMAD in Golden Gate Park; I was better after that, but this song still gives me goosebumps. Infectious greatness.
This song always breaks my heart.
I nearly wore out my CD of this album during a tough relationship passage. Then I saw him perform it live at WOMAD in Golden Gate Park; I was better after that, but this song still gives me goosebumps. Infectious greatness.
hayduke2 wrote:
That was probably a reference to Rosanna Arquette. Their relationship was on the rocks at the time.
I've matured through the years so the depth and awesomeness of Gabriel's music is now appreciated (love his album-art too, is that the ethereal spirit of Patty Griffin he is conjuring? A pirouetting genie)
That was probably a reference to Rosanna Arquette. Their relationship was on the rocks at the time.
leathepea wrote:
YESSSSS!!!!
LOVE THE BASS LINE FOR THIS SONG!
YESSSSS!!!!
LOVE THE BASS LINE FOR THIS SONG!
What was it we were thinking of?
So poignant...
..... totally outstanding Dig that Bass. Tony Levin yeah?
Thanks for the assist
Sloggydog wrote:
Better with a visual:
G-A-B-R-I-I-I-E-L-L-L-L-L!!!!! (For pronunciation reference Star Trek 2 Wrath of Khan)
Better with a visual:
Egrey wrote:
I know what you mean. Try thinking of it as an "opening."
This song always breaks my heart.
I know what you mean. Try thinking of it as an "opening."
I've matured through the years so the depth and awesomeness of Gabriel's music is now appreciated (love his album-art too, is that the ethereal spirit of Patty Griffin he is conjuring? A pirouetting genie)
G-A-B-R-I-I-I-E-L-L-L-L-L!!!!! (For pronunciation reference Star Trek 2 Wrath of Khan)
Egrey wrote:
The live version kicks butt!
This song always breaks my heart.
The live version kicks butt!
This song always breaks my heart.
One of his best songs. One of the best produced, and magical. Love the bass, and even more, the story.
Nix wrote:
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches thinks Peter Gabriel's album in 2010 should have been called Scratch My Butt... the album should have been scratched... it should be nixed...
all his other stuff is marvelous... we love this song...
Peter Gabriel's "Scratch my back", a part of two-album project ("I'll scratch yours" should have covers of his songs, done by those whose covers he did), was a surprise. There were songs that were awkward ("Boy in the bubble" comes to mind).
But there were a couple of really fantastic ones. For instance "My body is a cage". The original by Arcade Fire (a very good band) did not move me. PG's version was fantastic.
All other works of Peter Gabriel are just great.
But there were a couple of really fantastic ones. For instance "My body is a cage". The original by Arcade Fire (a very good band) did not move me. PG's version was fantastic.
All other works of Peter Gabriel are just great.
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches thinks Peter Gabriel's album in 2010 should have been called Scratch My Butt... the album should have been scratched... it should be nixed...
all his other stuff is marvelous... we love this song...
...hey, and i'll scratch yours is scheduled for release at the equinox!..
Yep. Still a 10!
Peter Gabriel's "Scratch my back", a part of two-album project ("I'll scratch yours" should have covers of his songs, done by those whose covers he did), was a surprise. There were songs that were awkward ("Boy in the bubble" comes to mind).
But there were a couple of really fantastic ones. For instance "My body is a cage". The original by Arcade Fire (a very good band) did not move me. PG's version was fantastic.
All other works of Peter Gabriel are just great.
But there were a couple of really fantastic ones. For instance "My body is a cage". The original by Arcade Fire (a very good band) did not move me. PG's version was fantastic.
All other works of Peter Gabriel are just great.
Cynaera wrote:
Yeah, he did the equivalent of Partridge Family covers on his horrific album in 2010 called Scratch My Back... all his other stuff is marvelous...
love this song...
we miss you so much, Cynaera...
From my limited PG knowledge, there are very few of his songs that I don't particularly like ("Shock the Monkey" and "Sledgehammer" spring to mind.) I love this one - hopefully someday will get a chance to hear the live version about which folks are raving. It's the way he pulls a listener into his brain and shows them what he's thinking, even if sometimes it's scary or disconcerting.
I won't stop spending money on his music, unless he does Partridge Family covers.
I won't stop spending money on his music, unless he does Partridge Family covers.
Yeah, he did the equivalent of Partridge Family covers on his horrific album in 2010 called Scratch My Back... all his other stuff is marvelous...
love this song...
we miss you so much, Cynaera...
Cynaera wrote:
From my limited PG knowledge, there are very few of his songs that I don't particularly like ("Shock the Monkey" and "Sledgehammer" spring to mind.) I love this one - hopefully someday will get a chance to hear the live version about which folks are raving. It's the way he pulls a listener into his brain and shows them what he's thinking, even if sometimes it's scary or disconcerting.
I won't stop spending money on his music, unless he does Partridge Family covers.
I won't stop spending money on his music, unless he does Partridge Family covers.
cmarcan wrote:
Absolutely. The live vesion has soooo much more energy. It just begs to be cranked to max volume.
My favorite Peter Gabriel song. Would rather hear the live version though.
Absolutely. The live vesion has soooo much more energy. It just begs to be cranked to max volume.
Art_Carnage wrote:
You are obviously a dumb redneck, Texas, and Texans generally havetheir own level of suckitude. Go listen to Blake Shelton
This hits a new level of suckatude. Just pure, total crap. Please make it go away.
You are obviously a dumb redneck, Texas, and Texans generally havetheir own level of suckitude. Go listen to Blake Shelton
My favorite PG song on my favorite PG album. Either live or studio. Sonic bliss 
cmarcan wrote:
cmarcan wrote:
My favorite Peter Gabriel song. Would rather hear the live version though.
So good.
My favorite Peter Gabriel song. Would rather hear the live version though.
Peter belongs in the Rock n Roll hall of fame!!!! Pass it on!!!
Cynaera wrote:
The live version is on the Growing Up Live DVD- I highly recommend this- I think it is one of the best concerts I have seen. Wish Bill would play the live version- it has much more energy and an excellent bass rhythm.
From my limited PG knowledge, there are very few of his songs that I don't particularly like ("Shock the Monkey" and "Sledgehammer" spring to mind.) I love this one - hopefully someday will get a chance to hear the live version about which folks are raving. It's the way he pulls a listener into his brain and shows them what he's thinking, even if sometimes it's scary or disconcerting.
I won't stop spending money on his music, unless he does Partridge Family covers.
I won't stop spending money on his music, unless he does Partridge Family covers.
The live version is on the Growing Up Live DVD- I highly recommend this- I think it is one of the best concerts I have seen. Wish Bill would play the live version- it has much more energy and an excellent bass rhythm.
This song works. PG doing something different and singing ala Genesis for a change in his solo stuff.
bokey wrote:
I tried that but I could only dry heave.
Peter Gabriel's greatest music was when Daniel Lanois was producing him and when he was inspired by the muse of a loss of a love.
jberko wrote:
Hi hey-day is when Daniel Lanois was producing him for those two great albums. You tell his influence in songs such as this one.
He had his day... and it came and went.
Hi hey-day is when Daniel Lanois was producing him for those two great albums. You tell his influence in songs such as this one.
This song is just incredible.
jberko wrote:
Agreed
Tony Levin rocks. PG's percussion arrangements are amazing.
Agreed
From my limited PG knowledge, there are very few of his songs that I don't particularly like ("Shock the Monkey" and "Sledgehammer" spring to mind.) I love this one - hopefully someday will get a chance to hear the live version about which folks are raving. It's the way he pulls a listener into his brain and shows them what he's thinking, even if sometimes it's scary or disconcerting.
I won't stop spending money on his music, unless he does Partridge Family covers.
I won't stop spending money on his music, unless he does Partridge Family covers.
Art_Carnage wrote:
Ehhhhhhhh, I think I'd have to respectfully disagree with that assertion.
This hits a new level of suckatude. Just pure, total crap.
Ehhhhhhhh, I think I'd have to respectfully disagree with that assertion.
Tony Levin rocks. PG's percussion arrangements are amazing.
MiracleDrug wrote:
I tried that but I could only dry heave.
having an OOBE here. . . 
I tried that but I could only dry heave.
He had his day... and it came and went.
This hits a new level of suckatude. Just pure, total crap. Please make it go away.
So tragic.
having an OOBE here... 
cohifi wrote:
Dang it.....I was hoping this was off the NEW album....oh well ! 9
The new album coming out is full orchestration... But there are some awesome videos of some of them on his website! The Red Rain one is spectacular. Can't wait.
Dang it.....I was hoping this was off the NEW album....oh well ! 9
The new album coming out is full orchestration... But there are some awesome videos of some of them on his website! The Red Rain one is spectacular. Can't wait.
peter_james_bond wrote:
It's usually a treat when performers put a different live spin on one of their tunes and Mr Gabriel is a wizard.
Dang it.....I was hoping this was off the NEW album....oh well ! 9
It's usually a treat when performers put a different live spin on one of their tunes and Mr Gabriel is a wizard.
Dang it.....I was hoping this was off the NEW album....oh well ! 9
alvarorb wrote:
It's usually a treat when performers put a different live spin on one of their tunes and Mr Gabriel is a wizard.
Shhhhh..... Listen.....
This has got to be my favorite PG song live. I never get tired of listening to it.
It had been a while since I've heard the studio version. His voice if totally different.
Seing things that were not there...
Just amazing
Alvaro
This has got to be my favorite PG song live. I never get tired of listening to it.
It had been a while since I've heard the studio version. His voice if totally different.
Seing things that were not there...
Just amazing
Alvaro
It's usually a treat when performers put a different live spin on one of their tunes and Mr Gabriel is a wizard.
Shhhhh..... Listen.....
This has got to be my favorite PG song live. I never get tired of listening to it.
It had been a while since I've heard the studio version. His voice if totally different.
Seing things that were not there...
Just amazing
Alvaro
This has got to be my favorite PG song live. I never get tired of listening to it.
It had been a while since I've heard the studio version. His voice if totally different.
Seing things that were not there...
Just amazing
Alvaro
If only we could have leaders of countries who are as good at their job as the likes of Peter Gabriel are at theirs. All Hail
The absolute best concert I have ever seen is the PG tour promoting this album. And it was this song for the closer (before encore). It was truly incredible. There is a Secret World DVD avail. Terrific audio, questionable video, but a must for PG fans. production design by the Cirque Du Soleil designer.
Carissa wrote:
I totally agree with that
Bill, I'd love to hear the live version of this song off PG's Secret World Live. The recorded version is OK, but the live version is amazing.
I totally agree with that
EssexTex wrote:
Truth to that.
"In this state of disrepair ... in all the places we were hiding love; what was it we were thinking of ..."
I let about 18 years of my life just flitter by, wondering about that.
I do like his music but sadly most of it's tainted with memories from a time I'd like to forget.
Truth to that.
"In this state of disrepair ... in all the places we were hiding love; what was it we were thinking of ..."
I let about 18 years of my life just flitter by, wondering about that.
The same old story: Boring songs - fantastic bass lines
Bill, I'd love to hear the live version of this song off PG's Secret World Live. The recorded version is OK, but the live version is amazing.
EssexTex wrote:
I do like his music but sadly most of it's tainted with memories from a time I'd like to forget.
hate it when that happens.
I do like his music but sadly most of it's tainted with memories from a time I'd like to forget.
leathepea wrote:Agreed; I'll remember that name and look for it in the future. Dude rocks!
Man I love the bass line in this one. Tony Levin is the man, play those sticks!
Man I love the bass line in this one. Tony Levin is the man, play those sticks!
got me smiling
Pete is the MAN! Don't get me started on Mr. Levin. Would love to hear more early solo work.
meydele wrote:
I know it's possible, because there are artists that many adore that I can't stand, but I still find it hard to believe that anyone could not like PG. He's a god. OK, maybe not, but a demigod, anyway. Or at least a really highly placed priest-scholar.
Normally, PG is a 1 every time. He just grates on my nerves. This song is a bit better than usual. 4
As always, so much more to PG than just the vocals.
Astounding.
meydele wrote:
I know it's possible, because there are artists that many adore that I can't stand, but I still find it hard to believe that anyone could not like PG. He's a god. OK, maybe not, but a demigod, anyway. Or at least a really highly placed priest-scholar.
LOL agreed. Like someone else here said, he's like chocolate! However I do have a few friends who actually DON'T like chocolate (gasp!) so I guess we must forgive the occasional anomaly.
3Dave wrote:
Guess I'm totally old school.... one of my prize possessions is my Secret World laser disc;-) 
Not old school at all. Laser disc was state of the art. My 21 yr old thinks laser disc is the grenade, or bomb, or something like that, I can't remember, I grew up in the 70's I think.
mandolin wrote:
...especially hearing this after BRMC's all you do is talk (as an example of a recent master), this track doesn't sound like it's received the same pre-broadcast normalisation treatment RP uses on its broadcast library...
...sounds comparatively muffled...
...as goes come talk to me so goes secret world off the same album... :/
Wow, goosebumps. I really like this, although it's Peter Gabriel. Have to check this album out. I'm really sick and tired of Gabriels world music crap that gets played on RP but this is fantastic.
Just a fantastic track from a superb, and massively under-rated, album.
Thanks a lot RP
one of the best songs ever
The lyricism alone just blows me away!
"So I watch you wash your hair
Underwater, unaware"
Read Sherwoood Anderson's "There She Is -- She Is Taking Her Bath" Every time I hear these lyrics I think of this story and I expect that PG had read the short story as well ... The inscrutable lives of those that we think are so close to us, an ultimate divide impassable based on our very identity ...
Um, anyway : ) Peter (and Sherwood for that matter) get a 10 for this.
i effing love this song and its concept.
similar idea to crowded house's 'private universe'.
skdenfeld wrote:
I, too, shake my head in disbelief. PG is like chocolate; you must like it! 
xkolibuul wrote:
Masterful song from a sublime album. I can't even BEGIN to understand how anyone naysays on this one.
I, too, shake my head in disbelief. PG is like chocolate; you must like it!
Masterful song from a sublime album. I can't even BEGIN to understand how anyone naysays on this one.
This seems like it would segue into Dire Straits' Skateaway really well.
musikalia wrote:
Peter Gabriel isn't bad, in fact kinda good (usually a 6 or 7 for me), but I feel he's waaaay overplayed on RP. I
Not bad,not good,just there. Sounding exactly the same,saying things that bore me.
RedGuitar wrote:
Agree! The live DVDs are amazing stuff!
Guess I'm totally old school.... one of my prize possessions is my Secret World laser disc;-)
felix_the_man wrote:
I agree, his shows are absolutely AMAZING! He is brilliant and creative.
This song in particular gains ALOT from the live performances. Both back from the Secret World tour itself; to the more recent one(s) the ramped up version(s) with the mid-eastern warbling and flashing strobe lights etc... oops guess that is visual... but still to visually see, or even hear how much fun 'they'... him, his daughter, the band etc... have with this song is great!!!!
Great build up... high energy pay off all better "live"....
Just not the same as his first work. Say, from "Lamb Lies Down" through the first 3 solo. In recent years, I can't tell one PG song from the next.
heh heh heh this song reminds me that i really like it when i'm in on secrets! 
With Gabriel, you have to see him to believe him. Once you see how he sings a song, it all flows.
Pyro wrote:
The "Secret World" DVD is incredible. Highly recommended!
Agree! The live DVDs are amazing stuff!
Peter Gabriel performed in San Francisco last night. I didn't go - tickets were well beyond my means. He didn't play this song - in fact, he played very few songs I know. My husband got some last-minute tickets at a discount (still $100 each) and went with his brother, and had a good time.
Cool! I am sorry you couldn't make it. I wish that I could have been there too!