‘Digging In The Dirt’: the dark side of Peter Gabriel
The life and career of Peter Gabriel stand as an undeniable testament to his brilliance. Rising to prominence as the frontman of the prog-rock icons Genesis, Gabriel departed from the band in 1975, launching a remarkably successful solo journey that took flight with the unforgettable single ‘Solsbury Hill’.
Amid Gabriel’s impressive discography, one of his most acclaimed and highest-selling albums remains the multi-platinum 1986 release So. This record showcased chart-topping hits like ‘Sledgehammer’, ‘In Your Eyes’, and ‘Don’t Give Up’. It confirmed his status as a uniquely individual artist and secured his place among the all-time greats.
During his tenure with Genesis, Gabriel adeptly crafted fleeting, serene compositions. However, it was through his solo journey that he truly blossomed artistically. Here, he relished the newfound freedom to explore a diverse spectrum of influences, creating intricate sonic landscapes that were notably progressive for their era.
In 1992, he released one of his most personal works, his sixth studio album, Us. This came following a series of turbulent events for Gabriel, who channelled his personal experiences into the album, including his failed marriage, experiences with psychotherapy, and the evolving rift between him and his eldest daughter during that period.
One of the album’s singles, ‘Digging In The Dirt’, perfectly summarised this level of introspection. The song referenced the extensive psychotherapy that had occupied Gabriel’s time since his last studio album. According to Songfacts, it also materialised after Gabriel had studied prison inmates on death row to find out their motives for murder.
The song effectively deals with the singer’s dark side. As he explained to Uncut: “I read lots trying to understand the buttons that operate and make you feel the way you do. When you have self-knowledge, you don’t fall into the same behavioural traps. One of the keys is – take responsibility. Blaming anyone else, especially in relationships, is a futile activity and not going to move you forward.”
In his exploration of murderers, Gabriel delved into the book Why We Kill. “I’m sure, like any song, it reflects what was going on in my life,” he explained to The Daily Mirror. “I was reading a book called Why We Kill about what murderers have in common, the psychological make-up that unites them.”
Adding: “I was also going through therapy myself, so that had a bearing. It wasn’t a cathartic experience where I revisited all the emotions, but the contrast between the dark and more reflective mood was something we concentrated on.”
