Pictures in the Dark

Mike Oldfield

About Pictures in the Dark

"Pictures in the Dark" is a song by Mike Oldfield released as a single mainly in Europe in 1985 (see 1985 in music). Singers on this single includes his girlfriend at the time, Anita Hegerland, Barry Palmer and well-known Welsh choirboy Aled Jones. Since the song was not connected to an album it was rare until recently when it was released on compilation albums such as Collection in 2002 and The Platinum Collection in 2006. A music video was released for this single and Anita Hegerland and Aled Jones both appear in the video, but Barry Palmer does not; his vocals are mimed by Oldfield. The video includes a lot of computer graphics. The video was available on The Wind Chimes (VHS and Laserdisc) and is also on the DVD version of Elements – The Best of Mike Oldfield. 


Year:
1988
347 
#1

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Follow the light that glows
Through your bedroom window.
Tonight, tonight, the fading twilight.
There's a hollow deep in the woods
Where you know you're crazy
To go, to go, not even meant to know
There are...

Pictures in the dark, I see all around.
Voices calling underground
And I'm watching the stars since the
World was found.

One, two, three.
Pictures in the dark, I see
Morpheus comes to me.
Pictures in the dark, I see.
Aurora sets you free.

And in the deepest dark
You come to a maze in.
The night, the night, the fading twilight.
And you shiver the glistening path
Where you know you're crazy
To go, to go, not even meant to know.
There are...

Pictures in the dark, I see all around.
Voices calling underground
And I'm watching the stars since the
World was found.

One, two, three.
Lost in my dreams.
This night will never end.
You can only fly in your dreams.
Midnight will be your friend.
Drift away on starlight beams.
Clocks are ticking the night away.
You can only fly until dawn ascends.

Pictures in the dark, I see all around.
Voices calling underground
And I'm watching the stars since the
World was found.

Pictures in the dark I see,
Aurora sets you free

Holding a fantasy that changes you a way through the door,
The door (and) through the day is born
As the sunlight shines through the window,
will you remember the night,
The night, that crazy starlight
There are...
Pictures in the dark,
see all around

Pictures in the dark, I see all around.
Voices calling underground
And I'm watching the stars since the
World was found.

The moon shines starlight beams
And you'll be flying in your dreams.

Pictures in the dark, I see all around.
Voices calling underground
And I'm watching the stars since the
World was found.

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Mike Oldfield

Michael Gordon Oldfield (born 15 May 1953) is an English multi-instrumentalist musician and composer, working a style that blends progressive rock, folk, ethnic or world music, classical music, electronic music, New Age, and more recently, dance. His music is often elaborate and complex in nature. He is best known for his 1973 hit album Tubular Bells, which launched Virgin Records, and for his 1983 hit single "Moonlight Shadow". He is also well known for his hit rendition of the Christmas piece "In Dulci Jubilo". more »

2 fans

Written by: MIKE OLDFIELD

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Origins
"Pictures in the Dark" is a single by Mike Oldfield, a renowned British musician who is best known for his instrumental compositions.
Genre
This song represents Oldfield's experimentation with pop music. Generally, Oldfield's works are known for their intricate compositions from the progressive rock and new-age genres.
Release date
The song was released on November 1985 as a single. It was later included on Mike Oldfield's compilation album "Elements – The Best of Mike Oldfield" in 1993.
Collaborations
"Pictures in the Dark" featured guest stars like model Anita Hegerland and lead vocalist of the bands Yes and The Buggles, Trevor Horn. It also has a vocal contribution from Barry Palmer.
Song Duration
The track runs for 4 minutes and 20 seconds, which is relatively short for an Oldfield track; he is known for recording pieces that run up into the 20-minute mark.
Visual Treatment
An animated music video was also released for "Pictures in the Dark", which was one of the few times Oldfield used animation for his music videos.
Chart Success
The song achieved modest chart success, reaching number 50 in the UK Singles chart. Although not a top charting song, "Pictures in the Dark" still holds a place in the hearts of Mike Oldfield fans.
Artistic Merit
"Pictures in the Dark" is a classic example of Mike Oldfield's melodic strengths, and is characterized by synthesizer-backed themes, layered textures, and a combination of whispering and full voice vocals.
Live Performances
Despite the popularity of the song among fans, it has rarely been performed live by Mike Oldfield.
Vinyl Record
The song was released in different versions on vinyl. There are 7-inch and 12-inch versions, with the 12-inch version including an extended version of "Pictures in the Dark".
On the B-Side
The B-sides of the single are "Legend" (for the 7" release), and "Shine" and "The Trap" (for the 12" release).
Reviews
Critics have praised "Pictures in the Dark" for its enchanting tune and interesting lyrics, despite it being a departure from Oldfield's more recognized instrumental work.

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