Keep Away From Me

Album: Dealing With Demons I (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Agoraphobia is an abnormal fear of public places or crowds. People suffering from the disorder usually stay in their homes. Dez Fafara wrote this song in early 2019 about his agoraphobia, which he's had since childhood. The Devildriver frontman explained to Noisecreep that he's "never been comfortable around people I don't know or large groups."
  • The term "agoraphobia" is from Greek agora meaning a public square or marketplace. The agora also served in ancient Greece as a social gathering for debates and gossip. Other songs about the disorder include "Agoraphobia" by Incubus and "In My Room" by The Beach Boys.
  • Devildriver released "Keep Away From Me" as the lead single from Dealing With Demons I, the first half of a concept album where Fafara bares his soul about his life. By the time of the song's release, it had taken on a new meaning with people self-isolating at home worldwide because of COVID-19. Said the singer:

    "I've been social distancing since I was born. I've learned to try and embrace my agoraphobia all my life. This is what the lyrics are about as we are all sheltered in place. They seem very clear. Now is not the time bands should shy away from the obvious by trying to push the narrative through their art as if everything is alright with the world."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.

Bill Withers

Bill WithersSongwriter Interviews

Soul music legend Bill Withers on how life experience and the company you keep leads to classic songs like "Lean On Me."

The Police

The PoliceFact or Fiction

Do their first three albums have French titles? Is "De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da" really meaningless? See if you can tell in this Fact or Fiction.