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Kooyeen Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

Keep you in the dark

Hi,

Keep you in the dark
You know they all... pretend
Keep you in the dark
And so it all... began

There's a song that starts that way. I don't understand what "keep you in the dark" means. If it was a suggestion and an imperative verb, shouldn't it be "Keep yourself in the dark"? Or can I use the normal pronouns instead of the reflexive ones, like "I just bought me a new coat", "I just cutted me with a knife", etc.?

Thanks Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

I would assume that "they" (whoever "they" are) are the ones keeping you in the dark. If it's a song, you know the rules of grammar don't apply. Assume that the grammatical subject of the sentence (they) is missing so the song's focus (you) is more predominant.

— BarbaraPA

  • I would assume that "they" (whoever "they" are) are the ones keeping you in the dark.
  • If it's a song, you know the rules of grammar don't apply.
  • Assume that the grammatical subject of the sentence (they) is missing so the song's focus (you) is more predominant.
  • {They} keep you in the dark - they don't tell you the truth.
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12 Answers
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I would assume that "they" (whoever "they" are) are the ones keeping you in the dark. If it's a song, you know the rules of grammar don't apply. Assume that the grammatical subject of the sentence (they) is missing so the song's focus (you) is more predominant.

{They} keep you in the dark - they don't tell you the truth.
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Hi GG,
Thanks.
Grammar Geek{They} keep you in the dark - they don't tell you the truth.
Yes, that's what came to my mind too. But then I started to wonder if "normal" pronouns could sometimes be used instead of the reflexive ones. Does anyone ever use "me" or "you" where "myself" or "yourself" would be expected?
Thanks
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Does anyone ever use "me" or "you" where "myself" or "yourself" would be expected?

Yes, sometimes, when you are purposely trying to put the person in the role of a third party.

Let's say you were trying to give a friend who is lacking self confidence a pep talk. "Bambi, it's like this. I think you're terrific. Jim likes you. Alice really likes you. Wh
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Grammar GeekYes, sometimes, when you are purposely trying to put the person in the role of a third party.It's not common, but it has its place.
I understand perfectly. And yes, I think that's not common, as you say. It's something that is done on purpose...
And thanks!
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Ah, c'mon. Didn't you even like the "holy cannoli" one?
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Oh, no problem GG, lol, I liked it. I was kidding, it's not that I really get mad... Emotion: smile
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KooyeenPS: watch out... using certain kinds of examples might be dangerous... you're playing with fire. Emotion: wink
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Grammar GeekDoes anyone ever use "me" or "you" where "myself" or "yourself" would be expected?

Yes, sometimes, when you are purposely trying to put the person in the role of a third party.

Let's say you were trying to give a friend who is lacking self confidence a pep talk. "Bambi, it's like this. I think you're terrific. Jim
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At this time, the condition exists: It still exists.

After two weeks, I'm still sick. After giving everyone a soda, I still have one left.
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Grammar GeekAt this time, the condition exists: It still exists.

After two weeks, I'm still sick. After giving everyone a soda, I still have one left.
Hi again,

I understand 'still' in the context you've just explained. However, do you mean 'How can I still a soda left over?' is the same as How can I still have a
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