"That's Not My Name" rose to the top of the U.K. charts in May 2008, the same month that the duo's debut album, We Started Nothing, appeared. The Ting Tings spent the rest of 2008 and a large part of 2009 touring in support of the album, which eventually sold over two million copies worldwide, won the 2009 Ivor Novello Award for Best Album, and earned the group a Best New Artist Grammy nomination that December. Early in 2010, De Martino and White moved to Berlin to work on songs for their second album. Inspired by the city's atmosphere and the cold weather, they went in a darker, more electronic direction with their new songs. In August 2010, the Ting Tings offered a taste of their new material, premiering the single "Hands" -- which was mixed by Calvin Harris -- on BBC Radio 1 and officially releasing it that October. After extensive touring and over eight months recording in Germany and Spain, in March 2012 the Ting Tings offered their sophomore album, Sounds from Nowheresville, a collection of songs inspired by the exuberant freedom of the Beastie Boys' classic Paul's Boutique. Two years later, third album Super Critical surfaced. Its October release date was preceded by the April release of first single "Wrong Club."
Silence
The Ting Tings Lyrics
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And let them all listen to your silence
Hold, hold your tongue now
And let them all listen to your silence
Hold, hold your tongue now
And let them all listen to your silence
Hold, hold your tongue now
And let them all listen to your silence
Hold, hold your tongue now
And let them all listen to your silence
No need to listen to yourself
Maybe this one will pass you by
Or to anybody else
No need to listen to yourself
Or to anybody else
No need to listen to yourself
Or to anybody else
Hold, hold your tongue now
And let them all listen to your silence
The lyrics to The Ting Tings’ “Silence” are a call to action for the listener to remain quiet and allow others to take the stage. The words “hold your tongue now” are repeated several times throughout the song, emphasizing the importance of keeping quiet. The phrase “and let them all listen to your silence” suggests that sometimes the most meaningful contribution you can make is to stop talking and let others speak for themselves. The song speaks to the idea that sometimes silence is more powerful than words.
The rest of the lyrics suggest that there is no need to listen to yourself or anyone else. This could perhaps be interpreted as advice to focus on what others have to say, rather than always centering the conversation on your own thoughts and opinions. The chorus then repeats the initial call to action, emphasizing once again the importance of silence.
Overall, “Silence” is a thought-provoking and somewhat ambiguous song that encourages listeners to consider the power of silence in their own lives and interactions with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold, hold your tongue now
Stay quiet and keep your thoughts to yourself
And let them all listen to your silence
Allow others to hear the absence of your voice
No need to listen to yourself
You don't have to listen to your own words
Maybe this one will pass you by
Perhaps this moment will be forgotten
Or to anybody else
Or to anyone who might be listening
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JULIAN DE MARTINO, KATIE REBECCA WHITE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind