Careless Talk
Billy Joel Lyrics

Careless talk
The act of spreading rumors or gossip without considering the potential harm it could cause.

That's what you heard about me
Referring to the spread of rumors or gossip about the singer, which may be unfounded or untrue.

Jealous talk
When someone speaks negatively about another person due to feelings of envy or resentment.

That's what I heard about you
Referring to rumors or gossip about the person being spoken to, which may or may not be accurate.

Everybody's telling lies
Suggesting that the rumors or gossip being spread are likely false or distorted in some way due to people not having all the facts.

I don't even know why
The singer is confused as to why people feel the need to spread rumors or engage in gossip about others.

Why can't people
The singer is questioning the motives of individuals who spread rumors or engage in gossip.

Find something better to do
Suggesting that the act of spreading rumors or gossip is a waste of time and that people should focus their energy on more productive activities.

I don't believe what they say
The artist is indicating their skepticism regarding the rumors or gossip being spread about them.

They say you've been putting me down
Referring to rumors or gossip about the person being spoken to, which suggest that they have been speaking negatively about the artist.

In the shadows on the phone
Suggesting that the rumors or gossip being spread are being done secretly and behind closed doors.

They won't leave us alone
The artist is indicating that the spread of rumors or gossip is persistent and ongoing.

Ever since you came around
Referring to the time when the person being spoken to entered the singer's life.

Telling you I'm doing wrong
Referring to rumors or gossip about the singer engaging in inappropriate or immoral behavior.

Follows wherever you go
Suggesting that the rumors or gossip are persistent and follow the person being spoken to wherever they go.

I'm aware of what you heard
The artist is indicating that they are aware of the rumors or gossip being spread about them and the person being spoken to.

Every terrible word
Referring to the negative and hurtful rumors or gossip being spread about the artist and the person being spoken to.

Everybody's making believe that they know
Suggesting that people are pretending to have intimate knowledge of the singer's life and circumstances without actually having all of the facts.

All of the intimate things
Referring to personal and private details of the singer's life that others may be spreading rumors or gossip about.

That we ever might have said
Suggesting that the rumors or gossip being spread about the artist and the person being spoken to are based on private conversations that were never intended to be shared publicly.

In the heat of a passionate moment
Referring to intimate conversations that may have occurred between the artist and the person being spoken to.

In a conversation shared
Suggesting that these intimate conversations were shared privately between the artist and the person being spoken to.

For the ears of nobody else
Indicating that these intimate conversations were meant to be kept private and were not intended for others to hear.

There are some things they will never hear
The artist is indicating that there are private and intimate details of their life and relationship that others will never know or fully understand.

There are secrets I'll never tell
The singer is indicating that there are aspects of their life and relationship that they will keep private and not share with others.

Going around on the streets
Suggesting that rumors or gossip about the singer and the person being spoken to have spread beyond their immediate circle of friends and acquaintances.

I know how bad it can be
The singer is acknowledging the negative impact that rumors and gossip can have on one's reputation and personal relationships.

Let them stand where they fall
Suggesting that those who spread rumors or engage in gossip will eventually face consequences for their actions.

They don't know us at all
The artist is indicating that those who spread rumors or engage in gossip do not truly know them or their relationship with the person being spoken to.

All that talking won't make a difference to me
The singer is indicating that the rumors and gossip being spread about them and the person being spoken to will have no impact on their relationship or how they feel about each other.