Don't Explain
Abbey Lincoln/Riverside Jazz Stars Lyrics
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Just say you'll remain
I'm glad your back, don't explain
Quiet, don't explain
What is there to gain
Skip that lipstick
Don't explain
You know that I love you
And what endures
All my thoughts of you
For I'm so completely yours
Cry to hear folks chatter
And I know you cheat
Right or wrong, don't matter
When you're with me, sweet
Hush now, don't explain
You're my joy and pain
My life's yours love
Don't explain
The song "Don't Explain" by Abbey Lincoln/Riverside Jazz Stars is a beautiful jazz ballad with deep emotional lyrics. The song is an appeal from a woman to her lover to not explain anything as she already knows the truth about his infidelity. She asks him to be quiet and not utter a word, but to remain by her side. The lyrics convey the woman's complete and unconditional love for her man, in spite of his indiscretions. It's a plea to put aside judgment and simply enjoy the moment, relishing in the love that exists between them.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who is deeply in love with her man despite knowing that he cheats on her. She knows that he is with her in that moment, and that's all that matters. The lyrics are a reminder that sometimes, we don't need explanations or justifications for what we feel. We know what we know, and sometimes that's enough. The song is a beautiful tribute to love and all its complexities.
Line by Line Meaning
Hush now, don't explain
Be silent about our troubles, there's no need to discuss
Just say you'll remain
Promise that you'll stay with me
I'm glad your back, don't explain
I'm happy that you've come back to me, there is no need to explain why you left
Quiet, don't explain
Be quiet and do not try to justify your actions
What is there to gain
There is nothing to achieve by talking about what has already happened
Skip that lipstick
Skip the makeup and fancy appearance, it does not make a difference to me
Don't explain
Just keep quiet and do not elaborate on what has happened
You know that I love you
You are fully aware that I love you
And what endures
My love for you will last forever
All my thoughts of you
You occupy my thoughts constantly
For I'm so completely yours
I belong to you entirely
Cry to hear folks chatter
I hate listening to people talk behind our backs
And I know you cheat
Even though I know that you've been unfaithful
Right or wrong, don't matter
It does not matter if you were in the right or in the wrong
When you're with me, sweet
As long as you are with me, everything is fine
You're my joy and pain
You bring me both joy and suffering
My life's yours love
You own my life and my love
Don't explain
No need to justify or rationalize
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ARTHUR JR. HERZOG, BILLIE HOLIDAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Laurène Alban
Hush now, don't explain
Just say you'll remain
I'm glad your back, don't explain
Quiet, don't explain
What is there to gain
Skip that lipstick
Don't explain
You know that I love you
And what endures
All my thoughts of you
For I'm so completely yours
Cry to hear folks chatter
And I know you cheat
Right or wrong, don't matter
When you're with me, sweet
Hush now, don't explain
You're my joy and pain
My life's yours love
Don't explain
Ewetoob Blowzdogg
Abbey was so in her own lane, nobody could touch her. When you see the artist line ups that are consistently behind her, it's easy to see that the best of the time were glad to get in line to play for Abby
FishMusic4U
a treasure as an early testimony of a seminal voice, Billy's version wins out, but this is appreciated as proud evolution of Abbey...
marc casteelen
Pure genius, to me by far the best version ever made......
nmcil
Just want to add how great the musicians are on this one.
That Hoodoo Lady
Beautiful voice
nmcil
great performance and interpretation - especially interesting after just having listened to Billie Holiday rendition.
Laurène Alban
Hush now, don't explain
Just say you'll remain
I'm glad your back, don't explain
Quiet, don't explain
What is there to gain
Skip that lipstick
Don't explain
You know that I love you
And what endures
All my thoughts of you
For I'm so completely yours
Cry to hear folks chatter
And I know you cheat
Right or wrong, don't matter
When you're with me, sweet
Hush now, don't explain
You're my joy and pain
My life's yours love
Don't explain
TheReturnofStephan1
A beautiful song & performance! Thanks for posting.:)
Beryl Hart
The definitive version for me. I totally disagree with those who insist it comes from an opera and should be sung accordingly., Kurt Weill was obviously influenced by jazz and his song, here covered by five top jazz musos, shines as never before.
KremIsis
I confess I've been introduced to her music just today. I'ms so glad I was!