Ditto came to wider public attention in November 2006 when she was selected by NME as the coolest person in rock - placing at number one in the magazine's annual Cool List. The magazine cited her 'non-conformity' as the reason for her selection - she is a lesbian, an outspoken advocate of gay rights, and a punk.
Her debut release was the self-titled EP, "Beth Ditto", in 2011.
In 2017, her newest album "Fake Sugar" came out.
Lover
Beth Ditto Lyrics
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I don't think I wanna know
Not sure exactly who you'll be when I wake up
Will you love me tomorrow?
Whatever happened to the person that I used to know
And who are you now?
I'm unfamiliar with the stranger standing in front of me
Lover
You're playing dirty with me
Ooh lover
Make me believe
Because I wanna believe
More than anything
Ooh lover, you're playing dirty with me
You can spare me your lies, gimme the details
Don't mention her name
But have the decency to tell me where we're a lost cause
This illusion game
But you're carrying on with guilty pleasures
Was I not enough?
I'm not entirely sure if you're aware of
What you're giving up
Lover
You're playing dirty with me
Ooh lover
Make me believe
Because I wanna believe
More than anything
Ooh lover, you're playing dirty with me
What caused your eyes to wander?
I thought distance made the heart grow fonder
What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger
But now
Ooh lover
You're playing dirty with me
Ooh lover
Make me believe
Because I wanna believe
More than anything
Ah lover
You're playing dirty with me
Ooh lover, you're playing dirty with me
The song "Lover" by Beth Ditto talks about the confusion and insecurities that come with a romantic relationship. The singer questions their partner's loyalty and wonders who they will wake up to each day. They feel like they are dealing with a stranger and want to believe that their love is real but are not sure if they are being played. The chorus mentions the lover playing dirty with them, which can be interpreted as being dishonest or leading them on.
The first verse conveys the uncertainty that comes with relationships, especially when you start questioning whether your partner really loves you or not. The second verse talks about the guilt that the lover might be carrying and the singer's confusion regarding the affair. The bridge then adds some more complexity to the relationship, with the singer wondering about the reasons for infidelity and trying to find a reason to believe in the love they have.
Overall, the song's lyrics are raw and emotional, with Beth Ditto expressing her feelings through powerful vocals backed by an intense rock/alternative instrumentation.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't know how I feel when the day comes
Uncertainty grips me as I anticipate the start of each day
I don't think I wanna know
I fear discovering what the new day has in store for me
Not sure exactly who you'll be when I wake up
I'm unsure if you will still be the same person I knew before
Will you love me tomorrow?
I wonder if your love for me will endure beyond today
Whatever happened to the person that I used to know
I miss the person you used to be before recent changes took place
And who are you now?
I'm curious to know the new you that I'm encountering
I'm unfamiliar with the stranger standing in front of me
I don't recognize the person I see before me
I think I figured it out
I may have found a way to understand your recent behavior
Lover
The person I'm addressing
You're playing dirty with me
You're not being honest with me
Ooh lover
A way of expressing my continued fondness despite ongoing challenges
Make me believe
I want to feel reassured that you still care for me
Because I wanna believe
My desire to believe is strong because I care about us
More than anything
My top priority above all else
You can spare me your lies, gimme the details
I'm demanding honesty and transparency from you
Don't mention her name
I don't want to hear of another woman in your life
But have the decency to tell me where we're a lost cause
It's respectful to communicate clearly if our relationship won't work out
This illusion game
Our relationship may just be an illusion or fantasy
But you're carrying on with guilty pleasures
You're indulging in activities that have a negative impact on us
Was I not enough?
I'm feeling insecure that I may not be enough for you now
I'm not entirely sure if you're aware of
I have doubts if you recognize the effect of your actions on our relationship
What you're giving up
You may be losing a valuable relationship because of your actions
What caused your eyes to wander?
I'm asking what tempted your attention away from our relationship
I thought distance made the heart grow fonder
I believed that while apart, our love for each other would increase
What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger
I hope that we'll grow better from this difficult situation
Ah lover
Another affectionate address for the person I'm speaking to
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: JENNIFER ERIN DECILVEO, MARY BETH PATTERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind