This Guitar Says Sorry
Billy Bragg Lyrics


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Sandra met Raymond at the Race Relations
Much to the dismay of her family and friends
The love that we have is so important

The time that it takes to make a baby
Can be the time it takes to make a cup of tea
The love that we have is so important
He still goes dancing and she still cuts hair




They put the baby into Council care
The love that we have is so important

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Billy Bragg's song "This Guitar Says Sorry" is a poignant ode to love that transcends societal norms, expectations, and racial prejudices. The song is a thoughtful commentary on an interracial couple Sandra and Raymond, who meet at the Race Relations and fall in love, much to the disapproval of their family and friends. The song stresses the significance of love and how it can endure through adversities and challenges despite opposition.


The lyrics convey how their love is more significant and valuable than what people say or think about it. The line "The love that we have is so important" is repeated thrice throughout the song, emphasizing the significance of the couple's love in the face of societal resistance. The song further narrates how they have had to sacrifice their child's upbringing by putting the baby into council care to overcome the racial barriers and continue the relationship.


Overall, "This Guitar Says Sorry" is a powerful story of how love can conquer all, including entrenched societal mindsets of racism and prejudice. It tells us that love is the most important thing that a couple can have, and it is worth fighting for.


Line by Line Meaning

Sandra met Raymond at the Race Relations
Sandra fell in love with Raymond while attending an event about promoting harmony between different races


Much to the dismay of her family and friends
Her loved ones are not happy about her being in a relationship with someone from a different race


The love that we have is so important
Their love is valuable and meaningful despite the disapproval of others


The time that it takes to make a baby
The period required for conception is usually short


Can be the time it takes to make a cup of tea
It doesn't take long for them to have a child


The love that we have is so important
Their love remains significant even after having a child


He still goes dancing and she still cuts hair
Raymond is still passionate about dancing and Sandra still works as a hairdresser


They put the baby into Council care
They had to give their child to the local government because they were unable to provide for the baby's needs


The love that we have is so important
Their love remains important despite the challenges they face




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BILLY BRAGG

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

George Jones

That falsetto at 2:00 - wow!

skinny grave

Brilliant melody, great words

Bronwyn Joy Elliott

My all time favourite BB line... The time it takes to make a baby can be the time it takes to make a cup of tea.

Pete Bledsoe

Love BB!