Shame Shame Shame
Bryan Ferry Lyrics


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Well I tried to tell you, baby, but It made no sense
Now you got me, baby, up against the fence
Ain't that a shame, shame, shame, shame, the way you do
Well, it's a shame, shame, shame, shame,
Oh it's a shame on you

Well, you walk out in the evening, don't say where you going
Six o'clock in the morning, you come walking home
And ain't that a shame, shame, shame, shame the way you do
Oh, it's a shame, shame, shame, shame,
Yeah it's a shame on you

Well, I've been sitting here waitin', cryin' for you to come home
When I wake up, baby, sitting here all alone
Ain't that a shame, shame, shame, shame the way you do




Well, it's a shame, shame, shame,
Oh it's a shame, shame on you

Overall Meaning

In Bryan Ferry's "Shame Shame Shame," the lyrics convey the emotions of a man who is caught up in a difficult and unsatisfactory relationship with a woman. The lyrics highlight his desperation as he tries to express his feelings for his partner, but she doesn't seem to understand him. He feels trapped and backed against a fence, as he tries to deal with her inconsistencies.


The first verse talks about how he attempted to communicate with her but couldn't get through, and now he is struggling with the consequences. The chorus repeats the refrain of "shame shame shame" to emphasize the shame that is felt in the relationship. The second verse talks about her going out at night and coming back early in the morning, leaving him confused and hurt. The bridge talks about how he has been waiting and crying for her to come back, but she doesn't come to comfort him, which adds to his sense of feeling abandoned and lost while she is away.


Overall, the song is a poignant commentary on the difficulties of relationships and the challenges people face in trying to communicate with each other. It speaks of the shame that can come with being unable to find common ground or reach a place of mutual understanding. Through both its lyrics and melody, "Shame Shame Shame" conveys the feeling of being trapped in an impossible situation, where one's feelings and efforts are not appreciated.


Line by Line Meaning

Well I tried to tell you, baby, but It made no sense
I attempted to communicate with you, my dear, but it did not seem to register with you


Now you got me, baby, up against the fence
You have placed me in a difficult and unfair position, my dear


Ain't that a shame, shame, shame, shame, the way you do
The way you behave is truly disgraceful, my dear


Well, it's a shame, shame, shame, shame, Oh it's a shame on you
You must feel great guilt and regret for your actions, my dear


Well, you walk out in the evening, don't say where you going
You leave our shared space in the evening without informing me where you are headed


Six o'clock in the morning, you come walking home
You return home incredibly early in the morning


And ain't that a shame, shame, shame, shame, the way you do
The manner in which you conduct yourself is a cause for profound disappointment, my dear


Oh, it's a shame, shame, shame, shame, yeah it's a shame on you
You will need to take responsibility for your harmful actions, my dear


Well, I've been sitting here waitin', cryin' for you to come home
I worry about you and long for your safe return, my dearest


When I wake up, baby, sitting here all alone
I am disheartened to discover that you have not arrived and comforting to know that I am alone in our shared space


Ain't that a shame, shame, shame, shame, the way you do
You really should be ashamed of your actions, my dear


Well, it's a shame, shame, shame, Oh it's a shame, shame on you
Your actions are a reason for regret, my dear




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JIMMY REED

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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