Don't Explain
Cat Power Lyrics


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Hush now, don't explain
You're the cause of all my
Trouble and pain
Unless you're mad
Don't explain

My love, my love, my love
Don't explain
There is nothing within me now to gain
You know that I love you
Look at what loving has done
All my thoughts were real
And so sincere
I was so completely yours

You know I hear folks cha-cha-cha-chatter
And I know you cheat
Right or wrong, that don't matter
You're here with me
Sit down, have a sit
It's your time to feel the pain
It's your time to weep
Don't explain

Hush now, don't explain
There is nothing within me now to gain
I'm gonna skip it instead




Don't explain
Don't explain

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cat Power's song "Don't Explain" center around the singer's complex feelings towards their lover. The first verse, "Hush now, don't explain / You're the cause of all my trouble and pain / Unless you're mad, don't explain," sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is dealing with pain caused by their lover and is not interested in hearing excuses, unless the lover is genuinely remorseful. There is a sense of resignation in the lyrics, as the singer acknowledges that their love has led them to this point of suffering.


In the second verse, the lyrics "My love, my love, my love / Don't explain / There is nothing within me now to gain / You know that I love you / Look at what loving has done" further emphasize the singer's sense of disillusionment. Despite their love for their partner, they are unable to escape the pain and heartbreak caused by the relationship. The emotions conveyed in the third verse are particularly intense, with the lyrics "All my thoughts were real / And so sincere / I was so completely yours" expressing the depth of the singer's attachment to their lover.


Overall, the lyrics of "Don't Explain" are a powerful portrayal of love and heartbreak. The song speaks to the universal experience of being hurt by someone we care about deeply, and the conflicting emotions that arise as a result.


Line by Line Meaning

Hush now, don't explain
Stop talking and trying to justify your actions or behavior.


You're the cause of all my
You're responsible for all the problems and difficulties I'm facing.


Trouble and pain
Difficulties and sufferings.


Unless you're mad
Unless you're completely out of control or irrational.


Don't explain
Stop talking and trying to justify your actions or behavior.


My love, my love, my love
Addressing the person she loves.


Don't explain
Stop talking and trying to justify your actions or behavior.


There is nothing within me now to gain
There's nothing to be gained or achieved by discussing the issue further.


You know that I love you
Expressing her love for the person.


Look at what loving has done
Reflecting on the consequences of loving someone.


All my thoughts were real
All of her thoughts and feelings were genuine and sincere.


And so sincere
Deeply and truly meant.


I was so completely yours
She was completely devoted and committed to the person she loved.


You know I hear folks cha-cha-cha-chatter
Acknowledging the gossip and rumors surrounding their relationship.


And I know you cheat
Believing that the person she loves is unfaithful.


Right or wrong, that don't matter
Whether or not the cheating is justified or reasonable is irrelevant.


You're here with me
Despite the cheating rumors, the person is still present with her.


Sit down, have a sit
Inviting the person to calm down and take a seat.


It's your time to feel the pain
The person will have to face the consequences of their actions and feel the pain they have caused.


It's your time to weep
The person will have to face the emotional repercussions of their actions and cry.


Don't explain
Stop talking and trying to justify your actions or behavior.


Hush now, don't explain
Stop talking and trying to justify your actions or behavior.


There is nothing within me now to gain
There's nothing to be gained or achieved by discussing the issue further.


I'm gonna skip it instead
She's going to avoid discussing the issue and not dwell on it anymore.


Don't explain
Stop talking and trying to justify your actions or behavior.


Don't explain
Stop talking and trying to justify your actions or behavior.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Arthur Jr. Herzog, Billie Holiday

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Peter Pumkinghead


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