Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone
Dean Martin Lyrics


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Please don't talk about me when I'm gone
Oh honey, though our friendship ceases from now on
And listen, if you can't say anything real nice
It's better not to talk at all is my advice
We're parting, you go your way I'll go mine
It's best that we do
Here's a kiss I hope that this brings lots of luck to you
Oh makes no difference how I carry on
Remember, please don't talk about me when I'm gone
We're parting, you go your way I'll go mine
It's best that we do
Here's a kiss I hope that this brings lots of luck to you
Makes no difference how I carry on
Remember, please don't talk about me




Please don't talk about me
Please don't talk about me when I'm gone

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Dean Martin's song "Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone" speak to the importance of respecting one another even when a relationship has ended. The song tells the story of a friendship that has come to an end, and advises the listener to refrain from speaking negatively or gossiping about the person who is no longer present. The line "It's better not to talk at all is my advice" emphasizes the idea that silence can be a better option than speaking ill of someone. The final plea, "Please don't talk about me when I'm gone," is a reminder to the listener to consider the impact of their words and actions on others, even when they are no longer present.


The song itself was written by Sidney Clare and Sam H. Stept in 1930 and has been covered by many artists since then. In fact, Dean Martin's version is just one of several popular interpretations, including those by Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and Harry Nilsson. The song was especially popular during the 1940s and 1950s, a time when many people were serving in the armed forces and thus experiencing the pain of separation from loved ones. Its simple yet poignant message of respect and kindness struck a chord with many listeners.


Line by Line Meaning

Please don't talk about me when I'm gone
After I leave, I don't want you to speak about me negatively behind my back


Oh honey, though our friendship ceases from now on
Our friendship is ending, so please refrain from speaking harshly about me from this point forward


And listen, if you can't say anything real nice
If you can't find anything pleasant to say about me, then please keep quiet


It's better not to talk at all is my advice
I suggest it's best if you don't talk about me at all if you can't say anything good


We're parting, you go your way I'll go mine
We're separating, and each of us will pursue our own path


It's best that we do
It's in our best interest to move on from each other


Here's a kiss I hope that this brings lots of luck to you
As a goodbye gesture, I offer you a kiss and hope it will bring you good fortune


Oh makes no difference how I carry on
Regardless of how I act after our separation


Remember, please don't talk about me when I'm gone
Please keep in mind, I do not want you to speak poorly of me after I leave


Please don't talk about me
This phrase emphasizes that the artist does not want to be spoken of negatively after they leave


Please don't talk about me
Reiterating the previous line for emphasis


Please don't talk about me when I'm gone
Once again, emphasizing the artist's desire to not be spoken of negatively after they depart




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bee Palmer, Sidney Clare, Sam Stept

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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