The Things You Said
Depeche Mode Lyrics


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I heard it from my friends about the things you said
I heard it from my friends about the things you said
But they know me better than that
They know me better than that
They know my weaknesses (I never tried to hide them)
They know my weaknesses (I never denied them)

I heard it from my friends about the things you said
I heard it from my friends about the things you said
How can a view become so twisted?
How can a view become so twisted?
They know my weaknesses (I never tried to hide them)
They know my weaknesses (you tried them)

I get so carried away
You brought me down to earth
I thought we had something precious
Now I know what it's worth

I heard it from my friends about the things you said
I heard it from my friends about the things you said
I've never felt so disappointed
Never felt so disappointed
They know my weaknesses (I never tried to hide them)
They know my weaknesses (thought that you liked them)





They know me better than that

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Depeche Mode's song The Things You Said explore themes of betrayal and disappointment in a relationship. The singer hears from their friends about things their partner said behind their back and expresses confusion and sadness about the situation. They acknowledge that their friends know them well and are aware of their flaws, but are still hurt by the partner's actions. The second verse questions how someone's perception of a situation can become so twisted, perhaps suggesting that the partner's words may not have been entirely truthful.


The chorus expresses the singer's feelings of being brought down to earth and their disappointment in the situation. They had believed they had something precious with the partner, but now see that it was not as valuable as they thought. The repetition of the line "They know me better than that" emphasizes the trust and closeness the singer shares with their friends, and highlights the partner's betrayal in going against that trust.


Overall, the lyrics reflect the pain and confusion that can come with discovering that a partner has been dishonest or disloyal. The singer's vulnerability in admitting their weaknesses and disappointment adds depth to the song and makes it relatable to listeners who have experienced similar situations.


Line by Line Meaning

I heard it from my friends about the things you said
I received word from my acquaintances about what you had spoken


But they know me better than that
Those acquaintances possess a deeper level of understanding of who I am


They know my weaknesses (I never tried to hide them)
My flaws are known to them, and I didn't attempt to conceal them


They know my weaknesses (you tried them)
You deliberately exploited my shortcomings


How can a view become so twisted?
How is it possible for an outlook to become so distorted?


I get so carried away
I tend to become overly enthusiastic


You brought me down to earth
You sobered me up and caused me to see things in a realistic manner


I thought we had something precious
I believed that what we had was valuable and rare


Now I know what it's worth
I now comprehend its true value


Never felt so disappointed
I have never experienced such a profound sense of letdown


They know me better than that
My acquaintances have a more profound understanding of my nature


They know my weaknesses (thought that you liked them)
You seemed to find my flaws appealing, or so I believed




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Martin Lee Gore

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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