Don't Explain
Diana Ross Lyrics


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Hush now, don't explain
Just say you'll remain
I'm glad you're back
Don't explain

Quiet don't explain
What is there to gain?
Skip that lipstick
Don't explain

You know that I love you
And what love endures
All my thoughts are of you
For I'm so completely yours

Cry to hear folks chatter
And I know you cheat
Right or wrong don't matter
When you're with me, sweet

Hush now, don't explain
You're my joy and pain




My life's yours love
Don't explain

Overall Meaning

In Diana Ross's song "Don't Explain," the singer is pleading with their lover to not explain why they were gone, but instead to simply say that they will remain. The singer is happy to see their lover again, and doesn't want to dwell on the reason for their absence. The singer also asks their lover to not explain why they are wearing lipstick, which suggests that their lover may have been with someone else while they were away. Despite this, the singer still loves their partner and wants to be with them, regardless of any mistakes they may have made.


Throughout the song, the singer emphasizes their love for their partner and the strength of their relationship. They acknowledge that there may be gossip about their partner's infidelity, but they are willing to overlook it and be with them regardless. By the end of the song, the singer has made it clear that their love for their partner is all-encompassing, even including both joy and pain.


Overall, "Don't Explain" is a song about the complexities of love and forgiveness. It acknowledges that relationships are not perfect, but that love can endure despite any mistakes or missteps.


Line by Line Meaning

Hush now, don't explain
Quiet don't reveal the reason for your absence or actions


Just say you'll remain
Just affirm that you will stay with me


I'm glad you're back
I'm happy that you have returned


Don't explain
Don't feel obligated to divulge the reasons behind your behavior


What is there to gain?
What benefit will it bring to talk about it?


Skip that lipstick
Forgo the excuses or apologies


You know that I love you
You are aware of the depth of my affection for you


And what love endures
Enduring love can overcome any difficulty


All my thoughts are of you
You are my constant preoccupation


For I'm so completely yours
I belong entirely to you


Cry to hear folks chatter
It's painful to hear gossip and rumors


And I know you cheat
I'm aware that you've been unfaithful


Right or wrong don't matter
It's irrelevant whether your actions were justifiable or not


When you're with me, sweet
As long as you're here, it doesn't matter


You're my joy and pain
You're the source of my happiness and my anguish


My life's yours love
My life belongs to you, my love


Don't explain
You don't need to justify or clarify anything




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ARTHUR JR. HERZOG, BILLIE HOLIDAY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

rhkoi

Hush now, don't explain
Just say you'll remain
I'm glad you're back
Don't explain
Quiet, don't explain
What is there to gain?
Skip that lipstick
Don't explain
You know that I love you
And what love endures
All my thoughts are of you
For I'm so completely yours
Cry to hear folks chatter
And I know you cheat
Right or wrong, don't matter
When you're with me, sweet
Hush now, don't explain
You're my joy and pain
I'm glad you're back
Don't explain
You know that I love you
What love endures
All my thoughts of you
For I'm so completely yours
Cry to hear folks chatter
And I know you cheat
Right or wrong, don't matter
When you're with me, sweet
Hush now, don't explain
You're my joy and pain
My life's yours, love
Don't explain



All comments from YouTube:

mergirl2000 Szucs

Diana Ross should have received an Oscar for her performance portraying Billie Holiday.

Ricky69

Absolutely amazing....the soundtrack, her performance in the movie was stellar... everybody was Billy D, Richard Pryor, it's a shame how racist Hollywood is that this movie did not see receive any awards ...She should have won an Oscar as well as Billy D as well as Richard Pryor..all 3 should have won... Stellar performance and the sound track should have won awards too.. Diana Ross was pure perfection in this movie!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

John Netherly

The ending is on point too, her reactions are right on cue to the music, drums and that side stare is classic..............

anita thomas

I've always loved this song...didn't understand it long ago but I do now..its beautifully sung by diana in the movie. I sent this song to my ex boyfriend and he really didn't understand the song.. I wish he really knew just how much I loved him but I don't think he ever will. It's hard loving someone who doesn't love you and until you feel the pain of it only then will you know. I don't wish it no one. But when I knew he wasn't honest I sent him the song. My nadi will never know how deep the love I have for him yet he left me no choice to let him go. For the same reason of the song. I guess when you love someone let them go and if meant to be it will. Only I wont tolerate one sided relationship at all. ❤

John M.

Keep your heart open. The right guy will fill it if you give him a chance.

O C

Most impactful movie of my childhood and I still love it today. Diana Ross was genius in this film. 💓

Kenneth Costa

Wonderful performance by Miss Ross

John M.

Like Billie, Diana had her own rough times. She sings this with equal authority.

Romani Gypsy

love this song

Johnnie chatman jr

Love this song

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