Don't Explain
Ella Fitzgerald;Teddy Wilson & his Orchestra Lyrics
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Just say you'll remain
I'm glad your 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 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
"Ella Fitzgerald and Teddy Wilson's "Don't Explain" speaks to the complexity of relationships and the idea that sometimes, it's best not to explain one's actions. The opening lines of the song, "Hush now, don't explain. Just say you'll remain. I'm glad your back, don't explain," suggest that the singer would rather not hear any excuses or justifications for a lover's absence or misdeeds. Instead, they simply want their lover back and are willing to forgive without explanation.
The singer also implores their lover to avoid explaining certain things to others, such as wearing lipstick. This could reflect a desire to maintain a façade of normalcy or respectability in their relationship or an attempt to avoid drawing unwanted attention from others. Despite the challenges presented by outside forces, the singer emphasizes their unyielding love for their partner, saying "You know that I love you and what endures, all my thoughts of you, for I'm so completely yours."
Overall, the lyrics of "Don't Explain" convey a complex and emotional message about love, trust, and forgiveness. The song captures the inherent messiness and ambiguity of romantic relationships, making it a timeless classic that still resonates with audiences today.
Line by Line Meaning
Hush now, don't explain
Remain silent; there is no need to justify yourself
Just say you'll remain
Promise me that you won't leave
I'm glad your back, don't explain
I am happy that you have returned and I don't need an explanation why you left
Quiet, don't explain
Be quiet, there's no need to justify yourself
What is there to gain
There is nothing to benefit from explaining things
Skip that lipstick
Don't go into details; leave it out
Don't explain
I don't want to know why you did that
You know that I love you
I don't doubt your love for me
And what endures
What matters is that our love lasts
All my thoughts of you
You're always on my mind
For I'm so completely yours
I belong completely to you
Cry to hear folks chatter
I get upset when people talk about us behind our backs
And I know you cheat
I am aware that you are unfaithful, but it doesn't matter when we are together
Right or wrong, don't matter
What is important is that we are together
When you're with me, sweet
When we are together, everything is perfect
You're my joy and pain
You bring me happiness and sometimes cause me pain
My life's yours love
You are my life and I belong to you
Don't explain
I don't want an explanation for anything; just stay with me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Arthur Jr. Herzog, Billie Holiday
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind