Don't Explain
Etta James Lyrics

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Hush now don't explain
I know you raise Cain
I'm glad you're back
Don't explain

Quiet, don't explain
You mixed with some dame
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
But right and wrong don't matter when you're with me sleep

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

My life's yours love
Don't explain

Overall Meaning

In the song "Don't Explain," Etta James sings to a lover who has returned to her and is attempting to explain their previous absence. The singer of the song requests that her lover not explain their absence, as she already knows that they were causing trouble while they were gone. Despite this, she is happy to see them, and does not need any justification or explanation for their return. The singer then speaks directly to her lover, and tells them not to explain a situation where they were seen with another woman. She reminds her lover that she loves them no matter what, and nothing else matters when they are together.

Line by Line Meaning

Hush now don't explain
Please don't feel the need to provide an explanation

I know you raise Cain
I know that you often cause trouble

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

Don't explain
I don't want to hear your reasons/explanations

Quiet, don't explain
Please keep quiet and don't feel the need to explain

You mixed with some dame
You had been in the company of another woman

Skip that lipstick
Don't try to cover up what you've done

Don't explain
I am not interested in excuses or explanations

You know that I love you and what love endures
You know that my love for you is enduring

All my thoughts are of you
I am always thinking about you

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

Cry to hear folks chatter, and I know you cheat
It hurts me to hear people gossip about us, and I know that you are unfaithful

But right and wrong don't matter when you're with me sleep
However, I don't care about right or wrong as long as we are together

Hush now, don't explain
Please don't explain or make excuses

You're my joy and pain
You bring me both happiness and pain

My life's yours love
You are the most important person in my life

Don't explain
I don't need or want an explanation

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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