Gillan was born in Hounslow, Middlesex, England. He joined the band Deep Purple in 1969. In 1970, he sang the part of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. After leaving Deep Purple in 1973, he went into brief retirement before forming the Ian Gillan Band. The early band sound had a distinct jazz-rock aspect which proved unpopular and was replaced by a more high powered hard rock sound as Gillan reformed the lineup and shortened the groups name to Gillan. With the release of Mr. Universe Ian Gillan was back in the UK charts and through several more line up changes released a string of hit singles and successful albums including Glory Road, Future Shock, Double Trouble, and finally Magic.
Then he announced the band would fold as he needed to rest his damaged vocal cords. In 1983 he joined Black Sabbath to record the Born Again album before rejoining a reunited Deep Purple shortly after completing the Born Again tour in early 1984. He left Purple again in 1989, but rejoined for good in 1992. He remains in the band today.
Gillan is now working on a project to document his 40-year career, tentatively called Gillan's Inn. Tony Iommi, Jeff Healey, various members of Deep Purple and many others will be featured on this 2006 DVD project.
Don't Want the Truth
Ian Gillan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't need you you're obsolete
I don't want you hanging round my feet
Don't even share the same track
Don't want you hanging on my back
No don't even want you near me
Don't even want you near me
I'm lonely that's the way to be
So lonely but at least I'm free
I'm scared of trusting in you
I'm scared you're telling me the truth
No I don't want to hear you, I don't want to hear you
Don't want the truth
There's nothing in what you say
It scares me just go away
It doesn't matter what's real
It's just deciding how you feel
No I don't want your pain
I don't want your pain
Don't want the truth
(Repeat third verse)
The lyrics to Ian Gillan's song "Don't Want the Truth" depict a sense of detachment and reluctance to connect with others. The singer in the song feels that the person they are addressing is no longer necessary in their life and wants them to go away. The lines "I don't need you you're obsolete / I don't want you hanging round my feet" illustrate a strong desire for independence and the need to distance themselves from the other person. This may be due to a fear of vulnerability or the feeling that the other person may not have their best interests at heart.
The chorus of "Don't Want the Truth" reinforces this theme of avoidance and denial of the truth. The singer declares that they do not want to "hear" the other person and do not want to face reality. This could represent a refusal to acknowledge painful emotions or experiences, as expressed in the line "No I don't want your pain / I don't want your pain." Ultimately, the singer finds solace in their loneliness and freedom, preferring to be alone rather than engage in a difficult or uncomfortable relationship.
Overall, "Don't Want the Truth" is a poignant reflection on the human experience of detachment and avoidance. The song highlights the challenge of facing uncomfortable truths and the desire for independence, even when it means sacrificing intimacy and connection with others.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't need you you're obsolete
I don't require your presence since you have become old-fashioned or outdated
I don't want you hanging round my feet
I do not desire to have you near me, following me around
Don't even share the same track
We should not be going in the same direction or following the same path
Don't want you hanging on my back
I don't want your constant criticism or bothering me continuously
No don't even want you near me
I do not wish to be around or associated with you at all
I'm lonely that's the way to be
I feel isolated, but I prefer it this way
So lonely but at least I'm free
Even though I'm alone, I feel liberated and independent
I'm scared of trusting in you
I'm nervous about relying on you or confiding in you
I'm scared you're telling me the truth
I am apprehensive that the things you say are accurate or genuine
No I don't want to hear you, I don't want to hear you
I refuse to listen to your voice or your outlook
Don't want the truth
I'm not interested in hearing about the facts or reality
There's nothing in what you say
I don't find your speech or your conversation useful or meaningful
It scares me just go away
Your presence or your words frighten me, so please leave me alone
It doesn't matter what's real
The actuality or veracity of the situation is irrelevant
It's just deciding how you feel
It's all about interpreting or reacting based on your emotions
No I don't want your pain
I don't want to hear about your agony, your relationship issues or your fears
Don't want the truth
I'm not curious about the facts or the authenticity of the matter
(Repeat third verse)
Repeating the third verse
Contributed by Ian J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.