Born and raised in Glasgow with his signature falsetto singing style, he happens to also be a left-wing human rights activist.
He went solo when the Communards split up in 1988.
Read My Lips
Jimmy Somerville Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And we won't be moved by what they say
So we'll shout (shout!)
As loud as we can
And we'll shout (shout!)
'till they hear our demands
Money is what we need, not complacency
Read my lips and they will tell you
Enough is enough is enough is enough
Finding cures is not the only solution
And it's not a case of sinner absolution
So we'll fight (fight!)
For love and with pride
And we'll fight (fight!)
Standing together for the
Right to live and die with dignity
Read my lips and they will tell you
Enough is enough is enough is enough
The power within
We can use it to win
So we'll shout (shout!)
As loud as we can
And we'll fight (fight!)
'Till they meet our demands
Money is what we need, not complacency
Read my lips and they will tell you
Enough is enough is enough is enough
The song "Read My Lips" by Jimmy Somerville is a powerful call for action and revolution against injustice and complacency. The lyrics suggest that there is a need for us to stand our ground and not be moved by what they say. This can be interpreted as a plea to stand up in the face of adversity and fight for what we believe in, despite the obstacles that may come our way. The use of the imperative "shout" in the chorus is an indication of the urgency and importance of the message that the song aims to convey.
The lines "Money is what we need, not complacency" suggest that tangible actions need to be taken in order to bring about change, and that simply talking about issues is not enough. The song calls for an end to complacency and the need for immediate action. The lyrics also mention that finding cures is not the only solution, indicating a need for broader societal change in promoting a culture of justice, tolerance, and equality.
The use of the phrase "enough is enough is enough is enough" in the chorus is an indication of the song's strong and repetitive message that change is necessary, and that the current situation of injustice and inequality is unacceptable. The power within the people is an essential theme of the song, suggesting that we have the ability to effect change if we are united and fight together.
Line by Line Meaning
Here we're and standing our ground
We are present and standing firm in our beliefs
And we won't be moved by what they say
We will not be swayed by opposing opinions
So we'll shout (shout!)
As loud as we can
And we'll shout (shout!)
'till they hear our demands
Money is what we need, not complacency
We'll vocalize our needs for money and action, not just passive agreement
Read my lips and they will tell you
Enough is enough is enough is enough
We've reached our limit and demand change
Finding cures is not the only solution
And it's not a case of sinner absolution
Curing the problem is not enough, and people cannot simply be forgiven for causing it
So we'll fight (fight!)
For love and with pride
And we'll fight (fight!)
Standing together for the
Right to live and die with dignity
We'll actively and passionately fight for our right to live and die with respect
The power within
We can use it to win
We have the strength to succeed if we use it effectively
Read my lips and they will tell you
Enough is enough is enough is enough
We've had enough and expect change
So we'll shout (shout!)
As loud as we can
And we'll fight (fight!)
'Till they meet our demands
Money is what we need, not complacency
We'll continue to express our demands and fight for action and resources
Read my lips and they will tell you
Enough is enough is enough is enough
We mean business and insist that action be taken
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: JIMMY SOMERVILLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Roland Danielsson
TOP 10
Jimmy Sommerville
01. Read My Lips
02. Can't Take My Eyes Off You
03. You Make Me Feel
04. Could It Be Love?
05. Comment Te Dire Adieu
06. Lovething
07. Come On
08. To Love Somebody
09. Dare To Love
10. Perfect Day
Duke Music
Here weare and standing our ground
And we won't be moved by what they say
So we'll shout (shout!)
As loud as we can
And we'll shout (shout!)
'Till they hear our demands
Money is what we need, not complacency
Read my lips and they will tell you
Enough is enough is enough is enough
Finding cures is not the only solution
And it's not a case of sinner absolution
So we'll fight (fight!)
For love and with pride
And we'll fight (fight!)
Standing together for the
Right to live and die with dignity
Read my lips and they will tell you
Enough is enough is enough is enough
The power within
We can use it to win
So we'll shout (shout!)
As loud as we can
And we'll fight (fight!)
'Till they meet our demands
Money is what we need, not complacency
Read my lips and they will tell you
Enough is enough is enough is enough ❤️🌈🏳️🌈
David Silverman
If I were on a desert island and I could only take 5 songs, this would be one of them. How I loved it then and how I love it now! <3
Mabel Babel
Jimmy Sommerville, whether in Bronski Beat, the Communards or solo has such a talent in tying strong and meaningful lyrics with important messages with music so joyous, energised and uplifting that you can't help responding to it
Mark
How did this song only reach No.26 in the UK charts? Should've been a No.1! What a tune!
Bobby Dazzler
If released again, it would reach No.1
Andria E-M
@Bobby Dazzler Yes in 2022, we desperately need people like Jimmy out there...leading things. But, I'm ashamed to admit that this MIGHT b the 1st time I have heard the song. OTOH, I was quite unconscious til 1993😭 A bit more awake now thankfully😊
Justin Nelson
brilliant most uplifting tune 🙌
Michael Hepworth
Brilliant song much underrated
William Bailey
Absolutely I too can't believe it didn't make the top 10 at least it's a cracking tune.
Lee Adams
I remember when this song was released in 1990; I was in my local Woolworth's (aged 7) and this was blasting out over the speakers. I always remembered it. Then I discovered it again - 8 years later - when I bought a second-hand VHS copy of NOW 17 from a local record/music shop and re-discovered such great tracks/videos as this one, and a lot of other gems from the beginning of the 90's that I remembered from my childhood.
Veronica Gilmartin
I bought my copy in Woolies!! x