Show Some Emotion
Joan Armatrading Lyrics


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Show some emotion
Put expression in your eyes
Light up
If you're feeling happy
But if it's bad
Then let those ears roll down

Some people hurting
Someone choking up inside
Some poor souls dying
Too proud to say
They got no place to lie
And there's people
If they hear a joke
Can't keep the laugh
Out of their eye

I said
Show some emotion
Put expression in your eyes
Light up
If you're feeling happy
But if it's bad
Then let those tears roll down

Some people in love
But all they got's a photography
How can they get it
Too scared
To open their mouth
To ask

I said
Show some emotion
Put expression in your eyes
Light up
If you're feeling happy
But if it's bad
Then let those tears roll down

Come on try
Learn to bleed
When you get a bad fall
Light up
Light up
Light up
If it's nice




But if it's bad
Then let those tears roll down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Joan Armatrading's song "Show Some Emotion" encourages people to be honest with their feelings and expressions. The first verse advises people to show their emotions through their eyes and to express happiness through their face, but also to allow tears to flow if they're feeling sad or upset. It's a message that resonates because many people tend to hold back their emotions, especially if they're negative, because they're afraid of being vulnerable or judged.


The second verse addresses people who are struggling with different types of pain; whether it's emotional pain or physical pain, it's important to release those feelings and not try to keep them bottled up. Armatrading also mentions people who have a hard time controlling their laughter, revealing that even positive emotions can be difficult to express for some. The bridge of the song urges listeners to "try" and "learn to bleed" when they fall down, both metaphorically and literally, to allow themselves to be vulnerable and open.


Overall, the song is an impassioned plea for authenticity, encouraging people to be truthful with themselves and others about how they're feeling. It's a powerful message delivered through an equally powerful anthem that still resonates with audiences today.


Line by Line Meaning

Show some emotion
Don't hold back your feelings, let them show


Put expression in your eyes
Use your eyes to convey your emotions


Light up
Smile and show joy if you're happy


If you're feeling happy
Express your happiness without reservation


But if it's bad
When things aren't good


Then let those tears roll down
Don't be afraid to cry and show your sadness or pain


Some people hurting
There are individuals who are suffering


Someone choking up inside
People who are emotionally or mentally distressed


Some poor souls dying
Individuals who are struggling or dying


Too proud to say
Feeling too ashamed or embarrassed to express their troubles


They got no place to lie
Those in need of help and support


And there's people
Other people


If they hear a joke
When someone tells a funny joke


Can't keep the laugh
Laugh uncontrollably


Out of their eye
Until their eyes start to water


Some people in love
Individuals in romantic relationships


But all they got's a photography
But all they have are memories captured in photographs


How can they get it
How can they express their love or affection without communication


Too scared
Afraid or intimidated


To open their mouth
To speak up or express their feelings


To ask
To inquire or request for something


Come on try
Encouraging others to try expressing themselves


Learn to bleed
Learn how to be vulnerable and express your emotions


When you get a bad fall
In moments of failure or difficulty


If it's nice
If things are good or positive


Then let those tears roll down
Don't be afraid to show your emotions even in moments of joy




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JOAN ANITA BARBARA ARMATRADING

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Anya Lazor

Here after Adele mentioned this album in her 75 Questions Interview (more like 95 Questions Interview lol)❤️

Yensi González

Me too

林仁俊

m2

Grimzoid

And me🙂

jamal lewis

Me too

john rowland

40 years ago ? Really ? wow ! If you've hit this track by accident, lucky you ! check out her other stuff. Truly an underrated artist who deserved more fame than she got.

WMW

Joan never harbored fame... fame was never her ambition as an artist...she wrote and recorded fabulous music that many found extremely appealing while others never drawn to it...Joan is unique and original and is at the pinnacle of her craft...there will never be another Joan Armatrading...it is unfortunate that far too many will never know the beauty and strength of her music..Joan has given the world a gift.

Desleigh Monaghan

Ah Joan. The warrior queen and standard bearer for wounded souls who want to love life again. Thankyou!

shibopshibop

I read about her in the Saturday Review or maybe Rolling Stone. She slipped under radar, but still has had an amazing career. Her work has aged well. Just that line "and if it's bad then let those tears roll down" is classic in itself. This song has choked me up any number of times. I like it when we acknowledge that there are highs and lows to ride out in life.

Sarah Crookall

I found this album in a thrift shop back in 2010. I had no idea who she was but fell in love with the cover image and her look that to me seemed like a strong sense of presence. The album ended up blowing me away. This is still one of my favourite songs. At the time this wasn’t on YT and I couldn’t easily share it. Thanks for uploading this, vinyl scratches included 😀❤️

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