Such a Shame
KITCHEN - Talk Talk Lyrics


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Such a shame to believe in escape
A life on every face
And that's a change
'Til I'm finally left with an eight
Tell me to relax, I just stare
Maybe I don't know if I should change
A feeling that we share
It's a shame

(Such a shame)
Number me with rage, it's a shame
(Such a shame)
Number me in haste (such a shame)
This eagerness to change
It's a shame

The dice decide my fate
And that's a shame
In these trembling hands
My faith tells me to react, I don't care
Maybe it's unkind that I should change
A feeling that we share
It's a shame

(Such a shame)
Number me with rage, it's a shame
(Such a shame)
Number me in haste (such a shame)
This eagerness to change
Such a shame

Tell me to relax, I just stare
Maybe I don't know if I should change
A feeling that we share
It's a shame

(Such a shame)
Number me with rage, it's a shame
(Such a shame)
Number me in haste, it's a shame
(Such a shame)
Write it across my name
(Such a shame)
This eagerness to change





Such a shame

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Such a Shame" by Talk Talk delve into feelings of regret and frustration over missed opportunities and the desire for change. The opening line, "Such a shame to believe in escape," sets the tone for the rest of the song as it reflects on the disappointment of seeking refuge from the challenges of life. The mention of "a life on every face" points to the complexity and struggles that everyone faces, highlighting the universal nature of these emotions.


The repetition of "It's a shame" throughout the song emphasizes the theme of regret and missed chances. The singer expresses a sense of resignation and uncertainty, questioning whether they should change or remain in their current state. The lyrics convey a feeling of stagnation and indecision, as the singer grapples with the idea of self-improvement and personal growth.


The chorus, with its powerful declaration of "Number me with rage, it's a shame," captures a sense of anger and frustration towards circumstances that seem out of control. The reference to the dice deciding fate reflects a feeling of powerlessness and the sense that life's outcomes are arbitrary. Despite this, there is a lingering hope for change, as seen in the repeated mentions of "this eagerness to change."


The final verses bring the song full circle, with the singer being urged to relax but feeling unable to do so. The lyrics encapsulate a sense of inner conflict and the struggle to reconcile the desire for change with the fear of the unknown. Overall, "Such a Shame" offers a poignant exploration of regret, self-reflection, and the universal human experience of grappling with the complexities of life.


Line by Line Meaning

Such a shame to believe in escape
Regretful to seek a way out of reality


A life on every face
The struggles and experiences reflected in people's expressions


And that's a change
A significant transformation


'Til I'm finally left with an eight
Until I'm left feeling incomplete


Tell me to relax, I just stare
Being advised to calm down, but unable to do so


Maybe I don't know if I should change
Uncertainty about the need for change


A feeling that we share
A common emotion between us


It's a shame
It is regrettable


(Such a shame)
Expressing disappointment


Number me with rage, it's a shame
Being categorized as angry, which is unfortunate


Number me in haste (such a shame)
Being labeled as rushed, a disappointing situation


This eagerness to change
The strong desire for transformation


The dice decide my fate
Accepting that luck plays a role in determining outcomes


In these trembling hands
Hands shaking with uncertainty or fear


My faith tells me to react, I don't care
Knowing what to do, but feeling indifferent


Maybe it's unkind that I should change
Possibly being unfair to expect change


(Such a shame)
Expressing disappointment


Write it across my name
Reflecting the desire for change in one's identity




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Mark David Hollis

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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@gonzaloortegacasado2234

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1:10 Gemsbuck Oryx gazella
1:23 Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
1:27 Sea Lion Otariidae family
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1:32 Sea Lion Otariidae family
1:45 Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus
1:50 Squid...
1:52 North American Beaver Castor canadensis
1:57 Cuttlefish...
2:04 Ostrich Struthio camelus
2:17 Reticulated Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis reticulata
2:18 Grant's Zebra Equus quagga boehmi
2:21 Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor
2:22 Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
2:23 Leafcutter Ants Atta genus
2:25 Mountain Gorilla Gorilla beringei beringei
2:26 Phoenicopterus minor
2:30 Spitting Cobra Naja genus
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2:49 Common Stingray Dasyatis pastinaca
2:57 Flying Squirrel Pteromyini tribe
3:00 Polar Bear Ursus maritimus
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3:11 Spitting Cobra Naja genus
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3:13 Orangutan Pongo pygmaeus
3:16 Southern Tamandua Tamandua tetradactyla
3:18 Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus
3:18 Tiliqua rugosa
3:19 African Wild Dog Lycaon pictus
3:22 Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius
3:25 Pongo pygmaeus
3:29 American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
3:36 Hippopotamus amphibius
3:37 African Bush Elephant Loxodonta africana
3:39 Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
3:41 Kangaroo, probably Grey Kangaroo Macropus giganteus



@DJAshTheBash4321

For those not in the know:

Mark Hollis was a Co Founder of the band Talk Talk, he was a lead singer, song writer, Guitarist, played the Piano too, born in Tottenham North London U.K.

Died February 2019 of Cancer.

A sad loss.

Thank you Mark for the great lyrics created…great music and for the fond memories you made and gave too.

❤It!



All comments from YouTube:

@leecromer3289

I’m 67 sat with a tinnie and whiskey chaser watching this on iPad and headphones remembering better times with a tear in my eyes..

@user-nf3vi1hp3v

let go bro move on and love the past

@martinhenderson316

You watch this for some escapism to remember the good times, and just realise just how crap this world is now.

@eivisch

life is a cruel mistress

@nereidapabon2904

I just wrote something similar, ❤

@diwamoto9237

I'm also 67🙋‍♀️💪

32 More Replies...

@callmewheels4806

I’m grateful that I grew up in the 80’s. This is such good music.

@deejaypat1

The best years in music !!!

@Veritas.0

The neon decade. Source for today's cyberpunk revival.

@kevinbouchard3906

@@Cookie-Taylor the woke brigade embraced it cause it was inclusive...duh!

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