La Havas was born in London, England to a Greek father and Jamaican mother. She was raised in Tooting and Streatham, spending the majority of her time with her grandparents, following her parents' separation as a child. La Havas' cites her parents' diverse musical tastes as having the biggest influence on her music. She began singing at seven. Her mother played Jill Scott and Mary j. Blige, while her father, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, taught her the basics of guitar and piano. Lianne wrote her first song at the age of 11 but did not learn to play the guitar until she was 18 years old. At 18, Lianne began attending Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College for Girls in Croydon, where she studied art and planned to take her A-Levels in art foundation. However, she left college and decided to pursue a career in music full-time.
While attending sixth-form in Croydon, a friend of La Havas', (who attended the Brit School) introduced her to other musicians who assisted La Havas in the recording of her first demos. Through that same friend, La Havas was also introduced to British singer, Paloma Faith; she later sang backing vocals on tour for Faith. La Havas was co-writer and performer in 'The Paris Parade' alongside Christian Pinchbeck (who designed the artwork for Lost & Found) and also is now part of the duo Elephant (Memphis Industries). They had a short career but it began La Havas' career in commercial music. In 2010, Lianne signed to Warner Bros. Records, spending two years developing her songwriting skills before releasing music publicly.
La Havas made her television debut on October 21, 2011, broadcast of BBC Two's Later, with Jools Holland, a program that also featured Wisconsin folk band Bon Iver. Following her appearance on Later, with Jools Holland, it was announced on October 25, 2011 that La Havas would be the supporting act for Bon Iver's December 2011 North American tour.
La Havas released her debut EP, Lost & Found, on October 12, 2011 on the Labour of Love label and featured Willy Mason on the opening track, No Room For Doubt. That same month, La Havas released a live EP, titled Live in LA, which was made available for free download on her website. La Havas released her third EP titled Forget, on December 30, 2011 on the label Warner Brothers.
Her official debut single, Lost & Found was released in the UK on April 30, 2012. Her debut album, Is Your Love Big Enough?, was released on July 9, 2012 in the UK on Warner Brothers.
What You Don't Do
Lianne La Havas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Telling everything but the truth, the truth
Three little words over time overheard and overused, used
No sweet nothing could ever be turned into something new
No grand gesture could ever be made to measure you
I know what I got and I know where we're going
You don't need to show it, I already know it all
(It's what you don't do) I know you love me, I don't need proof
It's what you don't do, the games you don't play
(It's what you don't do) I know you love me, I don't need proof
I've been saving up my time so I could spend it all on you, on you
Oh, all I need is to see you smile, I've forgotten how to be blue, blue
I know what I got and I know where we're going
You don't need to show it, I already know it all
It's what you don't do, it's what you don't say
(It's what you don't do) I know you love me, I don't need proof
It's what you don't do, the games you don't play
(It's what you don't do) I know you love me, I don't need proof
Don't tell the whole world, just wanna be your girl
(It's what you don't do, it's what you don't do)
The closer we get, oh
The less we need to show
I know what I got and I know where we're going
You don't need to show it, I already know it all
It's what you don't do, it's what you don't say
(It's what you don't do) I know you love me, I don't need proof
It's what you don't do, the games you don't play
(It's what you don't do) I know you love me, I don't need proof
Won't tell the whole world, just wanna be your girl
(It's what you don't do) I know you love me, I don't need proof
It's what you don't do, it's what you don't say
(It's what you don't do, it's what you don't do)
Oh, the closer we get, oh
The less we need to show
In Lianne La Havas's song "What You Don't Do," the lyrics explore the idea that it's not always about grand gestures, but the small things that truly show love and appreciation in a relationship. The song talks about how the little lies and empty promises can overshadow genuine affection and undermine trust. It highlights the importance of actions and the power of love that doesn't need to be constantly proved or validated.
The lyric "no grand gesture could ever be made to measure you" implies that the singer does not believe that any grand gesture could truly express the depth of their love for their partner. Instead, it's the subtle things, like saving time to spend it with them and simply enjoying their company, that create a lasting impact.
The lyric "the closer we get, oh the less we need to show" suggests that the more intimately a couple knows each other, the less they need to prove their love to one another. Love becomes more secure and doesn't need to be constantly validated by grand gestures or displays of affection.
Line by Line Meaning
Heavy words, little lies
You are using complex language and avoiding the truth.
Telling everything but the truth, the truth
You are sharing details, but not the whole truth.
Three little words over time overheard and overused, used
Saying 'I love you' is not enough to show affection, it must be accompanied by action.
No sweet nothing could ever be turned into something new
Empty promises and flattery are not enough to build a solid relationship.
No grand gesture could ever be made to measure you
A big event or gift cannot replace the small, consistent acts of love and affection.
I know what I got and I know where we're going
I am secure in our relationship and confident in our future together.
You don't need to show it, I already know it all
You do not need to prove your love to me, it is already evident.
It's what you don't do, it's what you don't say
Your actions and nonverbal communication speak louder than empty words.
(It's what you don't do) I know you love me, I don't need proof
I do not require grand gestures or declarations of love, your consistent actions are proof enough.
It's what you don't do, the games you don't play
You do not play manipulative games or withhold affection, which strengthens our relationship.
Don't tell the whole world, just wanna be your girl
I do not require public displays of affection, I simply want a deep, meaningful connection with you.
The closer we get, oh
The less we need to show
As our relationship deepens, we require less external validation or displays of affection.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Matthew Hales, Samuel Dew, Sylvester Stewart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind