Don't Explain
Lou Rawls Lyrics


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Hush now don't explain
I know you raise Cain
I'm glad you're back
Don't explain

Quiet, don't explain
You mixed with some dame
Skip that lipstick
Don't explain

You know that I love you and what love endures
All my thoughts are of you
For I'm so completely yours
Cry to hear folks chatter, and I know you cheat
But right and wrong don't matter when you're with me sleep

Hush now, don't explain
You're my joy and pain




My life's yours love
Don't explain

Overall Meaning

Lou Rawls's song Don't Explain is about the unconditional love between two people. The singer in the song knows that their partner has been unfaithful and has hurt them, but still, they choose to love and accept them for who they are. The lyrics "Hush now don't explain, I know you raise Cain, I'm glad you're back, Don't explain" are a testament to the fact that the singer is willing to look past their partner's character flaws and accept them wholly.


The second verse of the song speaks in more detail about the partner's infidelity, "You mixed with some dame, Skip that lipstick, Don't explain," but the singer refuses to dwell on the past and chooses to move forward with love. The lines "You know that I love you and what love endures, All my thoughts are of you, For I'm so completely yours" show that the depth of the singer's love knows no bounds and they are willing to forgive and forget.


The final verse of the song "Cry to hear folks chatter, and I know you cheat, But right and wrong don't matter when you're with me sleep" emphasizes the idea that sometimes love goes beyond an individual's actions and morality. The singer is saying that despite what others may say or think, they will still love their partner wholeheartedly. The phrase "when you're with me sleep" suggests that the singer and their partner will be together in the most intimate moments, and that love is all that truly matters in the end.


Line by Line Meaning

Hush now don't explain
Quiet, don't provide excuses or justifications


I know you raise Cain
I know you cause trouble or engage in mischief


I'm glad you're back
I'm happy to have you back in my life


Don't explain
Don't give reasons for your behavior or actions


Quiet, don't explain
Keep silent and don't provide justifications


You mixed with some dame
You associated with another woman


Skip that lipstick
Don't try to make excuses or hide evidence with makeup


Don't explain
Don't justify or excuse your actions


You know that I love you and what love endures
You know that I love you despite any hardships or difficulties


All my thoughts are of you
I'm constantly thinking of you


For I'm so completely yours
I belong to you completely


Cry to hear folks chatter, and I know you cheat
I get upset when people gossip about us, and I know you're unfaithful


But right and wrong don't matter when you're with me sleep
Moral distinctions are irrelevant when we're together


You're my joy and pain
You bring me both happiness and sorrow


My life's yours love
I belong to you completely


Don't explain
Don't justify or excuse your actions




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Arthur Jr. Herzog, Billie Holiday

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

snowstorm1956

That good old fashion,May-December love.Only you Lou can make it sound so right! Great album!

buck downer

Would love to hear his monologue...

Michele DeLeon

You have always been one of my favorites.   I really miss you.

mizpahboy

Pure honey from the honey tree baby

坂巻 去来

🍀🥀💚😀

james franks

second only to Lady Day . JF

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