Born and raised in Malawi, East Africa, Malia's family had to go into exile… Read Full Bio ↴Born and raised in Malawi, East Africa, Malia's family had to go into exile in London in the late eighties. It was here that she got hooked onto music and discovered jazz, especially singers like Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday, a turning point in her life. After she finished school she started singing background parts in diverse pop-projects but wanted more. She found herself a pianist and started writing her own songs, working in bars and clubs around town. This worked well for her, but the breakthrough came when, two years ago, she discovered producer André Manoukian (Liane Foly, Gilbert Bécaud, Viktor Lazlo, etc.).
Manoukian was immediately taken by her wonderful and unique voice and produced her debut album Yellow Daffodils for her, which has been released by Sony Music.

Don't Explain
Malia Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

My baby don′t care for shows
My baby don't care for clothes
My baby just cares for me
My baby don′t care for cars and races
My baby don't care for high-tone places

Liz Taylor is not his style
And even Lana Turner's smile

Is something he can′t see
My baby don′t care who knows
My baby just cares for me

Baby, my baby don't care for shows
And he don′t even care for clothes
He cares for me
My baby don't care for cars and races
My baby don′t care for,
He don't care for high-tone places

Liz Taylor is not his style
And even Liberace′s smile
Is something he can't see
Is something he can't see
I wonder what′s wrong with baby

My baby just cares for

My baby just cares for
My baby just cares for me

Overall Meaning

In "Don't Explain," Malia sings about a lover who doesn't care for the glitz and glamour of the high-class lifestyle. The lyrics suggest that her partner is not impressed by fancy shows, expensive clothes, or the high-culture of the upper class. Her partner finds joy and fulfillment in simply being with her, which is all that truly matters.

The lyrics are simple and straightforward yet powerfully communicate the message that true love is not about superficial things. The choice of names like Liz Taylor and Lana Turner serves to emphasize the idea that even the most glamorous of Hollywood celebrities cannot impress the singer's partner, who is happy with their relationship as it is.

While the song is short and sweet, it captures the essence of a meaningful and loving relationship, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters rather than being distracted by material possessions or societal expectations.

Line by Line Meaning

My baby don't care for shows
My significant other is not interested in attending social events or live performances

My baby don't care for clothes
My significant other is not interested in fashion and clothing

My baby just cares for me
My significant other values and prioritizes our relationship above all else

My baby don't care for cars and races
My significant other is not interested in material possessions or high-speed competitions

My baby don't care for high-tone places
My significant other is not interested in fancy or exclusive locations

Liz Taylor is not his style
My significant other does not find appeal in Hollywood celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor

And even Lana Turner's smile is something he can't see
My significant other does not find attraction or appreciation in famous actresses like Lana Turner

My baby don't care who knows
My significant other is unashamed of our relationship and does not care about public opinion

My baby just cares for me
My significant other's love and attention is solely focused on our relationship

Writer(s): Billie Holiday, Arthur Herzog Jr.

Contributed by Scarlett D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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