Quiet
Malvina Reynolds Lyrics


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I don't know much about much,
And what I don't know I don't say,
And when I have nothing to say,
I'm quiet.

Chorus:
When there's occasion to holler, I'll buy it.
I can make noise with the best.
But most of the rest of the time I'm quiet.

I've made mistakes in the past,
Things that I blush over yet,
But I hardly ever regret
Having been quiet.

(Chorus)

I have a T.V. at home
And I do truly enjoy it.
I can just leave it alone
And it's quiet.

(Chorus)

I'm not unsociable, no,
People are fine in repose;
Somehow my favorites are those
Who are quiet.

(Chorus)

Quiet's a wonderful sound,
Sweeter than oboe or fiddle,
Someday I'm going to be found in the middle
Of quiet.

(Chorus)

Sing me a song of the sea
Soft as the breath of a breeze,




Sing me to sleep and then please
Keep quiet.

Overall Meaning

The song "Quiet" by Malvina Reynolds is a celebration of silence and stillness in a world that is often too loud and chaotic. The singer acknowledges that she doesn't know everything and doesn't feel the need to speak unless she has something meaningful to say. She is comfortable with being quiet most of the time, but can also raise her voice when necessary. In the chorus, she says she can "make noise with the best," but emphasizes that quiet is her preferred state. She reflects on past mistakes, but doesn't regret being quiet. The singer also expresses her appreciation for quiet people, and even describes quiet as a "wonderful sound" that she hopes to someday be found in the middle of.


Overall, the lyrics of "Quiet" are an ode to the value of silence and the importance of self-reflection. In a world that prizes being loud and constantly connected, the singer is content to enjoy the simple pleasures of a quiet evening at home with her television turned off. She finds beauty in the peacefulness of nature, embodied in the soft song of the sea. The song encourages listeners to appreciate the stillness of life, and to find meaning and purpose in silence as much as in noise.


Line by Line Meaning

I don't know much about much,
I admit that I have limited knowledge


And what I don't know I don't say,
I don't pretend to know things I'm not familiar with


And when I have nothing to say,
When there's nothing of value to contribute, I choose to remain silent


I'm quiet.
I value peace and tranquil moments of silence, and prefer them over unnecessary noise


When there's occasion to holler, I'll buy it.
If a situation calls for it, I can be vocal and make my voice heard


I can make noise with the best.
I can be loud and expressive if the moment necessitates it


But most of the rest of the time I'm quiet.
However, most times I prefer the calming remedy of serenity and being still


I've made mistakes in the past,
I am not perfect, I have erred in the past


Things that I blush over yet,
Mistakes or decisions that still make me feel embarrassed or uncomfortable


But I hardly ever regret
Despite this, I am at peace with having kept quiet and not making unnecessary noise


Having been quiet.
I cherish the peacefulness of silence instead of the unnecessary clatter of noise


I have a T.V. at home
I own a television


And I do truly enjoy it.
I genuinely find pleasure in watching television


I can just leave it alone
I can also appreciate the quietness of having it turned off


And it's quiet.
The peacefulness of stillness and lack of noise created by the television when it's turned off is refreshing


I'm not unsociable, no,
I am not opposed to being around people and socializing


People are fine in repose;
I actually prefer people around me when they are in calm, passive, or quiet states


Somehow my favorites are those
My personal preference is for those who prefer quietness and stillness to noisy chatter


Who are quiet.
I value that they too find serenity in tranquillity and stillness lack of noise


Quiet's a wonderful sound,
The placidity of muteness is a beautiful and peaceful thing


Sweeter than oboe or fiddle,
The sound of silence is even more beautiful than pleasant musical instruments


Someday I'm going to be found in the middle
It is my goal to seek inner peace in the midst of chaotic surroundings


Of quiet.
I will forever seek the fulfillment and solace of quietness


Sing me a song of the sea
I request that you sing me a serene song about the sea, with soothing melody and peaceful lyrics


Soft as the breath of a breeze,
This song should be harmonizing like the mild exhales of nature


Sing me to sleep and then please
Sing me to repose, and then would you kindly


Keep quiet.
Grant me the tranquil stillness of peacefulness after singing




Contributed by Cole G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@AvitalShtap

Her voice is an instant ticket to me crying. She's wise beyond generations. I feel that this song is a direct response to a song from Malvina's childhood; "Daddy and Home" by Jimmie Rodgers, 1928. The chorus of that song is absolutely the major chord version of this song - hear it and you'll see! They are so similar in their soul.

@EvgeniyNeutralMusician

Simple yet genius lyrics. Hell yeah. Brilliant Malvina Reynolds, gentlemen and ladies.

@maylencairus5219

OMG, i'm brazilian guy and this voice make me cry ! Incredible !

@chazchavara3192

She's such an amazing, beautiful lady!

@anitalc1

I bet she knew a lot about a lot of things.

@deprogramr

SOOOOO GOOOD! it makes me want to BURST!

@sinterQ

this is genius

@TeresaJCigic

My theme song.

@superdragonslayer69

such a great gal.

@Jimpeacfammusic

T he essense of speaking truth to power,(that often isn't). But much more ...believing in truth, and betting all your cookies on it. The great singer-songwriters are writers of the new bible. Listen and pick up the candle and follow.

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