The debut Massive Attack album Blue Lines was released in 1991, with the single "Unfinished Sympathy" reaching the charts and later being voted the 63rd greatest song of all time in a poll by NME. 1998's Mezzanine (containing the top 10 single "Teardrop") and 2003's 100th Window charted in the UK at number one. Both Blue Lines and Mezzanine feature in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
The group has won numerous music awards throughout their career, including a Brit Award—winning Best British Dance Act, two MTV Europe Music Awards and two Q Awards. They have released five studio albums that have sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Throughout their history, Massive Attack have been supporters and activists for political, human rights and environmental causes.
Special Cases
Massive Attack Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nor tell him all the things that make you cry
But check yourself for your own shit
And don't be making out like it's all his
Take a look around the world
You see such bad things happening
There are many good men
The deadliest of sin is pride
Make you feel like you're always right
But there are always two sides
It takes two to make love, two to make a life
Take a look around the world
You see such mad things happening
There's a few good men
Thank your lucky stars that he's one of them
In Massive Attack's song "Special Cases," the lyrics speak to the complexities of relationships and the importance of self-reflection. The opening lines caution against criticizing one's partner and instead encourage taking stock of one's own shortcomings. The verse "take a look around the world, you see such bad things happening" suggests that in the context of a world full of strife, it is important to recognize the value of having a good partner. The chorus highlights the deadly sin of pride and the importance of acknowledging that relationships involve cooperation from both parties.
The second verse exhorts the listener to appreciate their partner, suggesting that there are not many good men in the world. This line can be interpreted as referencing the scarcity of positive male role models, or more generally as a caution against taking a good partner for granted. The song ultimately suggests that meaningful connections require both self-awareness and appreciation for one's partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't tell your man what he don't do right
It's not productive to criticize and point out your partner's shortcomings
Nor tell him all the things that make you cry
Don't unload all your emotional baggage on your partner, only to make him feel bad
But check yourself for your own shit
Before blaming your partner, reflect on your own behavior and contribution to the situation
And don't be making out like it's all his
Don't put all the blame on your partner, take responsibility for your own actions and feelings
Take a look around the world
Consider the state of the world and the many negative things happening around us
You see such bad things happening
There is a lot of suffering and injustice in the world
There are many good men
Despite the negativity, there are still good people in the world, including men
Ask yourself, is he one of them?
Reflect on whether your partner is a good person, rather than focusing on their flaws
The deadliest of sin is pride
Pride can be a destructive force, causing people to be closed-minded and uncooperative
Make you feel like you're always right
Pride can give people an inflated sense of self-importance, making them believe their own opinions and actions are always correct
But there are always two sides
In any conflict or issue, there are multiple perspectives and viewpoints to consider
It takes two to make love, two to make a life
Building a relationship or a life requires the input and cooperation of both partners
There's a few good men
Although there may be negativity in the world, there are still some good men out there
Thank your lucky stars that he's one of them
Appreciate and recognize the positive qualities and actions of your partner, and feel fortunate that you have them in your life
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Robert Del Naja, Neil Davidge, Grantley Marshall, Sinead O'connor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@JustShutUpNWatch
[Verse 1: Sinéad O’Connor]
Don't tell your man what he don't do right
Nor tell him all the things that make you cry
But check yourself for your own shit
And don't be making out like it's all his
[Chorus: Sinéad O’Connor]
Take a look around the world
You see such bad things happening
There are many good men
Ask yourself, is he one of them?
[Verse 2: Sinéad O’Connor]
The deadliest of sin is pride
Make you feel like you're always right
But there are always two sides
It takes two to make love, two to make a life
[Chorus: Sinéad O’Connor]
Take a look around the world
You see such mad things happening
There are few good men
Thank your lucky stars that he's one of them
@TriadHD
RIP Sinead, absolute legend, you'll be missed 💖
@fabianadorazio4564
❤❤
@alinazaranska9135
yes
@dragonflysalomon
Yes you are and you will...
@jenniferfrances8793
❤ she had such an amazing voice. Now she is singing in heaven 🙏🏼🕊❤️🕯️
@joelurrea5056
Asi es
@Sakura790
This song was vital for my musical education when I was 13. It made my brain explode with possibilities on how to appreciate music. And a huge part of this was because of Sinead's haunting voice. R.I.P. Thank you for the music, you beautiful, beautiful, troubled soul. Hope you find peace.
@starlightmetamorphosis
Nuh uh
@Phonographies
RIP beautiful Sinéad. She was a special case and this is a song that I still listen... twenty years after. Her voice...
@oscillatewildly2191
This song gives me goosebumps. Sinead O'Connor with her perfect, fragile voice.