Her self-titled debut album, Mathilde Santing, came out in 1982 and she gas released well over fifteen studio albums since, most of them sung in English, although she sometimes performs and records in her mother tongue as well. Known for her whispery and vulnerable vocal style, Santing is a prominent gay role model in The Netherlands. She sang at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1998 Gay Games in Amsterdam.
Santing's biggest chart success came in 1999 with the lush ballad 'Wonderful Life', which hit #6 in the Dutch Top 40. The song was taken from the 1999 album To Others To One, which is her highest charting album in her native Netherlands to date, reaching #4 in the Dutch album charts.
Some People's Lives
Mathilde Santing Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
One day they stop, that's all the've got
And some lives wear out like old tennis shoes
No one can use, it's sad but it's true
Didn't anybody tell them
Didn't anybody see
Didn't anybody love them
Like you love me?
And some people's eyes fade like their dreams
Too tired to rise, too tired to sleep
And some people laugh when they need to cry
And they never know why
Didn't anybody tell them that's not how it used to be
Didn't anybody love them like you love me?
Some people ask if the tears have to fall
Then why take all chances
Why bother at all
And some people's lives are as cold as their lips
They just need to be kissed
Doesn't anybody tell them
Doesn't anybody see
Doesn't anybody love them
Like you love me
'Cause that's all they need
The lyrics of "Some People's Lives" by Mathilde Santing describe the different kinds of lives people live, with some running down like clocks and others wearing out like old tennis shoes. The song also touches upon themes of neglect, loneliness, and the basic human need for love and connection. The first verse talks about how some people's lives seem to end abruptly and tragically, without much of a warning or explanation. The second verse describes how some people's dreams and aspirations are dulled by exhaustion and weariness, leading them to laugh instead of cry when they should. The chorus then asks why nobody has shown these people more love and affection to help them through their struggles.
The last verse is perhaps the saddest part of the song, as it describes how some people's lives are so devoid of warmth and intimacy that they feel as cold as their own lips. This highlights the fact that everyone needs physical and emotional affection in order to feel fulfilled and happy, and that sometimes what people need most is just a little love and compassion from those around them. Throughout the song, the singer urges us to be more attentive to the people in our lives who may be struggling or hurting, and to show them love whenever we can.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people's lives run down like clocks
Some people's lives seem to be ticking away like clocks, with a set endpoint.
One day they stop, that's all they've got
Their life ends and all they have left are their memories, accomplishments and regrets.
And some lives wear out like old tennis shoes
Some people's lives become like old, unusable tennis shoes, with no purpose in a world that constantly changes.
No one can use, it's sad but it's true
Their lives become useless, even to themselves, and though it's a sad truth, it's still reality.
Didn't anybody tell them
Did no one try to warn them or guide them towards a happier path?
Didn't anybody see
Did no one notice their struggles, pain, or loneliness?
Didn't anybody love them
Did no one show them love, kindness, or compassion?
Like you love me?
Do they not deserve love like the artist has received?
And some people's eyes fade like their dreams
The dreams they once had, and the hope they once held, slowly fades until their eyes become empty and blank.
Too tired to rise, too tired to sleep
They are exhausted from the pain of their lives, unable to find rest or energy.
And some people laugh when they need to cry
They mask their feelings and emotions, pretending to be happy or uncaring when they really want to let out their sadness and tears.
And they never know why
They are unable to understand their own feelings and emotions.
Didn't anybody tell them that's not how it used to be
Did no one remind them of a time when they were happier or give them hope for a better future?
Some people ask if the tears have to fall
They wonder if experiencing pain and sadness is necessary to live.
Then why take all chances, why bother at all
If sadness is inevitable, why take risks and try to find joy at all?
And some people's lives are as cold as their lips
Some people's lives are devoid of warmth and love, making them as cold and lifeless as their lips.
They just need to be kissed
All they need is someone to show them love, affection, and human connection.
Doesn't anybody tell them
Did no one try to help them improve their lives or show them a better path?
Doesn't anybody see
Did no one notice their struggles or their need for help?
Doesn't anybody love them
Did no one give them the love and care they deserve?
Like you love me
Don't they deserve the same love and care that the artist has received?
Cause that's all they need
All they need is love, compassion, and connection to make their lives more meaningful and fulfilling.
Contributed by Zachary L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.