Respectable
Mel & Kim Lyrics


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Yes Ha-ha, ha-ha-ha ......
Hey man (hey man), Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, Hey man (hey man)

Tay, tay, tay, tay, t-t-t-tay-tay, tay, tay
It's our occupation, we're a dancin' natio-ion
We keep the pressure on every night
Explanations are complicatio-ions
We don't need to know the where or why
Tay, tay, tay, tay, t-t-t-tay-tay, tay, tay

Takin' chances, bold advance-e-es, Don't care if you think we're out of line
Conversation is interrigatio-ion, Get out of here, we just don't have the time

Tay, tay, tay, tay, t-t-t-tay-tay, tay, tay
Take or leave us only please believe us
We are never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Like us, hate us, but you'll never change us
We are never gonna be respectable (respectable, respectable, respectable, respectable)

Hesitation is just frustratio-ion, Give us the music and we're alright
On each occasion for your informatio-ion, We can look after ourselves alright

Tay, tay, tay, tay, t-t-t-tay-tay, tay, tay
Fascination is our sensatio-ion, We like to put ourselves on the line
Recreation is our destinatio-ion, so don't wait up for us tonight
Tay, tay, tay, tay, t-t-t-tay-tay, tay, tay

Take or leave us, only please believe us
We are never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Like us, hate us, but you'll never change us
We are never going to be respectable (respectable, respectable, respectable, respectable)

Ha-ha, ha-ha-ha ......
Hey man (hey man), Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, Hey man (hey man)

Tay, tay, tay, tay, t-t-t-tay-tay, tay, tay
Take or leave us, only please believe us
We are never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Like us, hate us, but you'll never change us




We are never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Take or leave

Overall Meaning

The song "Respectable" by Mel & Kim, released in 1987, is a declaration of independence and self-assurance. The lyrics speak of the duo's refusal to conform to societal expectations and the rejection of the notion that they have to be "respectable." According to them, their job is to dance, and that is precisely what they intend to do. They do not care what others think about them, and they will not be interrogated or pressured into changing.


The chorus of the song, "Take or leave us, only please believe us. We are never gonna be respectable,” repeats throughout the song, emphasizing this message of resilience and independence. The verses go on to explain that they do not need explanations for their behavior as dancers, and they are not afraid to take risks or face criticism. They live their lives for the thrill of the dance and enjoy putting themselves on the line for it.


In short, "Respectable" is an anthem for individuality, freedom, and unapologetic self-expression, which Mel & Kim fully embrace through their music and dance.


Line by Line Meaning

Yes Ha-ha, ha-ha-ha ......
Starting the song with laughter and cheerful mood


Hey man (hey man), Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, Hey man (hey man)
Addressing someone in a friendly and humorous way


Tay, tay, tay, tay, t-t-t-tay-tay, tay, tay
Filling the gaps between lyrics with meaningless yet catchy sounds


It's our occupation, we're a dancin' natio-ion
Dancing is our profession and passion


We keep the pressure on every night
We perform to the best of our abilities each night


Explanations are complicatio-ions
We don't bother explaining ourselves as it only creates confusion


We don't need to know the where or why
We don't need to understand the reasons behind our actions


Takin' chances, bold advance-e-es, Don't care if you think we're out of line
We take risks and make daring moves without worrying about criticism


Conversation is interrigatio-ion, Get out of here, we just don't have the time
We don't have patience for pointless conversations and would rather focus on our goals


Take or leave us only please believe us
You can accept or reject us, but please trust that we are being true to ourselves


We are never gonna be respectable (respectable)
We don't seek approval from society's standards of respectability


Like us, hate us, but you'll never change us
Our personalities and ways of life are fixed and unchanging


Hesitation is just frustratio-ion, Give us the music and we're alright
Delaying or doubting our actions only leads to frustration, but good music keeps us going


On each occasion for your informatio-ion, We can look after ourselves alright
We are self-sufficient and capable of taking care of ourselves


Fascination is our sensatio-ion, We like to put ourselves on the line
We find excitement in taking risks and challenging ourselves


Recreation is our destinatio-ion, so don't wait up for us tonight
Having fun and enjoying life is our ultimate goal, so don't expect us to come home early


Take or leave us, only please believe us
Our individuality is not up for negotiation, but we hope you can trust and respect us


We are never gonna be respectable (respectable)
Our refusal to conform to societal norms of respectability is a conscious choice


Ha-ha, ha-ha-ha ......
Ending the song on a light-hearted and humorous note


Hey man (hey man), Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha, Hey man (hey man)
Repeating the friendly and playful opening lines


Tay, tay, tay, tay, t-t-t-tay-tay, tay, tay
Finishing the song with the same catchy sounds as the beginning




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MATT AITKEN, MIKE STOCK, PETER WATERMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@JohnDoe404_

I was 11 when this song was released.
A stunningly beautiful Aboriginal girl did a dance to this for my year 6 class.
I feel in love with her and this song.
When I told my friends I loved Vicki, I was teased for liking a black girl.
When I confided to my sister with new shame that I loved a girl that I shouldn’t, she kicked me up the arse.
Told me never to judge, and she introduced me to Vicki’s older sister. Vicki told me they were both Aboriginal Princesses on their land.
I never knew if that was true, Vicki’s older sister later fell in love with me when I got older. 🤪
What a complicated web of emotions youth brings us.

I have very few good memories from my childhood I’m glad this song allows me to reflect on some joy.

🤷‍♂️



All comments from YouTube:

@Davetg01

I was about 17 when this was released, im now 50 and I still love it. RIP Mel.

@m1k3ywestley51

Turned 50 this past June

@luckyboy407

I'm 48 it's such a good song.

@strent1752

Lol what happened. Still banging music. Fantastic

@MrMB040

This was released on my 16th birthday, I am 50 now!!

@terryowings9469

same here...Time fly's

20 More Replies...

@momo58076

Those dance moves were on point, Mel n Kim were one formidable duo

@paultreadaway102

Sisters know each and respect each other had their patterns down to a fine art in their genes

@thegreenmanofnorwich

The choreography may not be especially nuts, but they have so much energy and are to precisely on time that they're a real joy to watch.

@jayb8298

I was 15 & adored these girls...Mel was my fave..I was devastated when she passed away in 1990 at the age of only 23.....fans still remember you Mel...RIP...❤️

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