Don't Talk
Michael Dunford's Renaissance Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I was secure in my mind
Nothing would sway my way
I closed my eyes your designs
Left me unmoved to doubt you
Don't talk to me of love songs
Melodies stray colour my day

Don't talk about ways - that we once loved, and once lived

Don't talk about days we were together
Don't think, I'll break down - your fingers soft on my skin
Don't talk about love - 'cause I won't let you in

I was so sure on my own
No-one could change my day
I could be happy alone
That's where I lived without you
You talk to me of love songs

Melodies weave making believe
Don't talk about ways we once laughed and made love
Don't talk about us, I've no defenses
You know I'll break down, your fingers soft on my skin
Don't talk about love - 'cause I just might let you in

Talk don't talk - talk
Talk don't talk - talk
Talk don't talk - talk
Talk don't talk - talk

Don't talk about ways - that we once loved, and once lived
Don't talk about days we were together
Don't think I'll break down - your fingers soft on my skin
Don't talk about love - 'cause I won't let you in

Don't talk about ways we once laughed and made love
Don't talk about us, I've no defenses
You know I'll break down - your fingers soft on my skin
Don't talk about love - 'cause I just might let you in

Don't talk about ways we that once loved and made thin ... together
Don't think I'll break down - your fingers soft on my skin
Don't talk about love - 'cause I just might let you in

Don't talk about ways we once laughed and made love

Don't talk about us, I've no defenses
You know

Overall Meaning

"Don't Talk" by Michael Dunford's Renaissance was released in 1978 as part of their album "A Song for All Seasons". The song is about a person who has moved on from a past relationship and is content with being alone. However, their former lover tries to talk to them about love and their past, but they refuse to listen and allow those emotions back into their life. The repetition of the phrase "don't talk" emphasizes the person's resolve to not let themselves be vulnerable to love and past memories. The use of the word "melodies" signifies the emotional resonance of love songs that often brings back feelings of nostalgia and heartache.

Line by Line Meaning

I was secure in my mind
I felt confident and sure of myself

Nothing would sway my way
I felt nothing could affect or change my way of thinking or feeling

I closed my eyes your designs
I ignored your actions and intentions

Left me unmoved to doubt you
I was not moved either positively or negatively by your presence and did not question you

Don't talk to me of love songs
Please do not bring up the topic of love songs

Melodies stray colour my day
The sound of music affects my mood

Don't talk about ways - that we once loved, and once lived
Please do not talk about the ways we loved and lived in the past

Don't talk about days we were together
Please do not talk about the days we spent together

Don't think, I'll break down - your fingers soft on my skin
Do not assume that I will be emotionally vulnerable if you touch me gently

Don't talk about love - 'cause I won't let you in
Please do not talk about love because I will not allow you to affect my emotions or thoughts

I was so sure on my own
I was confident in my independence and did not need anyone else

No-one could change my day
No one had the power to affect my mood or thoughts

I could be happy alone
I was capable of finding happiness without the presence of another person

That's where I lived without you
I was content living my life without you in it

You talk to me of love songs
You are attempting to talk to me about love songs

Melodies weave making believe
The music creates illusions and unrealistic expectations of love

Talk don't talk - talk
The communication or lack thereof between the two people is emphasized

Don't talk about ways - that we once loved, and once lived
Please do not talk about the ways we loved and lived in the past

Don't think I'll break down - your fingers soft on my skin
Do not assume that I will be emotionally vulnerable if you touch me gently

Don't talk about love - 'cause I won't let you in
Please do not talk about love because I will not allow you to affect my emotions or thoughts

Don't talk about ways we once laughed and made love
Please do not talk about the ways we laughed and made love in the past

Don't talk about us, I've no defenses
Please do not talk about us and our relationship because I have no defenses or emotional barriers in place

You know I'll break down - your fingers soft on my skin
You are aware that I will be emotionally vulnerable if you touch me gently

Don't talk about love - 'cause I just might let you in
Please do not talk about love because I may allow you to affect my emotions or thoughts

Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: DUNFORD THATCHER-NEWSINGER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@mateushumbertodesouza2584

Changing moods and stranger feelings
In my dealings with the world
Faces that I've seen before am I sure
Or has my brain turned
Thinking about things I don't understand
Thinking about things I don't understand
Dreams and omens of my future
Like a sculpture finely molded
Stars that guide my destiny
Tell me what I will be
A chart unfolded
Thinking about things I don't understand
Thinking about things I don't understand
Da da ... la la ... oh oh oh ...
Seems there's plans for everyone
The day will come and we will know
We all are tied in with each other
Everyone brothers
One great flow
Thinking about things I don't understand
Thinking about things I don't understand
La la la ...
And in the morning of my time
I'll try to understand
I learn by what I find
And love you if I can
We don't need to know the answers
To hope and pray for peace
And each by what he can
To make us all complete
Oh oh oh ...

@user-hi2qm4yb4y

4y↑6

@LeandroLoan

4y↑4

Changing moods and stranger feelings
In my dealings with the world
Faces that I've seen before am I sure
Or has my brain turned

Thinking about things I don't understand
Thinking about things I don't understand

Dreams and omens of my future
Like a sculpture finely molded
Stars that guide my destiny
Tell me what I will be
A chart unfolded

Thinking about things I don't understand
Thinking about things I don't understand

Da da ... la la ... oh oh oh ...

Seems there's plans for everyone
The day will come and we will know
We all are tied in with each other
Everyone brothers
One great flow

Thinking about things I don't understand
Thinking about things I don't understand

La la la ...

And in the morning of my time
I'll try to understand
I learn by what I find
And love you if I can

We don't need to know the answers
To hope and pray for peace
And each by what he can
To make us all complete

Oh oh oh ...

All comments from YouTube:

@user-ud1rc9lv3g

They don't EVER write/perform like the artists of this era. Brilliant!😊

@ricardoihler1787

One of the best prog band of all times!!!

@manuelgomessamuel

4y↑48

This is a true grandiose masterpiece. An amazing ensemble of fabulous composing, orchestration and singing. I, and many people I talk to, we are gradually realizing that, even if some of us prefer Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, King Crimson and the like, Renaissance is becoming the one and only band with a timeless sound. All the other bands have their music timestamped from the 70's, 80's and 90's. Renaissance music sounds like composed, played and recorded last week. Amazing.

@chickboomcrash

2y↑3

Could not have said better….

@LeandroLoan

2y↑2

I love them very much. It's a haunting group. Timeless music.

@lordprotector3367

2y↑1

In a time when musical virtuosity, sublime vocals and complex arrangements were beginning to be dismissed as 'pompous' and 'pretentious', the UK press dismissed them, but the US took them to their hearts. Four years later, they had two hits in the UK, however. I was aware of them due to these two tracks when I was 13 in 1979. I later heard this in the 'Friday Night Connection' on the Friday Rock Show, with Tommy Vance, in 1983, and immediately went out and bought the album, and was hooked ever since. The only other 2 tracks on the same feature that grabbed my attention were 'July Morning' and 'the Dance of the Hipdeath Goddess'. I was already a fan of the other bands you mention.

@verissimodenise

45w

I totally agree with you.

@massimomarchesin8708

28w

Grande brano DAVVERO UNO dei migliori della band!!!!!!! Grandi arrangiamenti molto raffinati strumentalmente complessi con piglio jazzato e con sublime interpretazione di ANNIE HASLAM!!!!!!! Che voce affascinante sensuale ammaliante che possiede ancora oggi questa signora del prog rock!!!!!!!!

@harleygal420

3y↑13

This song has aged like fine wine.

@johnh.2405

2y↑6

An absolute incredible voice.........

@slingblue9470

36w

Fantastic!!

@mikew6025

3y↑3

to those who were with us back then, hello again
to those that join us today, welcome
try to understand

@ivanmay7890

30w↑2

Annie Haslam has a very operatic singing range. I love Renaissance and Annie in general.

@machone35

4y↑26

One of the most beautiful compositions ever, especially after the 5 minute mark. I first heard this in 1975, and it has moved me to tears ever since.

@PepekBezlepek

2y↑3

this is so beautiful 🥺🥺🥺

@Swiddullee

4y↑13

I first heard this in 75 . Ive never lost my love for Annie's range. Sends me there to absolute peace .not many times you find a voice that can take you there EVERY time. If anything i love it more as time goes by. Thank you Annie

@Themanwhocameback2

4y↑5

I play this every couple of days, sometimes from just before the 5 minute mark onwards. It's better than a blast of pure oxygen.

@rodrigovaz6489

2y↑9

A voz mais bela do progressivo. A mais bela canção da banda. “Nós não precisamos saber as respostas.”

@Sandervideoclipsegames-or7ui

2y↑1

Concordo. Magnífica.

@katiejosmith246

3y↑5

I still listen to this song and still don’t understand things...still a hip hippie! ♥️

@jamespeterson4275

1y↑6

4:11 - 4:51 is one of the sickest sections in prog rock ever. Such a godtier string of (mostly) minor chromatic mediants (there's one minor tritone cadence which is also godtier and one progression where the minor chord moves up by a M2 instead of a third or sixth)
The first time me and my bandmate heard this (hes also obsessed with direct modulations in this vein like I am) we were legit going "HOLY SHIT" and counting how many of them there were when they kept happening XD

@pencilpauli9442

34w

Everything about this song...
So wonderful

@chrissnyder6787

3y↑2

We don't need to know the answers
To hope and pray for peace
And each by what he can
To make us all complete

@78yestor93

3y↑2

Orchestral, Symphonic Rock at its very Best.

@MegaCirse

2y↑1

This music unfolds like a picture book full of stars, where birds come spinning, spinning farandoles, cracking rattles and dancing wizards. From rounds to nursery rhymes, the arrangements display their mystery, the songs fill with fervor and the instruments have the roundness and brilliance of chimes 🌿🎋 Thks !

@theenglishflannel6592

1y↑2

First five minutes has a seriously fantastic groove.

@kusstyle

32w

We don't need to know the answers to hope and pray for peace...

@mudylafeet

5y↑9

Great song, beautiful times in a much more wonderful world...

@aleksanderacadroli1235

4y↑8

Whenever I listen to this song and this whole album, it touches my soul. Thank you for making this work of art. Sublime

@clannad99germany70

2y↑3

One of the best songs of Renaissance ever....composed also by Yardbirds Jim McCarty, member of Mark 1 of Renaissance.

@tomrom1217

4y↑4

This is perfection

@uwe.brauer

5y↑9

With me since fourty years. Now i understand - "Everyone brothers
One great flow".

@watcher171

4y↑6

A song for peace !

@cesargracie9516

5y↑8

Awesome song from a spectacular female singer! A musical wonderful arrengement!! Congratulations to her . Thanks .

@78yestor93

3y↑1

For me the Voice of a Goddess!

@cesarincamendozaloyola4407

Music by a guy, arrangements by other two guys, lyrics by another woman. Annie's voice gives the final result a life of its own.

@bluetailtailfly

6y↑23

the gorgeous coda is forever in my heart

@vanessajazp6341

4y↑3

Same here

@bluetailtailfly

2y↑2

@@vanessajazp6341 3 years after making my comment, I realize this coda is lifted from Scheherazade, a late 19th century piece by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov. Considering Renaissance also did an album about the 1001 Nights story, this somehow makes all the sense in the world!

@XHuiAtHomeX

5y↑4

I loved this Group, i loved this song ... forever

@andyrichardsvideovlogs8835

4y↑10

Sublime...one of the greatest pieces of all especially from 4:56 on 💜

@carlpalmer1709

4y↑5

I couldn't agree with you more, Andy. There are so many great Renaissance pieces, but this one has just that little something extra in terms of pure emotion, particularly (as you point out) from about the 4:56 mark to its conclusion.

@rebeccadale2413

5y↑4

I hope I get this album back sometime again I loved so much

@klausdreams4275

2y↑3

In 1:46 for me it is one of the best moments in the Renaissance discography: that stop and those eddies that the rhythm and melody make with bass, guitar, piano ... It reminds a little of those sudden changes of the Yes of the epoch. Absolutely masterful! Contrary to what most people think, I prefer the first part of the topic, more enigmatic and fast-paced. The second part is more beautiful, with sublime Haslam in the voice, but I find it a little simpler.

Greetings from Spain ♥️🇪🇸

@hellpoome

4y↑4

2019/12/16, thanks, from seoul Korea.

@IYAMNI

5y↑8

I love this band so much. I love this era. Thanks for the remaster post. Now I have to go buy it.

@lordprotector3367

3y↑1

You should. I first heard it in 1983 on The Friday Rock Show. I now have several copies on vinyl, the first being from HMV Guildford 1983, the most recent version being from Glastonbury Festival record store in 2009.

@robertsalanon2909

5y↑1

Bon enregistrement !! les années 70 ,c·était innovant pour l·époque ...

@francoisbenoit5335

Robert Salamon Mais pas si tant .Pas un des meilleur d'eux, mais 'R'enaissance sans Annie ? Tout De Même. Du Canada français.

@robertsalanon2909

@@francoisbenoit5335 Je possède presque tous leurs albums plus You tube ,j·ai bcp aimé .Et j·écoute toujours ...Salut

@slideshowpb4616

3y↑2

P E R F E T T O ! B R A V I S S I M O !

@leonmorgan5659

Dope smoking music of the highest calibre!

@Breakbeat90s

5y↑4

mixolydian flavour at its best

@afterthefox

5y↑3

one of my all time favs...

@Themanwhocameback2

7y↑13

Thanks for posting! The best thing Renaissance ever did, in my humble opinion.

@rogelio4987

5y↑3

Sublime voz, excelentes ejecuciones, grandes por siempre......

@mateushumbertodesouza2584

@kimnelson9910

31w↑1

i would like to undestand how the universe works..........

@z.d.4184

I love this song.....

@duanereed1857

A very timely song.

@kimnelson9910

31w

heyannie rock and roll hall of fame is waiting...youll be ther e along wit jon terrence mike and john

@lostinmusic5431

Marvellous and therefore in my 70´s Prog & Rock playlist.

@borgduck

5y↑3

The Majestic Goddess herself .

@tuulateiri4548

7y↑9

Brilliant and uplifting! <3

@edblumenthal7110

4y↑1

What a way to start New Year

@banjokzui9065

6y↑3

Beautifull!

@marcosfrancisco7046

4y↑1

A banda Renaissance era muito boa

@laomark9583

2y↑1

The best music band/group in history! All members are genius, including the composer of the lyrics (Beth Tacher... a Buddhist Gothic monk)

@newpinglegend9304

6y↑11

Annie is incapable of error.

@guillermocastaneda7824

6y↑2

Genialidad

@mjneighbor7179

3y↑1

Each live version of Ashes are Burning are different in the solos and ending. As a new fan hearing 2 longgg songs on my college radio station then seeing them live on Youtube I fell in love, Annie was a classic 70's girl, I can remember those years, now she is a classic 2020 women. Notice how the comments are from men, her later concerts were men (up front). The few women I have played her songs for don't like her voice, to high hurts their ears? And I have NOT even played Ashes my fav.

@jdwilliams9583

11w

Shared with my wife and daughter, they also said they didn't like her voice. I find her voice mesmerizing. Been a fan since early '70:s

@ravenswingmanner

5y↑9

When I was in good practice and voice, I could hit those notes and sustain like Annie. Bless her for making me reach. lol

@TheTwick

3y↑3

I was about to say Annie had the most beautiful voice in Rock…Pop…I don’t know how to classify Renaissance. I remember the term classical rock - they were classically trained musicians who played rock (drum set). I can’t remember anyone else in this category.

@78yestor93

3y↑2

@@TheTwick They were in their own category, I mean what other band were lead by a Female opera singer and Classical piano!

@TheTwick

@@78yestor93 I started out on classical music. My greatest love was the piano concertos and some opera. My first concert was Artur Rubinstein (a whole night of Chopin!). But I like the Beatles and the Stones. I don’t remember how I found Renascence. Someone (a critic) described it as Classical Rock. I said this is great. I want to find more of this genre but I never found another band like them. I collected everything they recorded (it was not easy to find some British labels in the US). Annie Haslem left the band at one point to study for her law school exams. I think one record had a picture of her dressed up as a barrister (no internet yet) in a powdered wig. I’ll have to find out what happened to her (in Googleland).Wow! Memory. Sorry to go on but you’re the first fan I’ve found in a long time.

@78yestor93

3y↑1

@@TheTwick Annie is the Female voice IMHO, there are a lot of fans on here who I have followed for years now. If you look there are many to correspond with. I have been a fan since I saw them live 1976 I have most of there albums, this is a favourite track of mine.

@TheTwick

@@78yestor93 thank you. I will try Reddit perhaps.

@sigepcane

3y↑1

Doug Helvering gang, where you at???

@Doutsoldome

1y↑1

I saw both his reaction to this piece and his interview with Annie. I like the guy.

@78yestor93

3y↑1

That is The Female Voice right there at 5:05mins!

@nsjimi

5y↑1

지린다 지려

@Marzy5821

5y↑3

They did it live on occasions ~

@oliasofsunhillow7116

5y↑6

I'm happy that music doesn't sound like this anymore, otherwise there would be no reason to listen to this!

@OriginalLHB

6y↑7

Saw them in concert 5 times in Colorado where they were insanely popular in the late 70s. They never did this in concert however. The vocal demands are too much. I think I would rather belt out the Liebestod than move on up from Mezzo to High Colaratura Soprano the way Annie does here. Twice.

@IYAMNI

They did do this in concert. You can hear a live version on youtube. Look up "Renaissance_ Live in New York - 1974_5_17 [Full Show]" about 31 minutes in.

@francisbroka9471

5y↑1

@@IYAMNI There's also a live version in 1978 on the new release of 'A Song for all Seasons' by Cherry Red records. A concert on record 2.https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/renaissance-a-song-for-all-seasons-3cd-remastered-expanded-clamshell-box-edition/

@oliasofsunhillow7116

5y↑1

They never did "Trip To The Fair" live back then! Not as far as I know!

@Silkenray

It’s fun to sing along with, though!

@peterbauer1502

4y↑1

0.00 to 0.31 intro outstanding 0.32 to 2.27 vocals impossible to ever get out of your mind 2.28 to 3.05 oje now vocals lala la lalalala into bombast hint of bad things to come saved at 3.25 back to 0.32 now at 5.00 back to lalalala/bombast and vocals easy to get out of your mind piano organ fadeout - now if you have a piece like the first 5 minutes why not cherish it wrap it in gold (there are probably lots of bands which never came close) now this is only my personal opinion but if they made it two tracks i think they could have had a huge hit with the first part - remember this was an era where you relied on radio airplay and a 10 minute piece most likely got less consideration than a 5 minute earworm what i am trying to say is t h a n k y o u Renaissance for 5 minutes of bliss

@Themanwhocameback2

LOL! What you like are the sections which could have been created by bands like Emerson, Lake, and Palmer or Yes, but you despise the section that is purely and uniquely Renaissance. I usually skip the sections you like and go directly to the 4:50 mark . The 2nd half is not bombast. If anything, the first section is a trifle bombastic.

@peterbauer1502

@@Themanwhocameback2 you made my point - should have been two titles. in the current version the two parts do not fit each other (again m p o)

@cesarincamendozaloyola4407

2y↑1

It's a 2-part song. Nothing wrong with that. Bands like Gentle Giant, Focus and Genesis have a number of songs like that in their catalogue.

@LeandroLoan

40w

Why isn’t this on Youtube Music or Apple Music? I just don’t get it.

@rebeccadale2413

I understand that my album's were stolen that's hurts me z lot

@jamiewesson6606

7y↑5

mother russia the best song on a great album

@lawrenceeason8007

#Renaissance, Things I don't understand, FL USA, https://youtu.be/twhnmiF9BdQ (a friend of mine turned me on to this wonderful band in 1978 when I was in the Navy. It is the most beautiful progressive rock I have ever heard. I love it to this day. It helped me through the not so fun times of being in the military. The lead singer Annie Haslam has an angelic voice)

@redabullit7792

2y↑1

Densmore on drums, Squire on Bass, Banks on piano, Jethro Tull for the spirit ? No, just Renaissance.

@claudemasse8028

It's like a hippie woman meets Julie Andrews

@KYESTV

Bad advertisement placement

@dalenelson7161

Things don't understand : why the women in my life aren't interested in sex?

@keithyoung4290

S U B L I M E

@user-hi2qm4yb4y

4y↑6

@LeandroLoan

4y↑4

Changing moods and stranger feelings
In my dealings with the world
Faces that I've seen before am I sure
Or has my brain turned

Thinking about things I don't understand
Thinking about things I don't understand

Dreams and omens of my future
Like a sculpture finely molded
Stars that guide my destiny
Tell me what I will be
A chart unfolded

Thinking about things I don't understand
Thinking about things I don't understand

Da da ... la la ... oh oh oh ...

Seems there's plans for everyone
The day will come and we will know
We all are tied in with each other
Everyone brothers
One great flow

Thinking about things I don't understand
Thinking about things I don't understand

La la la ...

And in the morning of my time
I'll try to understand
I learn by what I find
And love you if I can

We don't need to know the answers
To hope and pray for peace
And each by what he can
To make us all complete

Oh oh oh ...