Michael Hutchence, born on January 22nd, 1960, started his career as the le… Read Full Bio ↴Michael Hutchence, born on January 22nd, 1960, started his career as the lead singer of INXS. After briefly experimenting with his own band Max Q, Hutchence wanted to record his own solo debut in 1997. Hutchence died tragically on 22 November 1997, and the record was released posthumously (after his death) in 1999. The self-titled record was completed by Black Grape producer Danny Saber and Andy Gill (formerly of Gang of Four). Fellow artist and friend Bono (of U2 fame) helped finish one track, "Slide away", for which Hutchence had written the lyrics but not recorded all of the required vocals.

Although the coroner of New South Wales determined that Hutchence's death was the result of suicide, analysis of the witness statements in the coroner's report, the lack of a suicide note and other anecdotal evidence, such as the fact that Hutchence was found nude, has led some—including Hutchence's brother and other close relatives to suggest that the death may have resulted from autoerotic asphyxiation... not suicide.

Let Me Show You
Michael Hutchence Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

This shattered town gets me down
My ticket's booked then you were found
I tore them up like you tore my heart
I'm black and blue from love and art

(Give it up, gimme)
Who could take it?
(Give it up, gimme)

I guess I'll shake it, but
No-one touches all you are
Strip to show me all you are

Let me show you how you make me feel
(I've got my finger on the trigger)

Well through the twilight how I've tried
To get my thoughts deep in your mind
In my sleep I've tasted you
Intoxicated by your every move

(Give it up, gimme)
Who could take it?
(Give it up, gimme)
I guess I'll shake it, but
No-one touches all you are
Strip to show me all you are

Let me show you how you make me feel
(I've got my finger on the trigger)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Michael Hutchence's song "Let Me Show You" paint a picture of a person who is feeling weary and broken in a town that has lost its luster. The character had planned to leave but then found someone to love, only to have their heart broken in return. The bruises left behind by love and art have left them feeling black and blue. Despite this, they are still drawn to the person who hurt them, and they plead with them to let their guard down and show them all that they are.

The chorus, which includes the repeated line "Give it up, gimme," underscores the singer's desperation for a deeper connection with this person, even though they know that it might hurt them again in the process. The line "I've got my finger on the trigger" suggests that the singer is ready and willing to take a risk, despite the pain they have already experienced. Ultimately, the song is a plea for vulnerability and honesty, even if it means opening oneself up to potential heartbreak once again.

Line by Line Meaning

This shattered town gets me down
The state of this broken town depresses me

My ticket's booked then you were found
I had planned to leave before meeting you

I tore them up like you tore my heart
I cancelled my travel plans, just as you broke my heart

I'm black and blue from love and art
I'm hurt from both love and the artistic world

(Give it up, gimme)
I want it so bad, just give it to me

Who could take it?
Who would be able to handle it?

(Give it up, gimme)
I want it so bad, just give it to me

I guess I'll shake it, but
I will try to cope, but...

No-one touches all you are
No one is able to grasp your true identity

Strip to show me all you are
Reveal your true self to me

Let me show you how you make me feel
Allow me to show you how you affect me