Tainted Love
Mike Massé Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Run away I've got to
Get away from the pain you drive in the heart of me
The love we share
Seems to go nowhere
And I′ve lost my light
For I toss and turn I can't sleep at night
Now I run from you
This tainted love you've given
I′ll give you all a boy could give you
Take my tears and that′s not nearly all
Tainted love, oh
Tainted love
Now I know I've got to
Run away I′ve got to
Get away
You don't really want any more from me
To make things right
Need someone to hold you tight
And you′ll think love is to pray
But I'm sorry I don′t pray that way
Once I ran to you (I ran)
Now I run from you
This tainted love you've given
I'll give you all a boy could give you
Take my tears and that′s not nearly all
Tainted love, oh
Tainted love
Don′t touch me please
I cannot stand the way you tease
I love you though you hurt me so
Now I'm going to pack my things and go
Touch me baby, tainted love
Touch me baby, tainted love
Touch me baby, tainted love
Touch me baby, tainted love
Once I ran to you (I ran)
Now I run from you
This tainted love you′ve given
I'll give you all a boy could give you
Take my tears and that′s not nearly all
Tainted love, oh
Tainted love, oh
Tainted love, oh
The lyrics of Mike Massé's song Tainted Love describe a love affair that is deteriorating and beyond repair. The singer, who is clearly experiencing intense pain, confesses that the love he once shared with his partner has turned into "tainted love." He feels like he needs to run away from the pain that his partner has caused him, and that their love is going nowhere. He has lost his light and cannot sleep at night because of the turmoil and heartache in his heart.
The singer also expresses that while he used to love his partner dearly, he cannot stand the way they tease and hurt him. He realizes that he needs to leave and move on to find someone who will truly love and hold him tight. He acknowledges that his partner may think that love is about praying, but that is not the way he sees it. Overall, the song is a powerful commentary on the effects of a toxic relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Sometimes I feel I've got to
At times, I experience the urge to
Run away I've got to
Escape is necessary
Get away from the pain you drive in the heart of me
I cannot take the hurt you inflict on me
The love we share
The affection we exchange
Seems to go nowhere
It appears to lead to nothing
And I've lost my light
I feel I have lost my way
For I toss and turn I can't sleep at night
I cannot rest, and spend restless nights
Once I ran to you (I ran)
Previously, I sought refuge in you
Now I run from you
I flee from you
This tainted love you've given
The love that you gave me, alloyed with imperfection
I'll give you all a boy could give you
I gave you everything, the best I could offer
Take my tears and that's not nearly all
I surrender my sadness, but that is just part of the pain
Now I know I've got to
Now I realize I must
Run away I've got to
I need to escape
Get away
Leave this situation
You don't really want any more from me
You are not content with what I have to offer
To make things right
To rectify this relationship
Need someone to hold you tight
You desire someone to embrace you tightly
And you'll think love is to pray
You believe that love is found in worship
But I'm sorry I don't pray that way
Unfortunately, I do not share that belief
Don't touch me please
Kindly refrain from touching me
I cannot stand the way you tease
I cannot tolerate your playful taunts
I love you though you hurt me so
Despite your harm, I still have affection for you
Now I'm going to pack my things and go
Now I am planning to leave and take my things with me
Touch me baby, tainted love
Do not cease touching me, my love corrupted
Tainted love, oh
My imperfect relationship
Contributed by Victoria D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mikemasse
For a complete list of upcoming concert dates and tickets, visit my site: https://mikemasse.com/concerts
@MauroBrisola
Every song version this guy does is gold!
@mwtrolle
Maybe he is just good at chosing good songs :P
It's the first I hear him sing, but Tainted love is so good I have hardly heard anyone really manage to make it sound bad yet. But the Original from 1964 is the best version.
@paulstainton1261
Was heading to bed, now two hours later still playing your vids. When does the Awesomeness stop?
@jaylkeene8236
When he dies, That'll be a sad day.
@brianzaborowski2724
Paul Stainton Trust me, it never does if you're listening to Mike and Jeff ... I spent many nights in your shoes saying "just one more" and I keep playing them til I can't hold my eyes open anymore.
@brianzaborowski2724
Jay Keene Very true, but just like a lot of the other legends his music will still be here to stay.
@rph1256
Paul Stainton Did the same.
@ronniedeal3402
Was heading to bed, now three years later still playing your vids.
@slimjim21211
one of the best live performances iv ever seen!