Suspension Without Suspense
No Doubt Lyrics


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My divorce from dependence
That's when you found me
I was still soft
And we always were in trouble
Odds stacked against us
And trouble's what we are

We get so far
And then it just starts rewinding
And the same old song
We're playing it again
Suspension without suspense (suspense, suspense, suspense)

Now that I've murdered your inspiration
And I forced you off
Do you hate me?
Do you want revenge?
Oh, I want to call you
But I won't

We get so far
And then it just starts rewinding
And the same old song
We're playing it again
Suspension without suspense

Oh, the pessimistic protection plan
Moderation loving
I've been hardened by the circumstance
We knew this was coming (this was coming)

We get so far
And then it just starts rewinding
And the same old song
We're playing it again
Suspension without suspense

Oh, we get so far
And then it just starts rewinding
And the same old song
We're playing it again and again
Suspension without suspense




Oh, intentions without intent
But I don't want the love we have to end

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to No Doubt's song "Suspension Without Suspense" express the confusion and mixed emotions of a failing relationship. The beginning of the song seems to suggest that the singer has recently left a state of dependence, possibly referring to a past addiction or codependent relationship. It's at this vulnerable time that the singer meets their partner, but despite their initial attraction, they seem to always find themselves in trouble. It's a relationship that's constantly on the brink of falling apart, but they keep coming back to each other regardless of the odds.


The chorus of the song speaks to the cyclical nature of their relationship. They make progress, only to fall back into the same negative patterns. The singer seems frustrated by this repetition, longing for suspense and excitement rather than the same old song. The line "now that I've murdered your inspiration" suggests that the relationship has taken a toll on their partner's creativity and drive, leaving the future of the relationship uncertain. The singer wonders if their partner hates them or wants revenge, showing a real vulnerability and fear of rejection.


The last verse of the song reveals that the singer is aware of their own faults and the circumstances that have hardened them. They're resigned to the fact that the relationship is probably doomed, but they're not ready to let go of the love they still share.


Line by Line Meaning

My divorce from dependence
I finally separated from my reliance on someone or something


That's when you found me
You came into my life during this vulnerable time


I was still soft
I was still gentle and easily influenced


And we always were in trouble
We constantly encountered problems and complications


Odds stacked against us
The likelihood of our success was against us


And trouble's what we are
We naturally attract and cause drama and difficulties


We get so far
We make progress and move forward


And then it just starts rewinding
Suddenly, everything goes backward and repeats itself


And the same old song
We keep repeating the same patterns and behaviors


We're playing it again
We're continuing to engage in these unproductive actions


Suspension without suspense (suspense, suspense, suspense)
We're stuck in a figurative 'holding pattern' without any exciting or unexpected twists


Now that I've murdered your inspiration
Now that I've destroyed your creativity and drive


And I forced you off
And caused you to leave me


Do you hate me?
Do you feel anger or resentment towards me?


Do you want revenge?
Do you seek personal retaliation against me?


Oh, I want to call you
I have the desire to contact you


But I won't
But I will resist that urge


Oh, the pessimistic protection plan
The self-protective, negative mindset


Moderation loving
Preferring to be reserved and balanced


I've been hardened by the circumstance
I've become emotionally tough due to my experiences


We knew this was coming (this was coming)
We were aware that things would eventually fall apart


Oh, intentions without intent
Our actions were void of genuine purpose or meaning


But I don't want the love we have to end
But I don't want our relationship to be over




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Gwen Stefani

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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