As the years progressed, the PiL line-up would change, adding renowned drummer Martin Atkins in 1979 as the direction of the band evolved. Compared to their first three albums, the later 1980’s/early 1990’s period saw a more conventional sound to the musical aspect, but still retaining Lydon’s biting lyrics. The album Compact Disc (aka Album or Cassette, depending on what format you have it on), recorded by Lydon with a slate of studio musicians organized by producer Bill Laswell, is considered the artistic highpoint of this period of PiL’s evolution. PiL reached their commercial zenith with their aptly titled ninth album, 9, during 1989/1990.
PiL kept going as a Lydon project until 1993, when Lydon disbanded the group. Their final lineup consisted of Lydon, Ted Chau (guitar, keyboards), Mike Joyce of The Smiths (drums), John McGeoch of Magazine and Siouxsie and the Banshees (guitar), and Russel Webb (bass).
Don't Ask Me
P.I.L. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used to hold open a door for a girl and she called me a wimp.
Said there's just no need to be so fucking polite
I politely agreed with her, I think she was right.
It just never entered my mind
That a twelve year old came down to choosing sides.
You said I'd die if I had nothing to do
Put a drink in my hand and I'll talk to anything that moves.
Just to find hate when you've lost the will to fight.
And would it be really in touch with the times
To put somebody down for choosing sides.
And you said show us them teeth
Give us them braces.
Show us the dental work that puts fear in twelve year old faces.
I can make you feel even half worthwhile
But please don't ask me to smile.
And times when it still feels right
I'll hold open a door for a girl or back down from a fight.
And if there's just no need to be so fucking polite.
At least it helps you sleep easier at night.
Just never entered my mind
That ever should come down to choosing sides.
And you said show us them teeth
Give us them braces.
Show us the dental work that puts fear in twelve year old faces.
I can prove to you that I do or don't get high
But please don't ask me to smile.
The lyrics of P.I.L.'s song Don't Ask Me explore themes of social pressure, conformity, and the struggle to maintain individuality while trying to fit in. The song begins with the singer recalling a time in grade six when he was criticized for being too polite by a girl who called him a "wimp." The singer reflects on how as a twelve year old, he never realized that he would have to choose sides, and how it is easy for someone to fall into the trap of conforming to societal expectations.
In the chorus, the singer resists pressure from those who want to control him, refusing to give them what they want just because it would make things easier or make him more accepted. He recognizes that sometimes it is important to be polite and kind to others, but he also does not want to lose his sense of self in the process. The lines "I can prove to you that I do or don't get high, but please don't ask me to smile" demonstrate the singer's unwillingness to let others dictate his behavior or emotions.
Overall, the song can be seen as a commentary on the harmful effects of societal pressure and the importance of individuality in a world that often punishes those who are different. It encourages listeners to resist conforming and maintain their authentic selves.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was in grade six
The singer is reflecting on an incident from childhood.
I used to hold open a door for a girl and she called me a wimp.
The singer was insulted for being polite and respectful to a girl.
Said there's just no need to be so fucking polite
The girl believed that being polite was not necessary.
I politely agreed with her, I think she was right.
The artist chose to agree with the girl in order to avoid conflict.
It just never entered my mind
The artist did not realize the significance of the incident at the time.
That a twelve year old came down to choosing sides.
The singer did not understand why the girl felt the need to insult him.
You said I'd die if I had nothing to do
The singer is addressing someone who has criticized their behavior.
Put a drink in my hand and I'll talk to anything that moves.
The artist acknowledges that they may drink to cope with boredom or loneliness.
I just refuse to give you what you think would make things right.
The artist is unwilling to change their behavior to please others.
Just to find hate when you've lost the will to fight.
The artist will not engage in conflict with someone who hates them.
And would it be really in touch with the times
The singer questions whether it is necessary to conform to current social norms.
To put somebody down for choosing sides.
The artist believes that people should be free to have their own opinions and beliefs.
And you said show us them teeth
The singer is addressing someone who is demanding they smile.
Give us them braces.
The person is mocking the singer's appearance.
Show us the dental work that puts fear in twelve year old faces.
The person is trying to intimidate the singer by mocking their dental work.
I can make you feel even half worthwhile
The person believes they can improve the artist's self-esteem.
But please don't ask me to smile.
The artist does not want to smile for someone else's benefit.
And times when it still feels right
The singer acknowledges that they still feel compelled to be polite and respectful.
I'll hold open a door for a girl or back down from a fight.
The singer will continue to act based on their own values and beliefs.
At least it helps you sleep easier at night.
The artist recognizes that their behavior may make others feel comfortable.
Just never entered my mind
The artist did not realize the significance of the incident at the time.
That ever should come down to choosing sides.
The artist still does not understand why people feel the need to choose sides.
I can prove to you that I do or don't get high
The singer is telling someone that they can answer personal questions about drugs.
But please don't ask me to smile.
The artist does not want to smile for someone else's benefit.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TIM ADRIAN ROGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bethshadowen904
John has always been ahead of his time by DECADES! He is an amazing poet
@LaurenLawDawg
He was always RIGHT ON TIME....
Sometimes the rest of us are too late...
@bentramer682
This song is criminally underrated
@rowanisacake
Just getting into P.I.L. Only heard a couple songs. This one rocks for sure.
@nijittwerdle9166
Ok, you've had a bit of time. What do you think?
@maxkazzora4234
I wasn't into punk rock back in the 80s but this track was a exception to that rule of mine. Maybe ive mellowed. The track is so apt to life in general.
@andrywez
I loved the song when it came out. So many quotable lines..."It's easy to deceive a child." Pointing the figure at Pres #45.
@franciscosalazar5593
26 years trying to listen to this song ... it's been so long. I'm excited. Thank you so much
@bodsnvimto
Sir John was ahead of the times, the same lyrics would be trite today.
@simonreeves3229
John Lydon was way ahead of the game