Don't Explain
Paul Kelly Lyrics


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Don't explain
It's really not your style
I've had some fun
You really made me smile
Don't look so serious
It doesn't suit your face
Don't explain, don't explain
You sure know
How to use your hands
But you don't have a great attention span
Don't apologise
Or drop your eyes
Don't explain, don't explain

I've seen them come, I've seen them go
Boys like you
Their gangster hearts, their dreamy loads
Boys like you

So take your things
I won't count the days
Sure you can call on me
If you pass this way
But if one night you're lonely




And I have other company
Don't complain, don't complain

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Paul Kelly's song Don't Explain is a plea from a woman to her lover not to explain their relationship. The woman tells the man that it's not his style to explain, and that he doesn't need to apologize or look so serious. She tells him that he sure knows how to use his hands, but he doesn't have a great attention span. The woman has seen many boys like him come and go, with their gangster hearts and dreamy loads.


The woman then tells the man that he can take his things and leave, but he can always call her if he is in the area. She warns him not to complain if he finds her with other company, and not to explain anything to her. The song seems to be an indication of a passionate and tumultuous relationship, where the woman is tired of the man's explanations and apologies, and just wants him to leave quietly.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't explain
There is no need to clarify or justify yourself


It's really not your style
Explaining your actions or decisions is not in line with your personality


I've had some fun
I enjoyed spending time with you


You really made me smile
You brought happiness and joy to my life


Don't look so serious
Your facial expression is too stern and uninviting


It doesn't suit your face
Your serious expression doesn't match your features


You sure know
You definitely possess a particular talent or skill


How to use your hands
You are adept in physical activities or manual labor


But you don't have a great attention span
You find it challenging to focus on a task or idea for a long time


Don't apologise
No need to express regret or ask for forgiveness


Or drop your eyes
Avoiding eye contact is not necessary in this situation


I've seen them come, I've seen them go
I have witnessed many relationships like ours


Boys like you
You belong to a particular category of men


Their gangster hearts, their dreamy loads
Their hearts are filled with toughness and their dreams are ambitious


So take your things
Please take your belongings with you


I won't count the days
I won't keep track of the time since you left


Sure you can call on me
You can contact me in the future


If you pass this way
If you happen to be in the area


But if one night you're lonely
If you ever feel alone at night


And I have other company
If I am in the company of someone else at the time


Don't complain, don't complain
Please do not express dissatisfaction or unhappiness about the situation




Contributed by Caleb K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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