I Don't Mind
Peter Gabriel Byrne Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I got no means to show identification
I got no papers show you what I am
You'll have to take me just the way that you find me
What's gone is gone and I do not give a damn
Empty stomach, empty head
I got empty heart and empty bed
I don't remember
I don't remember

I don't remember, I don't recall
I got no memory of anything at all
I don't remember, I don't recall
I got no memory of anything
-anything at all

Strange is your language and I have no decoder
Why don't you make your intentions clear
With eyes to the sun and your mouth to the soda
Saying, "Tell me the truth, you got nothing to fear
Stop staring at me like a bird of prey
I'm all mixed up, I got nothing to say
I don't remember
I don't remember

I don't remember, I don't recall
I got no memory of anything at all
I don't remember, I don't recall
I got no memory of anything
Anything at all

I don't remember, I don't recall
I got no memory of anything at all
I don't remember, I don't recall
i got no memory of anything




absolutely anything at all
I don't remember

Overall Meaning

In "I Don't Mind" by Peter Gabriel Byrne, the lyrics convey a sense of disconnection and detachment. The singer seems to be in a state of apathy, not concerned with showing identification or proving their identity to anyone. They emphasize that the past is irrelevant and they don't care about what has already happened.


The repetition of "I don't remember, I don't recall" suggests a lack of memory or a deliberate choice to forget. It signifies a person who is detached from their own experiences and unable to recall or retrieve memories. This could potentially indicate a deep level of emotional numbness or a desire to distance oneself from past traumas or painful events.


The line "Strange is your language and I have no decoder, why don't you make your intentions clear" reflects the singer's struggle to understand or connect with others. They find it difficult to comprehend the intentions or motives of others, pointing to a sense of alienation and an inability to communicate effectively.


Overall, "I Don't Mind" explores themes of indifference, forgetfulness, and disconnection from past experiences and interpersonal relationships. It portrays a person who feels detached and apathetic, possibly as a result of past emotional wounds or a defense mechanism against further hurt.


Line by Line Meaning

I got no means to show identification
I don't have any way to prove who I am or provide evidence of my existence.


I got no papers show you what I am
I don't have any official documents that define or reveal my true identity.


You'll have to take me just the way that you find me
You must accept and embrace me as I am, without any expectations or attempts to change me.


What's gone is gone and I do not give a damn
I am indifferent and unconcerned about things that have already passed or no longer exist.


Empty stomach, empty head
I have a lack of nourishment both physically and mentally.


I got empty heart and empty bed
My emotions and intimate relationships are devoid of fulfillment or meaning.


I don't remember
I cannot recall or recollect past events or experiences.


I don't recall
I have no ability to bring back memories or remember past occurrences.


I got no memory of anything at all
I have a complete absence of recollection or knowledge about anything.


Strange is your language and I have no decoder
Your way of communication is unfamiliar and incomprehensible to me, and I lack the ability to decipher its meaning.


Why don't you make your intentions clear
I request that you be transparent and explicit about your motives and objectives.


With eyes to the sun and your mouth to the soda
You are looking towards the brightness and positivity in life, while your speech is focused on trivial or insignificant matters.


Saying, 'Tell me the truth, you got nothing to fear
Expressing a desire for honesty and assurance that there are no negative consequences for speaking the truth.


Stop staring at me like a bird of prey
Cease observing me intently and aggressively, like a predator ready to attack.


I'm all mixed up, I got nothing to say
I am confused and disoriented, unable to articulate my thoughts or express myself verbally.


I don't remember
I am unable to recall or remember past events or experiences.


Anything at all
Absolutely anything, without exception.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: FRANCIS GRIFFITHS, JAMES EDWARDS, PETER GABRIEL, THOMAS SCOTT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions