Don't Sing
Prefab Sprout Lyrics


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An outlaw stand in a peasant land,
In every face see Judas.
The burden of love is so strange.
The stubborn beast and the priest,
Are hiding from the captains.
The burden of love is so plain.
Are they happy to see you?
No, you always bring trouble.
Cast a shadow on Mexico-denial
Doesn't change facts.
Like most I'll cone when I want things done,
Please God don't let that change.
The anguish of love at long range.
Should've been a doctor, oh,
Then they can see what they're getting.

Oh no, don't blame Mexico,
That's the feast that the whiskey priest
May yet have to forego.
Rob me a color,
Make the sound duller,
But never go away.

Trough teeth of sharks the Autumn barks,
And Winter squarely bites me.
Don't ever do this again.
Dawn breaks in the Southern States,
And blindfolded he rests,
The burden of loves last request.
That's the feast that the whiskey priest
May yet have to forego.

Oh no, don't blame Mexico,
They ask for more than you bargained for
And then they ask for more.
Oh no, don't blame Mexico,
That's the feast that the whiskey priest
May yet have to forego.
They ask for more than you bargained for
And then they ask for more.
Rob me a color,




Make the sound duller,
But never go away.

Overall Meaning

The song "Don't Sing" by Prefab Sprout is a complicated piece of music that delves into themes of love, betrayal, and regret. The opening lines of the song set the stage for the narrative, with the lyrics "An outlaw stand in a peasant land, In every face see Judas." It appears that the singer is talking about someone who is an outsider in their community, always viewed with suspicion and mistrust. As the song progresses, the themes of love and burden come into play, with the lyrics "The burden of love is so strange" and "The burden of love is so plain." It seems that the singer is grappling with the complexities and difficulties of romantic relationships.


There are several images and characters that reappear throughout the song. The "whiskey priest" is one of them, a figure who appears to represent temptation and transgression. The lyrics "That's the feast that the whiskey priest May yet have to forego" suggest that the singer is aware of the dangers of indulging in too much of a good thing. There are also references to Mexico, which seem to evoke a sense of lawlessness and danger.


The overall tone of the song is one of melancholy and regret. The lyrics "Should've been a doctor, oh, Then they can see what they're getting" suggest that the singer is reflecting on choices they have made in the past and wondering what might have been. The repeated refrain of "Oh no, don't blame Mexico" adds to the sense of resignation and sadness.


Line by Line Meaning

An outlaw stand in a peasant land
The singer feels like an outsider in their own community.


In every face see Judas
The singer does not fully trust those around them and is cautious regarding their true intentions.


The burden of love is so strange
Love is a complicated emotion that can be difficult to navigate.


The stubborn beast and the priest / Are hiding from the captains
Even those in positions of power and authority sometimes have to evade responsibility and hide from the consequences of their actions.


The burden of love is so plain
Despite its complexity, love can also be very obvious and straightforward.


Are they happy to see you? / No, you always bring trouble
The singer feels like a burden to others and worries that they are not well-liked.


Cast a shadow on Mexico-denial / Doesn't change facts
Ignoring or denying a problem does not make it go away, and can actually make it worse.


Like most I'll cone when I want things done / Please God don't let that change
The artist is comfortable with their own motivations and hopes they do not deviate from these in the future.


The anguish of love at long range
It can be difficult to love someone from a distance, whether physically or emotionally.


Should've been a doctor, oh / Then they can see what they're getting
The artist is frustrated by the perception others have of them, and feels that they could have pursued a more respected profession where their worth would be more clear.


Oh no, don't blame Mexico / That's the feast that the whiskey priest / May yet have to forego
The singer believes that blaming Mexico for one's problems is misdirected and avoids the real issue at hand.


Rob me a color / Make the sound duller / But never go away
The artist is willing to sacrifice some aspects of life (like bright colors or pleasant sounds) if it means they can continue to feel alive and present.


Trough teeth of sharks the Autumn barks / And Winter squarely bites me / Don't ever do this again
The singer has faced harsh challenges in the past and does not wish to experience them again.


Dawn breaks in the Southern States / And blindfolded he rests / The burden of loves last request
The singer reflects on the toll that love can take on a person, even after it has ended.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PADDY MCALOON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@lonegroover

This was shown on British TV on New Year's Day, 1984. It's not an exaggeration to say that it changed my life. SWOON was released a couple of months later and became the soundtrack to that year. Still my favourite album ever. About four years later I met Paddy by change in a greetings card shop in Newcastle and chatted to him for a few minutes. Lovely, funny, humble guy.

@telsutton

Same here... Swoon and Protest Songs top of my Sprout tree.

@eightiesmusic1984

The album was one of my few Christmas presents in 1986 ( a bit late to the party). It didn't change my life ( great comment and glad it did yours) but it was a thrill to explore the album in all its variety, depth and quirkiness. My love of the band's music has stood the test of time and the rest of the albums are all great too.

@millymeridan4521

Totally agree. It's just one classic Album you could listen to all day

@eamonnquigley2125

you have a great memory there i get it hard to remember what happend last week .......but agree great album never gets old still great to this day...

@cloverfield911

TV-am...also Hazel O Connor - Dont Touch Me

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@WHALEBOY777

This is one of the most unique songs I've ever heard while still managing to sound catchy, truly great songwriting.

@MrCijuciju

this band is essence.....first I' ve fell in love with strange and unusual harmonies,than words,than this sensual intelligence and silky appearance of thoughts.....love them very much...complex,intelligent,talented and stellar band....

@stefanrobijn2655

one of my favorite songs from their debut album. Which is their greatest work.
If I ever stop listen to all the music I have ever loved, this will remain until the end

@MarkBryon-Edmond-nd5we

Like so many, the first time I heard this is etched in my mind, round at a friend’s house drinking tea after school, immediately hooked hearing something so unexpected, different and striking such a musical chord, not so much ahead of its time, but rather like coming home. Amazing band, thank you for the music.

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