There Was
Pulp Lyrics


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We're talking again
Smiling and laughing
Ignoring the past
Well I hope you're happy
I know there was something
Please don't
let it
die away
I know what you're thinking
I know
what you
want to say
I won't give it names
For names have no uses
Just shots in the dark
or easy excuses
I know there was something
Please don't
let it
die away
I know what you're thinking
I know
what you
want to say
I know there was something
Please don't
let it
die away
I know what you're thinking
I know




what you
want to say.

Overall Meaning

The song "There Was" by Pulp talks about two people reconnecting after a difficult past experience. The lyrics suggest that they are trying to move on from whatever caused them to separate and are now talking and laughing again. However, the singer is aware of a tension between them and that there is still something left unsaid. The repetition of the lines "I know there was something / Please don't let it die away / I know what you're thinking / I know what you want to say" reinforce this idea.


The singer seems hesitant to name what the issue was, perhaps out of fear of causing more conflict or not wanting to dwell on the past. The line "For names have no uses / Just shots in the dark or easy excuses" suggests that giving the problem a label may not help to resolve it. The use of the metaphor "shots in the dark" suggests that it is difficult to know exactly what went wrong and assigning blame may not be productive.


Overall, the song portrays a sense of ambiguity and tension between the two individuals. While they are currently getting along, there is a sense that things may not be fully resolved and that there is still something left unsaid.


Line by Line Meaning

We're talking again
We have resumed communication and are engaging in conversation once more.


Smiling and laughing
We are expressing joy and amusement through our facial expressions and laughter.


Ignoring the past
We are consciously making an effort to not bring up previous issues or events that could lead to conflict or negativity.


Well I hope you're happy
I am expressing a desire for you to be content and satisfied with the current situation and our interactions.


I know there was something
I am aware that there was a unresolved issue or unspoken thought between us.


Please don't let it die away
I am pleading with you to not allow this topic to fade into obscurity or be forgotten without resolution.


I know what you're thinking
I am confident in my understanding of your current thoughts and mindset.


I know what you want to say
I recognize and comprehend the message you intend to convey, without you expressing it explicitly.


I won't give it names
I will refrain from labeling or categorizing this unspoken matter, as doing so may not effectively address or solve the underlying issue.


For names have no uses
I believe that assigning a specific title or term to this situation will not positively impact our communication or resolution.


Just shots in the dark or easy excuses
Giving this issue a name could potentially lead to addressing it without fully understanding it, or to using a label as a means of avoiding further discussion or responsibility.


I know there was something
I reiterate that I recognize there was an underlying issue that has not been fully addressed.


Please don't let it die away
Again, I implore you to not allow this topic to fade away without being addressed or resolved.


I know what you're thinking
Once more, I confidently understand your current thoughts and perspective.


I know what you want to say.
I again acknowledge the message you intend to express, without you stating it directly.




Contributed by Alice S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

manga youtube

Merci pour ce nouveau postZuru ?

writingthefuture [Sunny]

how were they not more successful in the 80s??

Zelda Fitzgerald

Is that Candida in the picture?

Lorraine Haines

Your English is good. 😊

manga youtube

I'ts Saskia Cocker Jarvis sister's. Look a vidéo the 2000's "your m'y lighouse" and thé documentary "Pulp a film about life, death and supermarket". Sorry about m'y english i'm french.

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