Sticks And Stones
Ray Charles Lyrics


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People talkin' tryin' to break us up
Why won't they let us be
Bricks and stones may break my bones
But talk don't bother me

People talkin' tryin' to break us up
When they know that I love you so
So I don't care what the people may say
I'll never never let you go

I've been abused
(I've been abused)
In my heart
(My heart's been torn)
I've been accused
(I've been accused)
I've been 'buked
(I've been 'buked and I've been stung)

People talkin' tryin' to break us up, yeah
Scandlizin' my name
They'll say anything just to make me feel bad
Yes anything to make me shame

I've been abused
(I've been abused)
In my heart
(My heart's been torn)
I've been accused
(I've been accused)
I've been 'buked
(I've been 'buked and I've been stung)

People talkin' tryin' to break us, yup
And they scandlizin' my name
They'll say anything just to make me feel bad
Yes anything to make me shame

Yes I know
(Oh, yes I know)
Yes I know it
(Oh, yes I know)
And you know it, too
(Oh, yes I know)
Don't you know it, too




(Oh, yes I know)
Ohhhhh, don't you know it too

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ray Charles's Sticks and Stones tell the story of a person who is being criticized and spoken ill of by others who are trying to break up the relationship between the singer and another person. The singer doesn't care about the rumors being spread about them because they know that they love that person and won't let them go. The singer is being "abused" and "accused" behind their back, with lies being spread about them in an attempt to shame them. However, the singer knows the truth and isn't letting the negative talk get to them.


The use of the phrase "sticks and stones may break my bones, but talk don't bother me" is a powerful message that the singer will not let the words of others affect them. This phrase is used to teach children in America to disregard the insulting remarks of others. Ray Charles brings this phrase to life in his song with his soulful delivery, conveying a sense of resilience in the face of criticism. These lyrics are a reminder to stand strong and not let other people's negativity sway you.


Line by Line Meaning

People talkin' tryin' to break us up
People are gossiping trying to separate us


Why won't they let us be
Why won't they leave us alone


Bricks and stones may break my bones
Physical harm does not phase me


But talk don't bother me
Gossip can't hurt me


When they know that I love you so
Despite their knowledge of my love for you, they still gossip


So I don't care what the people may say
I refuse to let gossip sway my feelings for you


I'll never never let you go
My love for you is unwavering


They'll say anything just to make me feel bad
Gossipmongers will go to any length to offend me


Yes I know it
I am aware of their intentions


And you know it, too
You also are aware of their intentions


Don't you know it, too
Do you also know it?




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Peermusic Publishing, Kassner Associated Publishers Ltd, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TITUS TURNER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Lennard Passarge

People talkin' tryin' to break us up
Why won't they let us be
Bricks and stones may break my bones
But talk don't bother me
People talkin' tryin' to break us up
When they know that I love you so
So I don't care what the people may say
I'll never never let you go
I've been abused
(I've been abused)
In my heart
(my heart's been torn)
I've been accused
(I've been accused)
I've been 'buked
(I've been 'buked and I've been stung)
People talkin' tryin' to break us up, yeah
Scandlizin' my name
They'll say anything just to make me feel bad
Yes anything to make me shame

I've been abused
(I've been abused)
In my heart
(my heart's been torn)
I've been accused
(I've been accused)
I've been 'buked
(I've been 'buked and I've been stung)
People talkin' tryin' to break us, yup
And they scandlizin' my name
They'll say anything just to make me feel bad
Yes anything to make me shame
Yes I know
(oh, yes I know)
Yes I know it
(oh, yes I know)
And you know it, too
(oh, yes I know)
Don't you know it, too
(oh, yes I know)
Ohhhhh, don't you know it too



All comments from YouTube:

7927jackpark

I was a high school freshman when this came out, with Ray on his way to solidifying his place in the musical tastes of my generation. There hasn't been one to come close since he left us.

Allison Bogisich

Will always be one of my favorites by Mr. Charles

don knotts

drummer is wailing on this track, love it

joni achenbach

LOVE IT!!!

ALAIN DEWAELE

love this track

tuxguys

The perfect Brother Ray record to bridge the gap between R 'n' B and R 'n' R, and I love the Wurlitzer Electric Piano work on this (state of the art technology at the time).
1960:
You listen to this, and you can just imagine the effect it was having on young Lennon and McCartney, young Jagger and Richards, et. al, when it made its way across the Pond...

Terrance Watson

This is one of my favorite songs

Deborah Patterson

I love this song.

Postatility

Ray's piano solo is mmmmmmm delicious!!

Vogen Do

So true..delicious solo

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