Patty Don
Richard Thompson Lyrics


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Patty don't tell me one thing and change your mind
We might be in bed together but the deal's not signed
They say you collect shrunken heads, would you like to have mine?

Patty Don't You Put Me Down
Don't colour me cruel

You're so used to skimming the ace and palming the jack
The right hand giving and the left hand taking it back
At society functions they probably give you more slack

Patty Don't You Put Me Down
Don't colour me cruel

You can stamp all you want, but this ain't television
I can't fix it all with a small incision
It's a meltdown you're having, not nuclear fission
There's no room service at the seaman's mission

In your ten watt world it's beyond any pleasure you know
To stick your fingers in the socket, and give yourself a glow
Keep that up and they might make you part of the show





Patty Don't You Put Me Down
Don't colour me cruel

Overall Meaning

The song “Patty Don’t You Put Me Down” by Richard Thompson seems to be addressing a woman named Patty who has been leading the singer on in a romantic way but not committing. The opener, “Patty don’t tell me one thing and change your mind” sets the tone for the rest of the song which is essentially him telling her that her mixed signals and tendencies to give with one hand and take away with the other are not acceptable.


In the second verse, he addresses her penchant for skimming the ace and palming the jack, essentially saying that she is good at manipulating and playing games. Despite this, the singer seems to be aware of the fact that Patty is likely given more “slack” or leeway when it comes to her actions because of her social status or the circles in which she moves. He acknowledges that Patty seems to be living in a “ten watt world” and suggests that she is seeking thrills and excitement with little regard for the emotional damage her flakiness is causing the singer.


The song concludes with him warning Patty that this behavior is not entertaining like television, and it’s not something that can be fixed with a small incision. He tells her that her actions are causing a meltdown and that there will be no instant gratification available to her at the seaman’s mission. The repeated chorus of “Patty Don’t You Put Me Down, Don’t Color Me Cruel” seems to suggest that the singer is looking for some level of commitment or stability in this relationship and is tired of being strung along by someone who is only giving half-promises.


Line by Line Meaning

Patty don’t tell me one thing and change your mind
Don't be indecisive and change your stance after you've already told me something


We might be in bed together but the deal’s not signed
We may be intimate, but that doesn't mean our agreement or commitment is final


They say you collect shrunken heads, would you like to have mine?
You are known to collect strange objects, would you be interested in adding my head to your collection?


You’re so used to skimming the ace and palming the jack
You're accustomed to cheating and taking advantage of others


The right hand giving and the left hand taking it back
You appear generous at first, but then take back what you've offered


At society functions they probably give you more slack
In social events, people may tolerate your bad behavior more than usual


You can stamp all you want, but this ain’t television
You can throw a fit, but real life doesn't work like TV


I can’t fix it all with a small incision
I can't solve all our problems with a quick fix


It’s a meltdown you’re having, not nuclear fission
You're overreacting and causing chaos, not reacting to a major catastrophe


There’s no room service at the seaman’s mission
You can't expect special treatment or luxury amenities in a rough environment


In your ten watt world it’s beyond any pleasure you know
Your limited perspective can't comprehend the true pleasure in life


To stick your fingers in the socket, and give yourself a glow
You're trying to create excitement or happiness for yourself, but it's only temporary and dangerous


Keep that up and they might make you part of the show
If you keep acting selfish and foolish, people may start treating you like entertainment




Lyrics © ENTERTAINMENT ONE U.S. LP, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: B.A. WELCH, CHUCK BERRY, DALE HAWKINS, DUKE ELLINGTON, ELEANOR BROADWATER, HANK MARVIN, J HARRIS, JEAN REINHARDT, JUAN TIZOL, RICHARD JOHN THOMPSON, STANLEY J LEWIS

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Comments from YouTube:

Bart Baele

old masters never die

David Burne

Taras Prodaniuk on bass and Michael Jerome on drums.
Saw them this year in Adelaide and they were fabulous, and LOUD! :-)

Tatum Martin

I was there too! Great gig.

Sharon Pearson

Some of the best first lines EVER -- love this song!

fiestared1963

Great sound guys.
Great playing.

виктор мазилов

Simply hit!

John Ross

Real music.

ParcelOf Rogue

The master!

Ted Shiress

Keyboard warriors: if you have to troll do it with lines like this!

Leo Nardo

This track was to be taken from BBC World Service-Top of the pops. His new Album is called "Still"

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