Needles and pins
Shannon Del Lyrics
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I had to run away, and get down on my knees and pray that they'd go away
But still they'd begin (uh), needles and pins (uh)
Because of all my pride, the tears I gotta hide
Hey I thought I was smart, I'd won her heart
Didn't think I'd do, but now I see
She's worse to him than me, let her go ahead
Just how to say please, and get down on her knees
Hey that's how it begins (uh), she'll feel those needles and pins
A-hurtin' her, a-hurtin' her
Why can't I stop and tell myself I'm wrong, I'm wrong, so wrong
Why can't I stand up and tell myself I'm strong
Because I saw her today, I saw her face, it was a face I loved, and I knew
I had to run away, and get down on my knees and pray that they'd go away
But still they'd begin (uh), needles and pins (uh)
Because of all my pride, the tears I gotta hide
Oh needles and pins (uh), needles and pins (uh), needles and pins (uh)
"Needles and Pins" by Shannon Del is a song that deals with the themes of heartbreak and pride. The singer begins by saying that they saw the face of a person they once loved, and despite that love, they knew they had to run away and pray that their feelings would go away. The reason for their feelings is revealed in the next few lines, as the singer talks about tears they have to hide and how they thought they were smart to win this person's heart. Despite that confidence, they realize that this person is worse to them than to someone else, and they reflect on how the person will one day learn how to say please and get down on their knees. In the end, the singer repeats the phrase "needles and pins" to describe the pain they feel, despite their pride and the tears they hide.
The lyrics of "Needles and Pins" are relatable to many people who have experienced heartbreak and the struggle to move on. The repetition of the phrase "needles and pins" creates a powerful image of pain and hurt that comes with heartbreak. The use of religious language, as the singer prays for their feelings to go away and talks about getting down on their knees, adds a layer of emotional depth to the song. Additionally, the idea of pride and the struggle to let go of someone who has hurt you is a common theme in music and literature.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw her today, I saw her face, it was a face I loved, and I knew
The singer saw the person he loves, but knows that he must distance himself from her.
I had to run away, and get down on my knees and pray that they'd go away
He prays to be rid of his feelings for her.
But still they'd begin (uh), needles and pins (uh)
Despite his efforts, he still feels the pain of love and rejection.
Because of all my pride, the tears I gotta hide
His pride prevents him from showing his true emotions and crying.
Hey I thought I was smart, I'd won her heart
At first, he believed he had won her affection.
Didn't think I'd do, but now I see
However, he didn't realize he would end up getting hurt.
She's worse to him than me, let her go ahead
He realizes that the person he loves will likely hurt anyone who gets close to her.
Take his love instead, and one day she will see
He suggests that she pursue someone else who is not as invested in her.
Just how to say please, and get down on her knees
In doing so, she may learn to be more humble and considerate.
Why can't I stop and tell myself I'm wrong, I'm wrong, so wrong
The singer questions why he can't acknowledge that his feelings for her are misguided.
Why can't I stand up and tell myself I'm strong
He wonders why he can't find the strength to detach himself from his emotions.
Oh needles and pins (uh), needles and pins (uh), needles and pins (uh)
He repeats the phrase to emphasize the pain he feels and the struggle to move on.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jack Nitzsche, Sonny Bono
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dan Nájera
I love Del Shannon's singing voice. So much angst and sorrow, yet beautiful at the same time. Hard to describe. Must be listened to be believed.
ARosser14
Agree 100%. He's criminally underrated.
James Anderson
Thanks guys, he was my great uncle. What you hear in his voice is at least partially the long running problems in our family with depression, violent abuse and generally dysfunctional family life hidden from the public by the old women of our family that wore the pants for far too long.
Victors videos
Such a tragedy for such a great performer. I still can’t believe that he took his own life 33 year ago. He had everything to live for, so why? Why would he end it, or did he? A rifle was used. Hard to believe. We miss you Del Shannon! R.I.P…💔
Frank M
seen him the first time in the early 80's, the local warm up band was great & still doing great (Rumbles) didn't think that could be topped, BUT when Del came on he blew them away, seen him twice in Nebraska, he was not like some nostalgic act hanging on to a reputation, his singing and music just was simply top of the line awesome!!!
whozis
I love Del Shannon's version. He has a fantastic voice. However, my favorite rendition of this song is by Jackie DeShannon.
theshameofthesun
Such a Great Singer...ACE SONG Del Shannon.....Thank You
sardu55
Sonny Bono, who (ironically) wrote this tune, asked Del to perform it, wanting to hear his falsetto treatment. When Del recorded the song, and didn't use any falsetto, Bono thought it sounded better. It also skips Del's constant musictron background sound. Bono and Shannon, both natives of Michigan, tried to look out for each other while in the business. Bono ended up with a lot more fame and money, Del died in 1990. Bono a bit later after hitting a tree on a ski slope.
Baskerville22
I know who has the greater pop song success - and it isn't Sonny Bono
Oppothumbs M
Del's lights were brighter (Bono needed lights to avoid a tree) and he should be remembered as a great songwriter and voice. Sonny wrote songs in the 50s and his best was Needles and Pins (with Jack Nitzsche's help, one great producer too). Other than Baby Dont Go, I don't love any of his songs. Del had 7 or 8 great ones including I Go to Pieces for Peter and Gordon.