Silverstein's passion for music was clear early on as he studied for a while at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. As a songwriter, Silverstein kept a low profile but cast a long shadow. He tended to shun publicity and even photographers. Nonetheless, his musical output included many songs which were hits for other artists. Most notably, he wrote the music and lyrics for "A Boy Named Sue" that was performed by Johnny Cash (for which he won a Grammy in 1970); "One's on the Way" (which was a hit for Loretta Lynn), and "The Unicorn Song" which, despite having nothing to do with Ireland nor Irish culture, became the signature piece for The Irish Rovers in 1968 and is popular in pubs all over the world to this day. He wrote the lyrics and music for most of the Dr. Hook songs, including "Cover of the Rolling Stone", "Freakin' at the Freakers' Ball", "Sylvia's Mother", and the cautionary song about VD, "Don't Give a Dose to the One You Love Most". He also wrote many of the songs performed by Bobby Bare, including "Marie Laveau", "Rosalie's Good Eats Cafe", "The Mermaid", "The Winner", and "Tequila Sheila". The song "The Ballad of Lucy Jordan",] recorded in 1979 by Marianne Faithfull and later featured in the films Montenegro and Thelma & Louise, was also by Silverstein.
Better Not Ask Me
Shel Silverstein Lyrics
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That you better not ask me.
Hey, you better not ask me where I been all night
Why my eyes are shinin' and my spirit is flyin'.
You better not ask if I been doin' right
Or I just might tell you.
And you better not ask me 'bout the girls I used to know
And days I used to run around before I ever met you.
Or I just might tell you.
And you better not ask me if I'm satisfied
With the way you've been givin' me what you call lovin'.
Better not ask me 'bout the times I cried
Or I just might tell you.
So keep on doin' what you're doin'
And if you should see me straight,
Well, don't you ask, baby.
Just let it pass, baby,
And maybe it'll go away...
But I don't doubt it.
You better not ask me if I'm gonna stick around
Or pack up all my bags and find another pretty city.
You better not ask me who it is I found
Or I just might tell you.
Shel Silverstein's song "Better Not Ask Me" is a cautionary tale about prying into someone's personal life. The lyrics suggest that some questions are better left unasked, as the answers might be difficult to hear. The singer warns their partner not to ask where they have been all night or about their past relationships, as it may cause jealousy and discomfort in their current relationship. The lyrics suggest that some questions might lead to hurt feelings and conflict, which could lead to the end of the relationship.
The lyrics also suggest that the singer might be unhappy in their current relationship, but they do not want to admit it. They warn their partner not to ask about the times they have cried or if they are satisfied with the relationship. This suggests that the singer might be holding back their true feelings to avoid confrontation or ending the relationship.
Overall, the song is a reminder to respect people's privacy and to be mindful of the questions we ask. It is also a warning that some questions may not lead to the answers we want to hear.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, the truth might hurt so I'm tellin' you now
I'm warning you that what I might say in response to your questions could be painful, hence it's better if you don't ask me.
Hey, you better not ask me where I been all night
You shouldn't inquire about my whereabouts during the entire night.
Why my eyes are shinin' and my spirit is flyin'.
You should refrain from asking me the reason behind my shiny eyes and thrilled mood.
You better not ask if I been doin' right
It's in your best interest not to inquire whether I have been doing the right things or not.
Or I just might tell you.
If you question me about any of the above, I might end up revealing something that you're not ready to hear.
And you better not ask me 'bout the girls I used to know
Asking me about the relationships I had with other girls before you came along is not recommended.
And days I used to run around before I ever met you.
Don't try to learn anything about the days when I were not committed to you and was casually involved with others.
You better not ask how they compare to you,
Asking me about the comparision between you and the other girls is not a good idea.
Or I just might tell you.
If you ask about such comparisions, I might end up spilling the beans.
And you better not ask me if I'm satisfied
You shouldn't question me about my level of satisfaction in our relationship.
With the way you've been givin' me what you call lovin'.
Asking me about the quality and quantity of love that you provide is off-limits.
Better not ask me 'bout the times I cried
Do not try to find out about the episodes when I was experiencing emotional distress and cried.
So keep on doin' what you're doin'
You should continue doing exactly what you're currently doing.
And if you should see me straight,
If you happen to notice that I'm sober or bluntly honest,
Well, don't you ask, baby.
Don't ask me anything, my dear.
Just let it pass, baby,
Simply ignore it, darling.
And maybe it'll go away...
If we don't talk about it, the issue might resolve itself on its own.
But I don't doubt it.
However, I'm skeptical about the possibility of the problem vanishing automatically.
You better not ask me if I'm gonna stick around
Asking me whether I'm going to stay with you or leave is a bad idea.
Or pack up all my bags and find another pretty city.
Asking me about the possibility of me relocating to another city because of you is ill-advised.
You better not ask me who it is I found
It's best if you refrain from questioning me about the person I have discovered recently.
Or I just might tell you.
I might end up divulging information about the person I have found if you question me about it.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: SHEL SILVERSTEIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dubie Bacino
Another jewel by Shel.