Friction with the band's label, EMI, resulted in legal action and countersuing. Webb departed, and the band switched to Polydor for their final studio album, 1991's Laughing Stock, but split soon afterwards. Singer Mark Hollis released one solo album in 1998 before retiring from the music industry; he died in 2019. The band's founding bass player and drummer, Paul Webb and Lee Harris, played in several bands together; long-term collaborator Tim Friese-Greene continued in the business as a musician and producer.
Discography
The Party's Over (1982)
It's My Life (1984)
The Colour of Spring (1986)
Spirit of Eden (1988)
Laughing Stock (1991)
Dum Dum Girl
Talk Talk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl
Another sigh with no regret
More coins inside her hands
One time to learn respect
Now mercenary she stands
I'm no boy
Stealing pennies from the poor
Break it down
Can't you see she's,
Dum
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl
Another hand upon her hair
Time probably erased
Distaste
And so she's left
Where guilt is out of place
I'm no boy
Stealing pennies from the poor
Break it down
Can't you see she's,
Dum
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl
I'm no boy
Stealing pennies from the poor
Break it down
Can't you see she's,
Dum
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl,
The dum dum girl
The song "Dum Dum Girl" by Talk Talk tells the story of a woman who was once young and innocent but has become corrupted and mercenary. The repeated phrase "The dum dum girl" is a reference to her lack of intelligence or naivety, as well as her profession as a prostitute. The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who has given up on herself and is resigned to her fate.
The first verse describes the woman as holding "coins inside her hands" and having "learned respect" through her experiences as a prostitute. The lyrics suggest that she has become mercenary and is only interested in making money from her clients. The second verse describes the physical toll that her profession has taken on her, with the line "Another hand upon her hair, time probably erased distaste" indicating that she has been with many men and has lost her sense of self-worth. The chorus repeats the phrase "The dum dum girl" over and over again, emphasizing her helpless situation and the lack of agency she has over her own life.
Line by Line Meaning
Dum
The repeating sound of a drum representing the dum dum girl.
The dum dum girl
Introducing the titular character who is associated with the sound of a drum.
Another sigh with no regret
There is a lack of remorse in the character's actions.
More coins inside her hands
She obtains currency through questionable means.
One time to learn respect
She may have had a chance to improve her behavior but failed to do so.
Now mercenary she stands
She is now a hired soldier or someone who is primarily motivated by money.
I'm no boy
The singer is not a male and/or not participating in the actions of the dum dum girl.
Stealing pennies from the poor
The dum dum girl is taking advantage of those who are less fortunate.
Break it down
A command to analyze or deconstruct the situation.
Can't you see she's,
The dum dum girl's behavior is obvious.
Another hand upon her hair
An unknown person is touching or handling the dum dum girl's hair.
Time probably erased
The passage of time may have resulted in some memories or actions being forgotten or altered.
Distaste
There is a strong dislike or aversion to the dum dum girl's behavior.
And so she's left
The dum dum girl is abandoned or left behind due to her actions.
Where guilt is out of place
There is no reason to feel sorry or regretful about leaving the dum dum girl.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK DAVID HOLLIS, TIMOTHY ALAN FRIESE-GREENE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bennyrobles9194
R.I.P Mark Hollis. Thanks for giving us such great unforgetable songs in the 80s.
Talk Talk.
@ABSIMPLYFAB
Truly unforgettable and Mark''s voice still haunts me after all this time. That's a sign of a true classic to me.
@annamariawarzecha9519
It is like a prayer for me. It's funny, but it's also one of the first songs I've ever heard consciously in my life.
@freelanceer
Jesus, what a great band.
@AORCrazy
"What a great band." is an understatement for them.
@agfagaevart
it is REALLY that long ago?? Yes...alas...
@turnofcentury77
Willy Dafoe what a great photo :)
@pauldiver3992
best band of the 80s
@cor2250
@@pauldiver3992 💯
@DarthCipient
The amazing thing about Talk Talk songs is that they can either be seen as triumphal and life affirming, or sorrowful, depending on one's own perspective.