Eric Woolfson wrote most of the music and lyrics while Alan Parsons overviewed the production process. Prior to starting his Project, Parsons worked as an engineer with names such as the Beatles (Abbey Road, the Get Back roofttop concert) and Pink Floyd (Dark Side of the Moon, Atom Heart Mother).
Since the 1990s Alan Parsons has been performing live shows, touring all over the world, but without Eric Woolfson.
Don't Let It Show
The Alan Parsons Project Lyrics
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Don't let it show, don't let it show
Though it's getting harder to take what they say
Just let it go, just let it go
And if it hurts when they mention my name
Say you don't know me
And if it helps when they say I'm to blame
Even if it's taking the easy way out
Keep it inside of you
Don't give in, don't tell them anything
Don't let it,
Don't let it show
Even though you know it's the wrong thing to say
Say you don't care, say you don't care
Even if you want to believe there's a way
I won't be there, I won't be there
But if you smile when they mention my name
They'll never know you
And if you laugh when they say I'm to blame
They'll never own you
Even if you feel you've got nothing to hide
Keep it inside of you
Don't give in, don't tell them anything
Don't let it,
Don't let it show
The lyrics to The Alan Parsons Project's song Don't Let It Show speak to the struggle of hiding one's emotional pain from the outside world. The first verse sets the tone for the song, with the main character hinting that they are struggling to face each day. They implore the listener not to let their pain show, even as it continues to grow increasingly difficult to tolerate the negativity they face. The second verse dives into the idea that others may be talking about the main character and assigning blame to them. The main character tells the listener to deny that they know them or even own them if it helps them avoid the pain. The chorus then reminds the listener to keep their emotions hidden, no matter how tempting it may be to give in and tell someone what's going on.
The second verse again references the idea of others blaming the main character for something they may or may not have done. The main character suggests that if the listener can smile or even laugh at the mention of their name or the allegations against them, they will never truly be owned by those who seek to harm them. The final lines of the song remind the listener that even if they feel they have nothing to hide, it's best to keep it all inside and not let anyone see what's going on. The song is a poignant reminder of the importance of self-preservation and the need to guard one's emotions and thoughts from those who might seek to harm them.
Line by Line Meaning
If it's getting harder to face every day
If life is becoming more difficult to deal with
Don't let it show, don't let it show
Hide your pain and struggles from others
Though it's getting harder to take what they say
Although criticism is becoming harder to tolerate
Just let it go, just let it go
Release yourself from the burden of criticism
And if it hurts when they mention my name
If hearing my name causes you pain
Say you don't know me
Deny any association with me
And if it helps when they say I'm to blame
If blaming me helps alleviate your own pain
Say you don't own me
Distance yourself from any responsibility for my actions
Even if it's taking the easy way out
Even if it seems like avoiding conflict is the easiest decision
Keep it inside of you
Internalize your emotions instead of expressing them
Don't give in, don't tell them anything
Don't succumb to pressure and reveal your true feelings
Don't let it, Don't let it show
Don't allow your emotions to become visible to others
Even though you know it's the wrong thing to say
Despite realizing that it's not the right thing to do
Say you don't care, say you don't care
Pretend that you're indifferent and apathetic
Even if you want to believe there's a way
Even if you have hope for a better outcome
I won't be there, I won't be there
Accepting that I won't be there to help
But if you smile when they mention my name
If you can remain positive even when my name is mentioned
They'll never know you
They won't understand the depth of your true emotions
And if you laugh when they say I'm to blame
If you can make light of the situation when they blame me
They'll never own you
They won't be able to exert control over you
Even if you feel you've got nothing to hide
Even if you think there's no reason to keep secrets
Keep it inside of you
Still, internalize your emotions to avoid vulnerability
Don't give in, don't tell them anything
Don't give others the power to control your narrative
Don't let it, Don't let it show
Don't let others see your true thoughts and feelings
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ALAN PARSONS, ERIC WOOLFSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind